56 EYE SPY 



crusted and smooth. Let us follow the couple in 

 their apparently aimless though no less expedi- 

 tious and vehement labors. They have now 

 brought their globular charge through the grassy 

 stubble, and have reached a clear spot of earth 

 with scattered weeds. Of course we all know 

 from the books that their intention is to find a 

 suitable spot in which to bury this ball, and such 

 being the case, with what astonishing stupidity do 

 they urge on that labor! Here certainly is just 

 the right spot for you, Mrs. Tumble-bug! Stop 

 rolling and dig! But no, she will not listen to 

 reason. She mounts the top of the ball, and, 

 creeping far out upon it, pulls it over forward 

 with her back feet, while Mr. Tumble -bug helps 

 her in a most singular fashion. Does he stand 

 up on his hind legs on the opposite side, and 

 push with his powerful front feet ? Oh no ; he 

 stands on his head, and pushes with his hind legs. 

 As he pushes, and as the ball rolls merrily on, 

 Mrs. Tumble -bug is continually rolled around 

 with it, and must needs climb backward at a live- 

 ly rate to keep her place. A foot or two is thus 

 travelled without special incident, when a slight 

 trouble occurs. The ball has struck an obstacle 

 which neither Mrs. Tumble - bug's pull nor Mr. 

 Tumble-bug's push can overcome. Then follow 

 an apparent council and interchange of Tumble- 

 bug talk, until at length both put their shovel- 



