The Life of the Caterpillar 



stubborn processionists on the edge of the 

 vase, who, deprived of shelter as they are, 

 seem to have spent a very bad night. I find 

 them clustered in two heaps, without any at- 

 tempt at order. They have suffered less from 

 the cold, thus huddled together. 



'Tis an ill wind that blows nobody any 

 good. The severity of the night has caused 

 the ring to break into two segments which 

 will, perhaps, afford a chance of safety. Each 

 group, as it revives and resumes its walk, will 

 presently be headed by a leader who, not being 

 obliged to follow a caterpillar in front of him, 

 will possess some liberty of movement and 

 perhaps be able to make the procession swerve 

 to one side. Remember that, in the ordinary 

 processions, the caterpillar walking ahead acts 

 as a scout. While the others, if nothing oc- 

 curs to create excitement, keep to their ranks, 

 he attends to his duties as a leader and is con- 

 tinually turning his head to this side and that, 

 investigating, seeking, groping, making his 

 choice. And things happen as he decides : the 

 band follows him faithfully. Remember also 

 that, even on a road which has already been 

 travelled and beribboned, the guiding cater- 

 pillar continues to explore. 

 78 



