THE CUTTING-ANT OF TEXAS. 233 



the specked Tubeweaver {A(jalcna nocvia) yearly spin 

 their broad snares, and scooped up several of the 

 sheeted webs. 



"Hole up dat ban' now, honey ; col)wcbs is famous 

 for stoppin' blood. Dis'll do it shore ! Doau you 

 worry now. Ole Dan '11 make it all right. Dar now, 

 dat'll do." 



As he cooed on in this way he applied the web like a 

 plaster to the torn flesh. His rough surgery was hap- 

 pily successful in stanching the blood. 



By this time the whole family had assembled, Abb}' 

 herself being far the least agitated of the group. Such 

 home remedies as were available were applied to the 

 wound, and Joe was posted ofl' for the doctor. The 

 household was luianimous in upbraiding the bold girl 

 for her act, and just as unanimous in admiration of her 

 courage. 



Xo one was more enthusiastic in praise than Penu 

 Townes. "It was the pluckiest thing I ever saw," he 

 averred, " whether done by man or woman." He was 

 sincere in regrets and apologies for his own share in the 

 misfortune by allowing his dog to follow him, and rode 

 home evidently much disturbed. 



This is how our Schoolma'am and Farmer Townes 

 became acquainted, and it thus happened that two new 

 members were introduced to our family conversations. 



On the evening of the accident Penn called to inquire 

 about Miss Abby, who, being quite able to answer for 

 herself, did so, evidently much to the young man's 

 satisfaction. A few days thereafter he called again, and, 



