CH. v.] Dead Rats in a House. 95 



rat dies in the wall, or under the floor of a 

 house where it can't be got at, its where- 

 abouts can be discovered in this way, pro- 

 vided the weather is warm. Take a butterfly 

 net over to the butcher's shop, and there 

 catch a dozen bluebottle flies, and, taking 

 care not to hurt them, slip them into a glass 

 jar and tie a rag over it. Return to the 

 room where the smell is, and, shutting the 

 door after you, let your pack of flies loose 

 and sit down to watch them, and in half-an- 

 hour you will find they are all buzzing round 

 one spot. Have this spot opened out, be it 

 wall or floor, and there the dead rat will be 

 found. Has the bell rung ? Yes, half a 

 minute ! Put your books away, form two and 

 two outside, and I will take you for our 

 usual walk. We will resume this task in the 

 morning. Croker, minor, the top part of 

 Jones' leg was not made to stick pins into. 

 If I see you do it again, I shall give you a 

 rat to catch, so be careful ! 



