a man having found a lion in his path undertook to subdue1 him by

the power of the human eye; and near by was a rattlesnake engaged

in fascinating a small bird.

"how are you getting on, brother?" the man called out to the other

reptile2, without removing his eyes from those of the lion.

"admirably," replied the serpent. "my success is assured; my

victim draws nearer and nearer in spite of her efforts."

"and mine," said the man, "draws nearer and nearer in spite of

mine. are you sure it is all right?"

"if you don't think so," the reptile replied as well as he then

could, with his mouth full of bird, "you better give it up."

a half-hour later, the lion, thoughtfully picking his teeth with

his claws, told the rattlesnake that he had never in all his varied3

experience in being subdued4, seen a subduer try so earnestly to

give it up. "but," he added, with a wide, significant smile, "i

looked him into countenance5."