It was as though he had been suddenly thrust into a land of dreams.
But presently the danger of the situation burst upon him, and he lived once more in the reality.

He looked down at his foot.

A livid, pin-point wound showed in the flesh beside the arch.

A tiny stream of blood was oozing from it.

He forgot the pain of the sprained ankle and stood upon both feet, his body suddenly rigid, his face red with a sudden, consuming anger, shaking a tense fist at the disappearing rattler.
"You damned sneak!" he shouted shrilly.
In the same instant he had drawn one of his heavy guns and swung it over his head.