contusions, which are often incurable. The necessity of traveling on,
at any rate, renders it an impossibility to undertake the cure, when
it might be practicable under other circumstances.]

This day the party travelled fifty miles and thought themselves clear
of Indians, as there were no visible signs of their presence. The
experience of the day, however, had admonished them to be on their
guard against surprise. To make things sure as to their animals, they
fastened them to stakes driven in the earth, sufficient rope being
given them for grazing. The place selected for their camp was a
beautiful spot, being on a small stream which empties into the
Arkansas, the water of which is sparkling and clear. There are many of
these charming little brooks which, emptying into, form this river.
To the general traveler, however, they present one great drawback as
eligible camping sites. Their banks are usually pretty thickly lined
with rattlesnakes. The mountaineer is quite well accustomed and
reconciled to this venomous reptile, as they abound in nearly every
section of his hunting and trapping grounds. Not so however with the
mere visitor of, or casual traveller over, the Western Territories. To
them his rattlesnake-ship is a formidable personage.

The rattlesnake rarely moves after sunset. The night air is generally
too chilling for him. In the day time they are a noble enemy, always
warning their antagonist of their hostile intentions by springing
their rattles, thus giving a person warning of his danger. By these
two wise provisions of the Creator the power of this otherwise
terrible reptile, is so limited or restrained, that the trapper rarely
gives him a thought unless he comes in direct contact. Although they
are so numerous, it very seldom happens that either the Indian or the
trapper is bitten by them.