A MOTHER SCORPION 
“I am going to look under this flat rock,” said Buddy. 
“There are lots of treasures under rocks.” 
“Be careful not to put your fingers under it, because 
a black widow spider might be there and bite you,” said 
Marylee. 
The children had walked ahead while Uncle Jack rested 
by the creek. 
Buddy turned the rock over carefully. “Here is the 
funniest spider with a long tail,” he cried. 
“No, that isn't a spider, Buddy,” replied Fred. “It is 
a little crawfish. Can't you see its pincers?” 
“I am going to catch it in my hand,” said Buddy. 
“No, no, Buddy!” cried Marylee. “You must not touch 
it. Don't you remember Uncle Jack told us never to 
touch anything unless we knew what it was? It might 
sting you or bite you, or do something to hurt you. I 
am going to call Uncle Jack. Uncle Jack! Please come 
and see this queer animal that we have found.” 
“All right,” answered Uncle Jack. 
“Here we are,” called Buddy. “Fred thinks this is a 
crawfish because it has pincers, and I think that it is a 
spider because it has eight legs. Which one is right?” 
72 
