THE LONE FISHER 



some other form of amusement, so they scrambled over and 

 pinched and teased and snapped at each other like young 

 kittens. 



By and by the most venturesome ones began to make 

 short excursions into the passageway which led to the out- 

 side world, but, on hearing a parent approaching, always 

 scuttled quickly back, that the family group might be com- 

 plete at the reception — a reception at which refreshments 

 were to be served. 



A rattling sound annoxjnced the coming of the visitors, 

 and this sound they were now learning to imitate. Soon it 

 came to pass that the proud parents were almost invariably 

 greeted and dismissed by the muffled rattling of the infants. 



In common with all birds living in holes, they learned 

 to hiss, too, and often responded by hissing angrily when 

 snapped at by one of their niunber, as they tumbled about 

 with many an awkward gesture. 



One luckless day, never to be forgotten by the mother, 

 a strange sound from the outside world reached them — a 

 sound which made their baby feathers stand on end with 

 fright, a sensation hitherto unknown to them. They did not 

 know what it was, but instinct told them it was something 

 dreadful. Their mother would have understood, but she was 

 away, far up the river on a marketing expedition. The 

 father, too, had gone foraging, dotvn the river. In fear and 

 trembling they huddled together and anxiously awaited the 

 return of their protectoi-s. 



After a time the mother came with the customary sup- 

 plies. The comfort of her presence, even though momentary, 

 was sufficient to banish all fear. By the time dinner was 

 dispatched they had forgotten all about the experience. 



The father they never saw again. On leaving home he 



99 



