A FIGHTING LIZARD 
“Here is a big flat rock,” called Bess. “Do you think 
it hides a treasure, Uncle Jack?” 
“Yes, rocks usually hide treasures,” said Uncle Jack. 
“Many insects and little animals like to hide under them. 
I will lift this one up for you.” 
The children stood around the rock while Uncle Jack 
lifted it. 
“Oh! Oh!” screamed the girls, as they jumped back. 
“Look out!” cried the boys, as they ran backward. 
“It’s a lizard, Uncle Jack! It’s a big green lizard!” 
The lizard did not run away. It stood with its mouth 
wide open and looked angrily at them. It seemed to be 
trying to make up its mind which one had turned its 
house over. 
“He must be poisonous!” cried Marylee. “I can see 
down inside his throat, and it is all black!” 
“Shall I get a stick and kill him?” asked Fred. 
“No, Fred,” answered Uncle Jack, quickly. “You must 
never kill any of the little lizards.” 
“But isn’t he poisonous?” asked Fred. 
“Oh, no,” replied Uncle Jack. “He will not hurt you. 
Lizards are very good friends of mine. I like them so 
much that it makes me angry to think of anyone hurt¬ 
ing them.” 
84 
