NATURE IN RETALIATION 175 



louder as he ran. When in full flight, the gin tripped 

 over a mangrove root, and, spread-eagled, fell. The 

 boy came tumbling after, but the remnants of the crab 

 the bony bud of a tail stood erect and firm. Then the 

 pitying spectators seized Dilly Boy, and, holding him, 

 unlocked the pinchers. He rolled over it was the only 

 easeful attitude as he cursed all gins, crabs, and 

 dynamiters with wondrous fluency. And may the 

 potency of those coloured curses rest upon the latter ! 



