THE LEPD/OPTERIST 37 



of witches (for which Salem is famous) drove the 

 brave men back to headquarters. Result : a very happy 

 pair of screech owls. The papers, the next day were 

 filled with the new mystery. Everyone was urged to 

 be on the lookout and report at once to headquarters 

 any new clues to the mystery. 



On the following Saturday afternoon, the automobile 

 again arrived at the grove. Three men left it, carrying 

 large bags and proceeded to wander amongst the trees. 

 The worthy chief was notified at once of their arrival. 

 Plans were carefully laid to capture the desperadoes, 

 children were sent to watch them and report their 

 doings. Everything went along nicely until the appe- 

 tites of the men got the better of them and they de- 

 cided to have something to eat. So they left the grove 

 and went into the city to a restaurant, past the un- 

 suspecting officers and to the disappointment of the 

 watchers. After satisfying the inner man they re- 

 turned to the grove. The glad tidings were sent to 

 headquarters and officers rushed to the scene. Two 

 of the men set out in opposite directions in the grove 

 while the third stayed in the automobile reading latest 

 local items. 



Just as it was growing dark and the men were re- 

 turning to the automobile, a large touring car, filled 

 with Salem's bravest, came rushing down the hill over 

 stumps and stones to the edge of the grove. The poor 

 desperado in the automobile, having his back to the 

 approaching foe, was easily captured. Then one of 

 the other unsuspecting men returned and was captured. 

 With hands held aloft they were forced to give an 

 account of themselves. Explanations from both sides 

 followed : The men. Entomologists — collecting "bugs" 

 by sugaring. The Law : (as it appeared in newspaper) 

 "Roxbury woman found dead in automobile accom- 

 panied by five men." The third entomologist arrived 

 in time to see a very much disgusted police force dis- 

 appearing over top of hill. Results of evening's work : 

 a very happy woman and a fine catch of Catocalae. 



The three desperadoes were W. F. Eastman and 

 Charles H. Eastman of West Roxbury and the author. 



