OCTOBER. 259 



So far, a tragedy rather ; but there is yet more to tell. 

 I was directly in the track of these frightened birds, and 

 to the cathartic effects of fear I am ready to testify. 



For the moment I thought it more, but it was, in fact, 

 but a trivial matter, although I do not care to have it re- 

 peated ; and now, while I write, I am ready again, weather 

 permitting, to lie under the oaks, or to wander beneath 

 their outreaching branches and fill my pockets with 

 acorns. 



