SOMETHING PRETTY IN A GLASS CASE 279 



ceased and with them the sharp little voices had 

 died away. Then suddenly the wind rose and 

 shrieked again and the talk recommenced. 



" Hullo ! " said the woodpecker. " Do you see a 

 man sitting by the fire looking at us ? He has been 

 staring at us that way all the evening." 



" What of it ! Everyone who comes into this 

 room and sits by the fire does the same. It's nothing 

 new." 



" It is — it is ! Listen to me, squirrel. He looks 

 as if he could hear and understand us. That's 

 new, isn't it ? And he has a strange look in his 

 eyes. Do you know, I think he is going mad." 



" I don't mind, woodpecker. I shouldn't care 

 if he were to run out on to the rocks at the Land's 

 End and cast himself into the sea." 



" Nor should I. But just think, if before rushing 

 out to put an end to himself he should, in his raving 

 madness, snatch down our cases from the niche and 

 crush them into the grate with his heel ! " 



" What do you mean, woodpecker ? Could such a 

 thing happen ? " 



" Yes, if he really is insane, and if he is listening 

 to us, and we are making him worse." 



" If I could believe such a thing ! I should cease 

 to hate you, woodpecker. No, no, I can't believe it ! " 



