AND THE WILDERNESS BLOSSOMED 



My friend the Professor took a lively interest 

 in loons, and refused to be comforted unless he 

 had one of the eggs in just the right state and 

 could examine the embryo. After a protracted 

 search we at last found a nest with two eggs in it, 

 one of which we carried in triumph to the island. 

 Instead of examining the contents that afternoon, 

 the Professor, worn out by his exertions, insisted 

 upon taking a nap, and postponed his work till 

 the following day. At breakfast-time the next 

 morning, I found him on the porch, walking up 

 and down, singing Luther's Hymn in his rich 

 bass voice. 



" Good-morning," was my greeting. " How 's 

 your loon ?" 



"Didn't think to look at it," said the Pro- 

 fessor, mildly surprised at the question. 



" Well, if I were you, I would. Where did 

 you put it ? " 



" Why, in my trunk, amongst my underwear, 

 so it wouldn't get cold." 



I smiled with all the delight of a boy who 

 hears the first roll of the drum and sees the 

 distant glare of the torches as the procession 

 advances. " You go look at it ! " I urged. 



My torchlight procession arrived on time, and 

 104 



