148 THE JONATHAN PAPERS 



ping with fresh raindrops, looked luscious in 

 deed as he feasted. 



We stood and watched him for a while, and 

 I got an entirely new idea of turtles. Turtles 

 usually have too much reserve, too much self- 

 consciousness, too little abandon, and I had 

 never seen one so &quot;come out of himself,&quot; lit 

 erally and figuratively, as this fellow did. It 

 made me want to follow up the acquaintance, 

 this happy chance of finding him, so to speak, 

 in his cups; but I repressed the desire, feeling 

 that he might not share it, and we carefully 

 backed away and went around by another 

 path so as not to disturb the reveler. He never 

 knew how much pleasure he had given as well 

 as received. 



Into the woods again &quot;Look out!&quot; said 

 Jonathan. &quot;Don t step on the lizards!&quot; 



He stooped and picked up one, which struck 

 an attitude among his dripping fingers 

 sleek back a little arched, legs in odd, uncouth 

 positions, tail set stiffly in a queer curve. They 

 are brilliant little creatures, with their clear 

 orange-red coats, scarlet-spotted, like a trout. 



&quot;Pretty little chap, is n t he?&quot; said Jona 

 than. 



