"I don't want to touch the thing," said George with a shudder.
"The tail can't bite you," suggested Grant as he advanced boldly and grasped the part of the body to which the rattles were attached and held it up to view. It was still squirming somewhat and George turned away in disgust. "I don't like snakes," he explained.
"I can't say that I'm very fond of them," said Grant, "but I think if you don't want them, Pop, I'll take these rattles home with me."
"Did you count them?" demanded Zeke, who now approached the spot where the boys were standing.
"Not yet," replied Grant. "I'll do it now."
There were thirteen rattles found in the snake and when Grant held them up and shook them George was unable to repress the shudder that crept over him.
"How was it, Zeke," he asked, turning to the guide, "did the fellow strike at you?"
"No, I happened to see him moving across the rock. He's a big fellow. He must be eight feet long," answered the guide.
"Aren't you afraid of them?" inquired George, shuddering again as he spoke.
"Afraid? No. Why should I be afraid? They give you warning before they strike and that's what the rattles are for."