COMEDY AND TRAGEDY 29 



Then tragedy stalked in. Near the bot- 

 tom of the bowlder was an oblong cavity 

 where stone and earth failed to meet. It 

 formed a blind tunnel seven inches high 

 and four wide in along the side of the rock. 



This tunnel was eschewed by all, yet all 

 were itchingly curious about it, for the fish 

 is possessed of a constant curiosity. So 

 when all were together and one started to 

 enter it, there was such a storm of dis- 

 approval as to keep him out. 



But when the game started about the 

 orange White Belly slunk away, circled the 

 bowlder, came again in sight of the others 

 and finding himself unobserved, slipped 

 into the cave. 



It was wonderful within. The bowlder 

 on the right was slick and black; the earth 

 to the left smooth and cool. It was a relief 

 from the heat without. He went clear to 

 the end and turned. The entrance a yard 

 away showed blue and beautiful. 



He decided to remain a while. He 

 flapped his tail, and in the narrow confines 

 the water swirled about him. He did this 

 again and again, then rested, thinking of 

 the triumph he should achieve on his return 



