Rattlesnakes, too, dwell among them; but the idea
generally received among the Mexicans, that they live upon terms of
companion ship with the dogs, is quite ridiculous, and without any
foundation.
The snakes I look upon as _loafers_, not easily shaken off by the
regular inhabitants, and they make use of the dwellings of the dogs as
more comfortable quarters than they could find elsewhere. We killed one
a short distance from a burrow, which had made a meal of a little pup;
although I do not think they can master full-grown dogs.
This town, which we visited, was several miles in length, and at least a
mile in width. Around and in the vicinity were smaller villages, suburbs
to the town. We kindled a fire, and cooked three of the animals we had
shot; the meat was exceeding sweet, tender, and juicy, resembling that
of the squirrel, only that there was more fat upon it.
CHAPTER XII.
Among these Apaches, our companions, were two Comanches, who, fifteen
years before, had witnessed the death of the celebrated Overton. As this
wretch, for a short time, was employed as an English agent by the Fur
Company, his wild and romantic end will probably interest the many
readers who have known him; at all events, the narrative will serve as a
specimen of the lawless career of many who resort to the western
wilderness.
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