Followers of Saint Francis 



stretch out in the Gloucester hammock and let 

 your mind fill with the peace that brims rich pas- 

 ture lands and sun-soaked valley. For with each 

 slow creak and swing of the long chain, my 

 mother sees a tiny cinnamon cap upraised uiitil 

 at last a fluttering bravery has end in rout. Then 

 will talk grow distrait until the house physician 

 has explained that you had better change your 

 seat since eggs are perilously cooling for your 

 pleasure. 



• But, if when nesting time is over and the nur- 

 sery left vacant, you sup with us upon the porch, 

 you will find the shoe upon the other foot. It 

 is you who are imperiled. You will not think 

 perhaps the quiet scene in front could hold a 

 threat. The pale arc of sky, the spreading shad- 

 ows that reach softly out from waning light, the 

 salt breeze that smells of dusk, lead you to expect 

 a meal where all is dilly-daUy and calm leisure. 

 But in a moment you are springing from your 

 seat as a black wasp, straightforward and direct, 

 comes swinging towards you with his long legs 

 trailing. He is a lean and vigorous fellow, you 

 are siu'e of that, and of his personal malice. It 

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