THE GOLD BUG. 
29 
of as heated an imagination as was ever the writer 
of ‘‘the Tales,” eagerly scanned the auriferous 
insect. Desirous of a closer inspection, he insists 
on holding it in his hand ; but no sooner is the 
envied object deposited in his palm, and his excited 
gaze captivated by the glitter of its golden wings, 
than lo ! away flies the “ gold bug.” The utter 
dismay and blank amazement depictecf in the faces 
of the surrounding group were truly ludicrous. 
Vain were their regrets at the loss of the precious 
insect — not another specimen was seen that day ; 
and as we had to start almost immediately on our 
return voyage, we had no opportunity of capturing 
another specimen of the same curious species. 
