AN INDOLENT RIVER 51 



The Screech Owl flutters steadily across from one 

 invisible tree to another. Bats dart, silent and swift, 

 after the abundant swarms of gnats that float up 

 from the marshes. All about is the quietness of 

 nature, so impressive that the dull roar of a train* 

 the far-away shriek of a whistle, and even the happy 

 laughter from a lagging canoe, seem to blend and lose 

 themselves in the inaudible noise that fills and 

 soothes the ear of night. 



