AN ARGUMENT WITH A MOSQUITO 125 



saw the Queen smile ; at least, I noticed race, considering how small they were." 



that her beak expanded into its various "For I have never seen any of the 



lancets and saws. largest varieties," I went on, "until 



"Foolish animal !" said Her Majesty, Your Majesty granted me this inter- 



"do you imagine your feeble weapons view." 



would be of use against us — a chosen "Naturally not," she agreed. "You 

 body of Amazon warriors ? We are see, we do not attack mankind ; because 

 the nobility of Mosquito-land, the a single bite from one of us would be 

 largest and fiercest and bravest of our fatal. Our ancestors pursued the mas- 

 race. Even across the long river there todon, the mammoth, the megalosaurus 

 are none to compare with us ! Why, and other enormous creatures of ancient 

 were we to attack you, all would be times. Nowadays we are compelled to 

 over in a wing-wave !" attack moose and elk, with an occasional 



I made no answer, but as I looked whale or walrus when in the north, 

 around upon my captors, I could not But we do not care to exterminate man- 

 doubt that she spoke the truth. kind, and therefore leave them to our 



"But gaze upon us," continued the smaller sisters." 



Queen, "and you will have no fear. I expressed my gratitude and admir- 



We have dined." ation, for I was willing — even anxious 



And, indeed, when I looked at the — to be agreeable. But I think that 



Queen and her courtiers I saw that Her Majesty perceived that I was not 



they were well nourished and well filled much interested by the history of her 



out. race. At all events, she abruptly 



"What, then," I asked the Queen, changed the subject. Flying a little 



my courage rising, "is your purpose nearer to me, she asked : 



in having me driven here?" "Are you willing to hold a short dis- 



"My purpose," Her Majesty replied, cussion with me?" 



"is to plead the cause of my race. It "Certainly," I replied, 



has come to my royal antennae that "And to lay aside all reserve — an- 



you animals upon whom we prey, and swering me freely, as man to mos- 



whom we besiege in your cotton fast- quito?" 



nesses — that you other creatures called "Yes, indeed." 



men presume to ask why we were "Very well.. Now, speaking frankly, 



created. You say continually, 'What why do you think the mosquitoes a 



in the world were mosquitoes made useless race?" 



for?' or, '1 don't see what good mos- "Because," I replied, after a moment's 

 quitoes are !' Why, I have even heard thought, "they are universally recog- 

 the remark made myself, when I was nized as a pest and a nuisance to man- 

 browsing upon some plump creature of kind." 



your kind. No doubt you have said "To mankind!" repeated the Queen, 



similar things yourself ?" — and she gave "Yes, that is just it. In your narrow- 



me a piercing glance. minded way, you judge everything by 



I did not attempt a denial. its use to yourselves. If a poor, fam- 



"Yes, your Royal Highness," I ished and despairing mosquito alights 



answered, "like others of my race, I upon your hand, how do you welcome 



have certainly said such things." her? Do you say, 'Yes, little creature, 



"Spoken like a mosquito !" responded I know that you are in want, and you 



the Queen approvingly, adding, with a are welcome to regale yourself with 



smile, "and that will seem compliment- the tiny bit of food that will make you 



ary even to a man, for I do not think happy ?' No ! With diabolical deliber- 



you deny our bravery." ation you raise an enormous hand, and 



I eagerly assured her that I had al- try to smash the poor little thing ! And 



ways marveled at the boldness of her if it escapes* the agility of the victim, 



