A TOUXG NATURALIST 491 



Just at this moment, Master Job, introduced by Gringa- 

 let, came and sat down on the carpet, and allowed the chil- 

 dren to caress him. 



It was delightful to sit down to table surrounded by all 

 the beings dearest to my heart. L'Encuerado kept prais- 

 ing Lucien, who continued exciting his mother's emotion 

 by relating to her the principal incidents of our journey. 



" I am sure, mamma, that you will let me go with papa 

 another time," said Lucien. " Our collection is not finish- 

 ed yet, and it must be completed sooner or later." 



The young naturalist might be recognized in this ques- 

 tion, for the collector is ever insatiable. 



His poor mother shook her head, and embraced her boy 

 without replying. But her silence seemed to show that 

 she would not willingly expose her son to the perils of a 

 fresh journey. 



