II 



it spread its wings and floated softly off through the 

 air and down to the earth. It did not fly far, for it 

 had not its full strength as yet. 



When it alighted, 

 where should it be but 

 on the ant-hill. The little 

 ant was very busy there, 

 tugging at twigs and 

 leaves, and hunting for 

 food. It stopped its work 

 to stare with awe at the 

 wonderful stranger. 

 " You beautiful thing," 

 it said, "where did you 

 come from ? " 



" Don't you remember the caterpillar that made 

 itself a house on the twig above ? " 



" Oh yes, poor thing, it myst have died long 

 ago," said the ant. *' I went up there once or twice 

 to see if I could help it, but there was no sound 

 nor stir." 



" I am that caterpillar," said the moth gently. 



The ant stared and wondered, " I was once a 

 pupa myself," it cried. " But I did not hatch out 

 with such wings as those." 



Moth on Cocoon 



