Frank the Heron 
but every now and then he raises himself 
suddenly and looks warily about. Then, 
at last, he proceeds to search for what 
the tide has left for him. Little crabs 
scuttling over the soft mud, and trying 
to bury themselves safely out of reach, 
are not quick enough to escape his 
sharp eye and still sharper beak. Dabs 
and flounders, eels and mussels, are there, 
with plenty of lug-worms and marine 
creatures of many sorts which are eagerly 
sought after by the smaller fry. These 
run nimbly over the shining surface, pick- 
ing up plenty of food ; while the curlews 
are poking their long curved beaks in 
search of hidden dainties out of reach of 
the shorter-beaked birds. It is quite an 
animated scene; all the birds are so 
busily engaged, as if they knew—as of 
course they do know—that the tide will 
173 
