Il8 THE BUTTERFLY HUNTERS. 



* 



• " Now you are all as badly off as I am," said little 

 Frank in an exultant tone. 



The boys did not care for the rain. They had carefully 

 covered up their specimens, and a wetting on a warm 

 Summer day was only so much fun. They were all in 

 the best of spirits when they reached the landing. 



" I think, under the circumstances, we would better post- 

 pone our lecture on Neuroptera until we meet in the 

 school-room," said Mr. Benedict as he gazed upon the 

 dripping crowd. 



" Let 's all escort Frank home," said Ben Wait. 



Just as they were ready to start Frank ran and slipped 

 his Httle plump hand into Hal's, and half whispered, " I 

 was so silly to tumble into the water that I am half 

 ashamed to thank you, Hal, for pulling me out." 



" No thanks, Frankie," said Hal ; " I only had a good 

 ducking, which was very pleasant on such a hot day." 



The following afternoon after school Mr. Benedict told 

 the boys if they would remain a little longer he would tell 

 them something about the Dragon-Flies. The next days 

 were to be devoted to the school examinations, and after 

 that there would be five weeks' vacation, so that this 

 seemed to be the best time to complete what the rain 

 had broken up the day before. All the boys were there. 

 Frank was just as lively as ever, and Hal, although his 

 arm was still somewhat lame from the bruise he had re- 



