56 EYE SPY 
crusted and smooth. Let us follow the couple in 
their apparently aimless though no less expedi- 
tious and vehement labors. They have now 
brought their globular charge through the grassy 
stubble, and have reached a clear spot of earth 
with scattered weeds. Of course we all know 
from the books that their intention is to find a 
suitable spot in which to bury this ball, and such 
being the case, with what astonishing stupidity do 
they urge on that labor! Here certainly is just 
the right spot for you, Mrs. Tumble-bug! Stop 
rolling and dig! But no, she will not listen to 
reason. She mounts the top of the ball, and, 
creeping far out upon it, pulls it over forward 
with her back feet, while Mr. Tumble -bug helps 
her in a most singular fashion. Does he stand 
up on his hind legs on the opposite side, and 
push with his powerful front feet ? Oh no ; he 
stands on his head, and pushes with his hind legs. 
As he pushes, and as the ball rolls merrily on, 
Mrs. Tumble -bug is continually rolled around 
with it, and must needs climb backward at a live- 
ly rate to keep her place. A foot or two is thus 
travelled without special incident, when a slight 
trouble occurs. The ball has struck an obstacle 
which neither Mrs. Tumble - bug's pull nor Mr. 
Tumble-bug's push can overcome. Then follow 
an apparent council and interchange of Tumble- 
bug, talk, until at length both put their shovel- 
