The Hidden Children by Robert William Chambers Chapter 11 Page 41

I glanced at the Mohican in startled silence, for we all were listening very intently to the distant crows.

“They have discovered an owl, perhaps,” said the Wyandotte, smiling, “and are tormenting him.”

“Or a Mountain Snake,” said the Sagamore blandly.

Now, what the Sagamore said so innocently had two meanings. He might have meant that the cawing of the crows indicated that they were objecting to a rattlesnake sunning on some rock. Also he might have meant to say that their short, querulous cawing betrayed the presence of Seneca Indians in ambush.

“Or a Mountain Snake,” repeated the Siwanois, with a perfectly blank face. “The red door of the West is still open.”