A FLOATING ISLAND 125 



tion of the shore. This is not the beginning of an 

 exodus, for through the growing dusk some wander- 

 ing Redwings turn abruptly from their course and 

 settle among the tall green blades. As night settles 

 down and the stars come out the wind that moved 

 the island against the weedy shallow is stilled. The 

 tallest Rushes stand limp and motionless. The Sora 

 Rails chatter in continuous alarm, while all the other 

 inhabitants are silent. After the impressive pause of 

 the end of day a long line of dark ripples extends 

 over the open water. The Rushes begin to quiver 

 and tremble in the mild ebb of the silent air. The 

 island remains where it was stopped by the weeds, 

 but soon a change of position can be discerned. The 

 returning air currents pull with gentle persistence. 

 Soon it becomes apparent that the floating island, 

 with its concealed inhabitants, is slowly drifting out 

 toward the close horizon of the night. 



