The rattlesnake that Brantly was holding behind the herd was coiled in my steel helmet when it revived and began to rattle. This fascinated Tex who was sitting in the front seat between Brantly and me. When it ceased to rattle Tex would poke his finger at the snake to agitate it and make it rattle again. I warned Tex that the snake was going to spring out of the helmet and land in my lap and cause us to wreck. He asked, "You've got it haven't you Brantly?" Brantly's reply was "Yes but I don't know how long I can hold it."