"You won't run a mile from any snake you find around here," said
Williams.
"Don't you believe it," declared Jack. "I don't care how small the snake may be, nor how harmless."
"Snakes hereabouts," said Williams, "are neither small nor harmless.
That's why I say you won't run a mile from them."
"Surely they won't attack a man," said Jack.
"Ordinarily, no. But when you come upon one unexpectedly he naturally thinks you mean him harm and he acts promptly."
"If a snake ever bit me, that would settle me forever," said Jack.
"Most of these," said Williams, "don't bite. They wrap around a man and crush him to death."
"Look here," said Jack, "are you trying to scare me or what? I don't even like to talk about snakes. Let's drop the subject."
"All right," said Williams, with a smile. "I'm just warning you, that's all."
"Thanks," said Jack dryly.