The Sacred Beetle and Others 



very harmonious, the more so as the assistant 

 has his back to the road to be traversed, while 

 the owner's view is impeded by the load. 

 The result is that they are constantly having 

 accidents, absurd tumbles, taken cheerfully 

 and in good part: each picks himself up 

 quickly and resumes the same position as be- 

 fore. On level ground, this system of trac- 

 tion does not correspond with the dynamic 

 force expended, through lack of precision in 

 the combined movements: the Scarab at the 

 back would do as well and better if left to 

 himself. And so the helper, having given 

 a proof of his good-will at the risk of throw- 

 ing the machinery out of gear, now decides 

 to keep still, without letting go of the precious 

 ball, of course. He already looks upon that 

 as his: a ball touched is a ball gained. He 

 won't be so silly as not to stick to it: the other 

 might give him the slip ! 



So he gathers his legs flat under his belly, 

 encrusting himself, so to speak, on the ball 

 and becoming one with it. Henceforth, the 

 whole concern — the ball and the Beetle 

 clinging to its surface — is rolled along by 

 the efforts of the lawful owner. The in- 

 truder sits tight and lies low, heedless 

 whether the load pass over his body, whether 

 he be at the top, bottom or side of the roll- 



24 



