228 THE LIFE AND LOVE OF THE INSECT 



moments' rest and then impetuously return upon the 

 scene. 



These hideous devotees of gaiety provide a dance not 

 wholly unattractive. Some come from afar : gravely they 

 emerge from out the darkness ; then, suddenly, with a 

 rush as swift and easy as a slide, they join the crowd, in 

 the light. Their agility reminds one of mice scudding 

 with short steps. They seek one another and fly pre- 

 cipitately as soon as they touch, as though they had 

 mutually burnt their fingers. Others, after tumbling 

 about a little with their play-fellows, make off hur- 

 riedly, wildly. They take fresh courage in the dark and 

 return. 



At times, there is a brisk tumult : a confused mass of 

 swarming legs, snapping claws, tails curving and clashing, 

 threatening or fondling, it is hard to say which. In the 

 affray, under favourable conditions, double specks light 

 up and gleam like carbuncles. One would take them for 

 eyes that shoot flashing glances ; in reality they are two 

 polished, reflecting facets, which occupy the front of the 

 head. All, large and small alike, take part in the brawl ; 

 it might be a battle to the death, a general massacre ; and 

 it is just a wanton frolic. Even so do kittens bemaul 

 each other. Soon, the group disperses ; all make off 

 from all sorts of places, without a scratch, without a 

 sprain. 



Behold the fugitives collecting once more before the 

 lantern. They pass and pass again ; they come and go, 

 often meet front to front. He who is in the greatest hurry 

 walks over the back of the other, who lets him have his 

 way without any protest but a movement of the crupper. 

 It is no time for blows : at most, two Scorpions meeting 

 will exchange a cuff, that is to say, a rap of the caudal 



