CHAPTEE XI 

 PHOBY-CATS 



IT was at Tierra Blanca tliat we had our first ex- 

 perience with " varmints." For some time after we 

 set out those of us who were green had felt a little 

 nervous at night before falling asleep. The sensa- 

 tion wore off before long, but while it lasted it gave 

 us some unpleasant moments. The sight of ants, 

 centipedes or spiders disporting themselves on one 's 

 bed, the pattering feet of rats and chipmunks on the 

 tent roof, the thought of possible nocturnal incur- 

 sions of skunks, bob cats, snakes or tarantulas 

 these things were beautifully calculated to render 

 one's slumbers uneasy. 



Such a state of mind, unerringly perceived by the 

 seasoned woodsmen of the party, was played upon 

 skilfully, for their diversion. Hair stiffening sto- 

 ries were told of the danger of vicious midnight 

 marauders and dark hints dropped, from time to 

 time, of the perils of our situation. 



"This here's a mighty likely place for vinegar- 

 ons," Bert would aver, sepulchrally, as we pitched 

 camp. "Them little ole things is shore pizen, too. 

 I knowed a feller onct " and we would get the 

 blood chilling yarn delivered in the cook's best man- 

 ner. 



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