The Elephant Weevil 



the top of her stake, for lack of a support 

 whereby to release herself. Like the work- 

 men in our factories, the Elephant Weevil 

 also is sometimes the victim of her machin- 

 ery. Let us wish her good luck and sure 

 feet, careful not to slip, and continue. 



This time the mechanism works perfectly, 

 but so slowly that the descent of the drill, 

 even when magnified by the lens, cannot be 

 perceived. And the insect veers and veers 

 about, rests and again resumes her work. 

 An hour, two hours pass, of enervating, 

 sustained attention, for I want to see the 

 action at the exact moment when the Weevil 

 withdraws her probe, turns round and depo- 

 sits her egg at the mouth of the well. This 

 at least is how I foresee events. 



Two hours elapse, exhausting my patience. 

 I make arrangements with my household. 

 Three of us will relieve one another in turn, 

 keeping an uninterrupted watch on the 

 obstinate creature, whose secret I must have 

 at all costs. 



I was well-advised to call in helpers to 

 lend me their eyes and their attention. 

 After eight hours, eight endless hours, the 

 sentry on the watrh summons me. The 



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