The Life of the Spider 



the wall, she sees the stranger advancing, 

 keeps her eyes on him and suddenly pounces 

 when he comes within reach. These abrupt 

 tactics make the thing a certainty. Though 

 he were winged and swift of flight, the un- 

 wary one who approaches the ambush is lost. 



This presumes, it is true, an exemplary 

 patience on the Lycosa's part; for the burrow 

 has naught that can serve to entice victims. 

 At best, the ledge provided by the turret 

 may, at rare intervals, tempt some weary 

 wayfarer to use it as a resting-place. But, 

 if the quarry do not come to-day, it is sure 

 to come to-morrow, the next day, or later, 

 for the Locusts hop innumerable in the waste- 

 land, nor are they always able to regulate 

 their leaps. Some day or other, chance is 

 bound to bring one of them within the pur- 

 lieus of the burrow. This is the moment to 

 spring upon the pilgrim from the ramparts. 

 Until then, we maintain a stoical vigilance. 

 We shall dine when we can ; but we shall end 

 by dining. 



The Lycosa, therefore, well aware of 



these lingering eventualities, waits and is not 



unduly distressed by a prolonged abstinence. 



She has an accommodating stomach, which 



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