“I don’t know--unless it was worry,” said Brent. “You’re all right,” Tom laughed, relieved. “You’re the same old Brent.” “He wanted his own way and I had to put my foot down firmly,” Brent said coming to himself. “His death must have been quite unexpected. He was on the job the last time I saw him. Maybe he had a stroke.” “Doesn’t make any difference--long as you’re all right,” Tom said, with a ring of real feeling in his voice. “Oh, I’m all right; asleep at the switch, that’s all,” said Brent rather weakly. “Gee williger, he’s a long guy, isn’t he? Do you know there was something crooked about that snake? He’s a rattler, isn’t he?” “He was,” said Tom, dangling the frightful thing, “but he ain’t.” And do you know, it was I and no other, who suggested the solution of the snake’s death. And that was a month afterwards. It did not occur to Brent what he had done. As for Tom, scout, woodsman, detective, general wiseacre, and what not, he did not deduce the fact; perhaps because the stone was not visible. Anyway, the little scene of the encounter was changed by his own descent and by Brent’s sprawling fall. But unquestionably in those last moments of that ghastly deadlock the creature’s head was held under water long enough to kill it. What other explanation is there? If you can think of any you are welcome to it. At least Tom is satisfied that I am right (for once in my life), and as for Brent the only alternative he has to offer is that the snake had acute indigestion. “Any news of the sock?” Tom asked. “Look in that hollow place where I lifted a stone out.” “Nothing there,” said Tom. “Foiled again,” said Brent. “There was a stone in there that had a cross on it.” “Yes?” “Anyway, let’s get out of here,” said Brent. “I feel the need of a change; you get tired of one place. We can talk it over in the cabin. As I see it now that cabin is my idea of heaven. And this--how are we going to---- By the way, were you walking around up there?” “Not till I got here,” laughed Tom. “Before I did my fainting stuff I heard some one up there and called, but no one answered. I guess it must have been a telephone girl.” “What?” Tom asked, all interest. “Let’s see if we can’t get up in the world,” said Brent. “I feel as if I’d like to be a rising young adventurer. Did you get my other shoes out of the car?” “Wait till you hear about the car.” “It didn’t start, did it? I’ve had surprises enough for to-day.” “I had a run-in with a bobcat.” “Tut, tut, you’re not in my class,” said Brent. “All right, then,” said Tom, busy with the rope, “all I want you to do is sit in this loop and don’t do anything till you reach the top--leave it to me.” “Going up,” said Brent; “third floor, ladies’ millinery, groceries, books, and sporting goods----” “Shut up and get your long legs through that loop,” said Tom.