A FAMILY OF ROPE DANCERS 51 
the eighth day. Then a trail laid in the disorder 
of an especially cold night tempted one reckless, 
ravenous processionary from the straight and 
narrow way, and ultimately he led the file down 
the side of the pot to home and happiness. Fabre 
figured that they had walked for eighty-four 
hours, and had covered considerably over a quar¬ 
ter of a mile while traveling in a circle.” 
“ The little ninnies! ” ejaculated Alice. “ Do 
they ever lose their way entirely and come down 
to the ground in their search for food? ” 
“ No. Apparently the same wise Power 
guides them who teaches the birds their way 
along the ‘ pathless coasts of air.’ But they do 
come to the earth sometimes, venturing boldly 
abroad in the daytime. Moreover, according to 
Fabre, the trippers have nothing in mind but a 
little constitutional; albeit it is possible that they 
may be on a tour of inspection, looking for a suit¬ 
able sand location in which to bury themselves 
later on for their metamorphosis.” 
“And what about their tent? ” queried Tommy 
interestedly. “ Of course they must soon out¬ 
grow it?” 
“ To be sure,” returned Uncle John, promptly. 
“ I was coming to that. After each return from 
the refreshment table, the processionaries work a 
bit on their shelter before turning in. Sometimes 
it is after two o’clock before their 'All’s well!’ 
