A FLOATING ISLAND 
125 
tion of the shore* This is not the beginning of an 
exodus, for through the growing dusk some wander- 
ing Redwings turn abruptly from their course and 
settle among the tall green blades* As night settles 
down and the stars come out the wind that moved 
the island against the weedy shallow is stilled* The 
tallest Rushes stand limp and motionless* The Sora 
Rails chatter in continuous alarm, while all the other 
inhabitants are silent* After the impressive pause of 
the end of day a long line of dark ripples extends 
over the open water. The Rushes begin to quiver 
and tremble in the mild ebb of the silent air* The 
island remains where it was stopped by the weeds, 
but soon a change of position can be discerned* The 
returning air currents pull with gentle persistence. 
Soon it becomes apparent that the floating island, 
with its concealed inhabitants, is slowly drifting out 
toward the close horizon of the night. 
