THE BUTTERFLY HUNTERS. \2J 



his hut. He livened up his fire and soon produced a string 

 of fine Pickerel he had caught that afternoon in the pond. 



" My good friend," said Mr. Benedict, " we did not come 

 to ask your hospitality to such an extent. My boys are 

 all provided with supper and breakfast, and would be very 

 glad to have you share it with them." 



But the old man still kept on preparing his Pickerel for 

 the fire. "If your young gentlemen will eat up the critters, 

 it '11 save my trampin' to the village with 'em in the morn- 

 in'," said he. 



Meanwhile the boys were all resting after the long walk. 

 Some were sitting round the door of the hut, enjoying 

 the bright moonlight, others had gone to bathe their tired 

 feet in the cool water of the pond. While little Frank, 

 who did not seem at all weary, was becoming very friendly 

 with Touzer, rolling over and over with him on the floor, 

 and hiding his curly head in the dog's long fur. The old 

 man watched the playfellows with great delight. " Touzer 

 never '11 forget you, little fellow, see if he does." And the 

 hermit worked away at his fish, boasting all the while' 

 about the exceeding wit and wisdom of Touzer. At last 

 all was ready, and never did morsel taste so sweet as did 

 the Pickerel to the hungry boys. They all fell to, and 

 "did very well without fork or knife." 



After their repast they chose their sleeping-places. Some 

 went to one of the other huts near by, which, although 



