"That shows we are not used to gunning," said Bob, with a laugh. "A regular hunter is on the watch all the time."

They were still some distance from the river when Bob, who was slightly in advance, let out a yell which would have done credit to a wild Indian:

"A snake!"

"Where?" queried his companion.

"Right ahead of us."

"I see him now," answered Mark, as the head of the reptile was lifted. "Gosh, what a big one!"

"I'd like to know if he is a rattler," said Bob, as he backed away.

"Perhaps so, Bob. They say that rattlesnakes are to be found in all parts of this country."

The two boys started to make a detour. As they did this Mark gave a yell even louder than that uttered by his chum:

"Another snake!"