CREATURES OF MYSTERY 
233 
circulation—intimidate him into abandonment of his foraging, 
then he simply reckoned without his host. Yes, if it came to 
such pass he would dare dispute the way with the Lord of 
Creation. Not unlike Satan, his counterpart, he would dare go 
to and fro upon the earth and walk up and down in it. 
On one occasion the old gentleman trailed him six miles 
down a sand ridge fringing a large creek, but it is evident that 
the one pursued gained knowledge of the fact that the enemy 
of the rattler clan was upon his trail, consequently evoked 
some of his master strategy. With evident humiliation Uncle 
Dave was compelled to admit that the old rascal had outwitted 
him, and the only consolation he could offer himself was the 
thought that there would be other days. 
The rattler’s strategy, after all, was very simple. He evi¬ 
dently gained the knowledge that he was being pursued and 
changed his course abruptly, getting away from the sand de¬ 
posits and upon the wiregrass where he would leave no tell¬ 
tale signs. 
Had it been possible for the reader to enjoy a ringside 
seat, viewing the maneuvers of the rattler as he vainly en¬ 
deavored to throw his pursuer off his trail, it would have 
proved a terrifying spectacle. Those familiar with the latter’s 
habits know that under such circumstances he will often stand 
almost upon the end of his tail, thus gaining the height of the 
average man. This makes it possible for him to see for a half- 
mile or more in all directions. The information thus gained 
is as valuable to him as the knowledge gained by an army 
utilizing the services of reconnaissance planes—to spy upon the 
enemy’s activities and movements. Many would believe that 
it would be an act of sheer suicide for a rattler to rear up to 
such heights from the brown wiregrass. However, little as 
the average person would believe it, nine persons in ten would 
pass within ten feet of him, taking no notice whatever, believ¬ 
ing that what he saw was nothing more than the stump of 
some broken-off oak tree. Such perfect control baffles the mind 
—how one can hold himself so motionless. Having taken note 
of them in such a posture, it is our considered opinion that 
their bodies or necks do not move one one-hundredth part of 
