Together they turned into the trail.
McLean noticed and spoke of the big black chickens.
"They've been hanging round out there for several days past," said Freckles.

"I'll tell you what I think it means.

I think the old rattler has killed something too big for him to swallow, and he's keeping guard and won't let me chickens have it.

I'm just sure, from the way the birds have acted out there all summer, that it is the rattler's den.

You watch them now.