1 66 THE BUTTERFLY HUNTERS. 



into roars of laughter, and all hastened forward to greet 

 Frank as King. The little fellow was almost wild with 

 delight. 



" Now," said Annie, " choose your companion and we will 

 march to the lunch table." 



" I am bound to catch somebody," said Joe Dane, and 

 seizing a grace-hoop he threw it over the head of little 

 Mary and led her off in triumph. 



The boys had built a rustic table just within the grove, 

 for the lunch. It was trimmed with evergreen and red 

 leaves, and in the centre was placed a small Fir-tree, its 

 branches ornamented with gay-colored butterflies. 



The party spent a long time about the table. Annie 

 was full of fun. As she moved about among them all, her 

 silver butterflies glistening in the light, she seemed to be 

 in a new world. 



After lunch they spent the time in singing and playing 

 games. But the day passed away, as all sweet things do, 

 and the long shadows of the setting sun at length warned 

 them to turn towards home. 



It was Tom's last evening in the country. After the 

 picnic the whole party walked home with him to his uncle's 

 house. They were all unwilling to bid him good by, for 

 through the long Summer days he had been their favorite 

 companion, skilful and ready at all their games, and always 

 full of fun and good-nature. 



