Rodney the Rattlesnakes’ Incredible Journey

At a clearing in the forest Rodney found Abacus the Adder looking at a blackboard full of long and complicated figures as he was working on his latest formula. “Sorry to disturb you Abacus but Rock, The Rock Python said you could help me to get home before winter sets in. I need to get over that mountain” pointing to it with what was left of his rattles, “through the clearing in the forest to the mountain that lay beyond. Can you help me?” Abacus eyed him suspiciously – “Why should I help you, I am working on an important project for NASA as I aim to be the first snake in space!” “Well I need to get home to my friends and family and this story will be better with a happy ending than me not making it there” “Very well, that is good enough for me – at the foot of the mountain there is a long rope (actually hundreds of Whip Snakes tied together); wrap yourself round the rope, pull your weight up and you will make it down the other side of the mountain”. “Before you go…” said Abacus. “Yes I know”, said Rodney, “you need one of my rattles as a reward”. “No” replied Abacus surprised, “I am a mathematician not a snake that plays with toys; I just wanted to wish you Good Luck!”