254 
NATURE’S CRAFTSMEN 
fused; certainly nowhere was there a pleasanter 
looking hostess. The young crabs followed her 
with alacrity, and they were soon inside the dome. 
But there, as they stopped to admire, a sudden 
shock of misgiving smote them. White and de¬ 
liciously airy the place was, to be sure; but what 
was all that rubbish strewing the floor? Heavens! 
it was just like a charnel house. Bodies of caddis 
worms, young oysters, sea slugs, yes! and crabs 
lay in every direction. In alarm, the youngsters 
turned to flee. But their hostess quickly blocked 
their path, and oh! how curiously her big eyes 
flashed. Gone, too, were her pleasant smiles and 
graces. 4 What little ninnies you are, to be sure! ’ 
she cried harshly, and with that she pounced upon 
them for all the world like a terrier suddenly 
loosed among a nest of bewildered and frightened 
young rats. Snatching the crabs up one at a 
time, she bit sharply and viciously into a vulner¬ 
able spot, and flung the limp victims hurriedly to 
one side. 4 Aha! what a splendid catch! ’ she ex¬ 
ulted. 4 How quickly flattery fills an empty 
pot! * ” 
“ Timm! Spiders is spiders,” adapted Alice 
softly, and swooped up Ruthie with a quick 
44 Come into my parlor, honey,” as she buried her 
face in the soft, dimpled neck and made as though 
to eat the eager, round-eyed little girl all up. 
“True enough,” Uncle John smiled, himself 
