152 



FO UB- HANDED FOLK 



it looked as if they could never be straightened 

 out. 



But the heap speedily pulled itself apart, each 

 of the three coming out with what belonged to 

 him, and, though all had sharp teeth and knew 

 how to use them, not a bite was given ; nor did 

 the two free ones run out of the monkey's reach, 

 which proved that it was pure fun on all sides. 



From the monkey point of view, the most 

 valuable possession of the spider monkey was un- 

 doubtedly the long prehensile tail. Her bounds 

 were well-defined, and not- much mischief w&s 

 possible, until the hot weather drove the family 

 out of doors, and the corridors became break- 

 fast and tea room as well as lounging place in 

 general. After this change, came more or less 

 opportunity for her to take a hand in affairs, and 

 never was she known to miss her chance or shirk 

 the responsibility. 



Moved with pity for the solemn-faced, appar- 

 ently drooping prisoner, some tender - hearted 

 pet-lover would now and then unclasp the chain, 

 and lead the sly rogue up and down the corridor 

 for a walk. Meekness itself she appeared as 

 she trotted along beside her friend, but under 

 that indifferent exterior was a soul burning for 

 action ; every finger was alive, and that decep- 

 tive tail, swinging idly behind her, actually 

 seemed to think and see for itself. Let it but 



