The Sacred Beetle and Others 



to the lower compartment, which, being free 

 and roomy, will represent to the insect the 

 crypt whence I have just removed it. But 

 all this takes time ; and I must wait for the 

 morrow to satisfy my impatient curiosity. 



The hour has come : let us go and see. 

 The study-door was left open yesterday: the 

 mere sound of the door-handle might disturb 

 and stop my distrus'tful worker. By way of 

 greater precaution, before entering I put 

 on noiseless slippers. And now, whoosh ! 

 The cylinder is removed. Capital! My 

 forecast was correct. 



The Beetle occupies the glazed studio. I 

 surprise her at work, with her broad foot 

 laid on the rough model of the pear. But, 

 startled by the sudden light, she remains 

 motionless, as though petrified. This lasts 

 a few seconds. Then she turns her back 

 upon me and awkwardly ascends the inclined 

 plane, to reach the dim heights of her gallery. 

 I give a glance at the work, take note of its 

 shape and its position and once more restore 

 darkness with the cardboard sheath. Let us 

 not prolong our intrusion, if we would renew 

 the test. 



My sudden, short visit gives us some idea 

 of the mysterious work. The ball, which at 

 first was absolutely spherical, is now de- 



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