A CEMENT WORKER 121 
have a numerous family on his hands. But he is 
quite equal to the occasion, for, small as he is, no 
fish can equal him in daring and courage. He 
is a regular pepperpot, and fights all comers, 
taking no rest and giving no quarter, until his 
enemies are forced to flee from him. 
“ The stickleback is a handsome fellow and 
shines as if he were covered with silver tinsel. 
But when he loses his temper he changes color as 
rapidly as did the diamond in Merlin’s wonderful 
Necklace of Truth, being first red, then pale, and 
then flushing a rich purple in the most surprising 
way. Owing to his spleen, the stickleback’s life 
is one round of excitement, and he pays a heavy 
toll, for his years are few, only three or four at 
best.” 
“ Durn vivimus, vivamus ” murmured Mabel, 
who liked nothing better than an opportunity to 
air her Latin. 
“ Exactly,” Uncle John agreed smilingly, 
“ the stickleback’s motto could not be better 
phrased.” 
‘‘Interpreter! interpreter! ” Alice cried, rap¬ 
ping smartly with her ruler, as one demanding 
“ author, author,” at a rehearsal. 
“ While we live, let us live,” informed Auntie, 
speaking softly close at hand; for Tommy had 
started Uncle John again by inquiring into the 
nature of the stickleback’s craft. 
