Condescension that Withers 



glance. Certain it is that under the malevolent 

 spell, my peas must be twice planted, my tomato 

 plants replaced. Even the feelers of my beans 

 that usually reach forth so lustily, must ignomini- 

 ously be coaxed with twine around the poles. 

 What wonder that they need assistance. Jack's 

 bean stalk grew not so fast as those with which 

 they must contend. 



One remedy I have and loyalty compels its 

 use. I should visit some of those other gardens. 

 I suspect them. I have grown their kind myself. 

 But, to teU the truth, though one is but a stone's 

 throw from my cottage, I have never seen it. 

 Instead, I skirt it gingerly, afraid, lest unawares, 

 I shall receive one rash illuminating peek. For 

 if I too have "played the braggart with my 

 tongue," I have also paid the price. And I want 

 mercy, I do not cry for judgment. The devasta- 

 tion that would foUow, the ruthless tearing down 

 of jungle growth, is a toll that I for one cannot 

 exact. 



THE END 



[301] 



