Atalapha, a Winged Brownie 
it be? Yes! Atalapha could not mistake that 
shoulder band of white, but he flew yet closer, and 
saw with a strange little feeling of loss that the 
silver collar-bearer was his mother. She sailed and 
swooped in close companionship with the big splen- 
did fellow. Atalapha knew it not, but this was his 
father come back to his bride. 
THE GREAT SOUTHERN TREK 
The early meal was caught and eaten in the air; 
and when the beams of the Little Morning whitened 
the eastern screen, the new Bat host began to hide 
itself for the day. Many went to old familiar 
nooks; some went to the homes of their wives; but 
many who had brought their mates with them on 
this the great national wedding trip were left to 
coost in the hemlock tops, chance hollow limbs, or 
crannies in the rock. 
Atalapha was already at home when the door 
darkened, and in came his mother with her big 
handsome mate. What a strong look he had, and 
how his coat did shine. Probably he did not realize 
that Atalapha was his child, for he showed his teeth 
when the young Bat came too near the little mother, 
and by a warning hiss sent him to the far side of the 
den. He did no more than this, but Atalapha was 
afraid. The young Bat did not clearly understand, 
161 
