TTTORNIES AND TINKERS. 



231 



suit of velvet black. In order to lure his lady to the nest, 

 he darts backwards and forwards with a short jerky motion, 

 not travelling more than twice or thrice his own length in 

 either direction. The more sober-suited dame then follows 

 him, looking up at him from beneath, and answering to his 

 movements by turning this way and that, as he frisks to 





THE TINKER'S NEST. 



and fro the bright little velvet-clad court page. This 

 sometimes continues for a considerable time before he 

 ventures to lead her to his nest. Gradually, however, he 

 gets nearer and nearer, until at last he induces her to 

 enter. Oh, the pride of that moment ! As long as she 

 remains inside, he hovers over her, fanning excitedly with 

 his fins. But alas ! she is not always willing ; and often 

 when she has poked her head and shoulders inside, she 



