36 A BOOK OF MORTALS 



the quavering morning cry of the sandgrouse, which, at 

 most, the tiny givers could have heard but once or 

 twice. 



But, in truth, there are many such perceptions, pre- 

 sciences, prudences amongst our fellow mortals, which we 

 can explain if we choose by the " blessed word " instinct, 

 but which for all that remain absolute mysteries. The 

 migration of birds, for instance, of which we know little, 

 of which we can, as yet, proffer no reasonable explanation. 

 For even instinct leaves us seeking for its first expression, 

 and beyond that for its first cause. And, as Professor 

 Romanes admits, " there are instincts which cannot be 

 regarded as due to originally accidental adjustments" which 

 " must at least have been at first intelligent actions purposely 

 designed to secure the ends attained." 



If this be so, what becomes of man's theories ? of 

 his denial of reason to the beasts that perish, his refusal 

 to believe in the inheritance of acquired characteristics ? 



But these are vexed questions which have no place in 

 a simple record. 



Here, surely, even if we deny to our fellow mortals 

 the inward and spiritual graces of the cardinal virtue, 

 prudence, we may admit their possession of its outward 

 and visible sign. 



