Page:Hunting and trapping stories; a book for boys (IA huntingtrappings00pric).pdf/186

 or the sly and evil rattlesnakes. But never mind, I think I have a plan that will rid you of your enemies forever. Over the mountain there," and he pointed with his forepaw to where the great snow peak loomed up all rosy in the setting sun, "there is a valley, a very nice place, and I think it would suit your people exactly. It all belongs to a cousin of mine, a big, good tempered old glizzly bear who would welcome you."

"But," replied the Mayor, "what would be the use of going, for the owls and the rattlesnakes would only follow us."

"That is where my plan comes in," replied the Brother Gray Squirrel. Then he looked cautiously around and said, "you don't think any one is listening, do you?"

"I don't know," replied the Mayor, "perhaps you had better whisper."

So Brother Squirrel whispered his plan in the Mayor's ear. From time to time the two shook with laughter. They soon got up and wished each other good-night, the Mayor trotting off to his town with a lighter heart than he had had for months.

The next day there seemed to be some excitement going on in the town, the dogs were frisking about as if something was going to happen. The owls and the sly and evil ones did not notice anything amiss, but then they had grown very sleepy and lazy of late. About sundown who should come into town but Brother Gray Squirrel. He had a great reputation for wisdom, but as a matter of fact he was only shrewd, and loved to frighten folks. The Mayor had told the dogs that he was coming and that they must not mind what he said. The owls and the snakes all came out to hear what Brother Squirrel had to say, for they knew that he was very smart.

Brother Gray Squirrel looked over the town for a second or two and then he said, "In an hour's time the black spirit will come, and every snake or bird he can find above ground will die. Behold, I have warned you."

This news threw the rattlesnakes and owls into a panic They rushed about trying to hide, and in less than five minutes they were all below ground in the burrows, shaking with fear. Now if they had not been in such a hurry but had looked around them they would have seen that on the top of the dogs' mounds beside the burrow holes there were extra little heaps. What was under the heaps? We shall see. No sooner had the last sly and evil one vanished than Brother Gray Squirrel screamed, "Now is the time!"

Everything had been carefully arranged and the dogs were only waiting for orders, so at the word they threw the earth off the little extra heaps, and what do you think they brought out? Why, lots of little spades and shovels.