52 WESTERN SERIES OF READERS. 



especially for a deep crack in the rocks, into which 

 they may creep and feel secure from their ene- 

 mies. Others are clinging to the under side of 

 an overhanging shelf of stone, or are wedged in 

 between two masses of rock that are lying close 

 together. 



We will put our hands on one of those that are 

 most exposed, and try to lift him up so that we 

 may hold him for a little while, as we would hold 

 a pet kitten. But he evidently is not anxious to 

 be fondled, and only clings the tighter, and ut- 

 terly refuses to accept our well-meant attentions. 

 We cannot blame the poor fellow, for he has no 

 means of knowing that we are unlike those who 

 come to take his life just for the sake of getting 

 his pretty shell. 



If we insist that we must take him in our 

 hands, whether he is willing or not, we shall be 

 obliged to use either stratagem or force, or per- 

 haps both combined. So we cautiously creep up 

 to one that has his shell raised a little, and sud- 

 denly dislodge him with a chisel, or the broad 

 blade of a table-knife. 



Very likely he will fall into the water, and we 

 shall have to roll up our sleeves and reach for 

 him. Perhaps even then the water will be too 

 deep J and all that we shall get will be a cool arm- 



