8 
NATURE’S CRAFTSMEN 
fort to kill her prey, as is usually done the first 
thing, she stood well away and began to spin a 
strong shroud, and shortly had the struggling 
wasp bound securely in it. Would she keep him 
that way and feast upon the live insect? The 
gentleman watched eagerly. Eating her enemy 
was, however, evidently the last thing in Madame 
Miranda’s thoughts. Possibly she considered him 
too vile for consumption! Or mayhap she 
thought merely devouring him not sweet enough 
revenge! At any rate, she proceeded deliberately 
to cut the meshes which held the mummy- 
case, and let Mr. Wasp fall to the ground, there 
to lie and starve slowly to death in his unique 
silken casket.” 
“Hi!” exulted Max, pointing his chubby 
finger delightedly, “ there’s one of those balloon¬ 
ist fellows now! See! Yonder by the garage, 
swinging along on a rope of silk.” 
It was Sunday afternoon. The family were 
gathered on the west porch, a cool, leafy retreat 
opening from the dining-room, and they one and 
all leaned eagerly forward to see the aerial ad¬ 
venturer. 
“ He must be a beginner,” ventured Mabel. 
“ At any rate, he believes in playing safe! See, 
he has anchored himself carefully to the garage 
wall! ” 
“Good!” commended Uncle John, his very 
