In the morning, before the woodpecker's tap was heard on the bark of the lofty pines, the young men were on their feet, and making preparations for their departure.
"Where is Hercules?" asked Toney.
"He is sleeping by the side of yonder old log," said Tom.
"I will wake him," said Toney. And he proceeded to the spot pointed out, and came running back as pale as a ghost.
"What's the matter?" asked Tom.
Toney could hardly speak. He gasped out,—
"A rattlesnake is coiled up on his blanket!"
Tom Seddon was about to run to the spot, when Harry Vincent held him back.
"Hush!" said Harry. "Make no noise, or he is a dead man!"