there, too. Birds, decomposing more rapidly, left only
feathered skeletons.

After a little reconnoitering, Mrs. Tellamantez declared
that it was time for lunch, and Ray took his hatchet and
began to cut greasewood, which burns fiercely in its green
state. The little boys dragged the bushes to the spot that
Mrs. Tellamantez had chosen for her fire. Mexican women
like to cook out of doors.

After lunch Thea sent Gunner and Axel to hunt for
agates. "If you see a rattlesnake, run. Don't try to kill
it," she enjoined.

Gunner hesitated. "If Ray would let me take the
hatchet, I could kill one all right."

Mrs. Tellamantez smiled and said something to Johnny
in Spanish.

"Yes," her husband replied, translating, "they say in
Mexico, kill a snake but never hurt his feelings. Down in
the hot country, MUCHACHA," turning to Thea, "people
keep a pet snake in the house to kill rats and mice. They

call him the house snake. They keep a little mat for him
by the fire, and at night he curl up there and sit with the
family, just as friendly!"