166 
CREATURES OF MYSTERY 
which it is entangled. Since they are dumb, then let us con¬ 
sider their actions. 
Many instances already related involving rabbits, squirrels, 
etc., would seem to bear out the testimony of the lady in ques¬ 
tion. During the early stages of the hypnotic attempt of the 
serpent, and before the subject finally succumbs to his power, 
the animal races about aimlessly, completely “boxing the com¬ 
pass,” but finally returning to their tormentor, ending in a 
stupor, with their nose almost touching that of the reptile. 
How else can we account for such behavior? Having once 
looked hard and long at the rattler with his varied array of 
colors, does not his body appear to be everywhere except where 
it really is, as in the case of the lady, and do they not return to 
the serpent for the reason that it appears to be their only 
avenue of escape? Surely all the beasts of the field and birds 
of the air recognize him at sight and dread him worse than 
any other creature encountered about their native haunts! 
With the above expressed thoughts, we abandon such theory 
to the mercy of each individual reader, leaving them to form 
their own conclusions. 
