HE moon was first a luminous cres- 

 cent etched sharply against the soft 

 blue of the sky. Then it came full 

 and round and threw a silver mantle like 

 a sheer bridal veil over the placid waters of 

 the lake. It waned with the nights to a pale 

 shadow, one side sheared away. Finally it 

 vanished, and darkness was over the waters. 

 During the major part of its phases, as 

 it waxed and waned, a black bass in the 

 mouth of a quiet cove had kept a long racial 

 vigil. Fifteen yards from shore, she had 

 guarded her spawn bed with a vigilance 

 absolute and ceaseless. Tired she grew, 

 yes ; but neglectful, never. She was one of 

 II 



