in Freedom 131 



have to be careful lest you pop under the waves, or, 

 falling on the rocks, bruise yourself unpleasantly. 



As on the ice, so on this glutinous and slippery sea- 

 weed, your feet have a most provoking way of suddenly 

 precipitating themselves above your head. 



One doesn't laugh when it happens to oneself, but 

 it is certainly very difficult to refrain from merriment 

 when one of your companions is forced into some 

 undignified position of that sort. 



With ladies as companions most alarming accidents 

 used to happen upon some of these western islands, 

 where during a four months' stay I have acted as 

 cicerone. 



Some were eager to collect the lovely canary- 

 coloured shells and delicate pink cowries, as well as 

 many other sea-creatures' fairy houses tossed up by 

 the sea, from which the tenants had disappeared. 



I remember how one poor lady, elated at having 

 picked up more rarities than usual, was standing on a 

 rock not long laid bare by the outgoing tide, and 

 proclaiming the invention of some especial treasure, 

 when in the middle of her sentence there came a 

 crash ! and a tableau ! 



The basket containing the shells flew one way ; 

 the shells every way ! 



As for the lady herself — well ! I looked the other w^z:^ ! 



A sad wreck ! 



And the poor lady had to be supported home with 

 a sprained back. 



Yet I laughed ! 



Why does one laugh at sad things ? 



