ain of insects, when long enough, was wafted by the wind to the
other bank of the stream, where the foremost ant caught a firm hold, and
the brave Shiny-pate then swung off his bough, and followed by all the
others crept carefully across their companions' bodies, until the
foremost ant, who had been holding on all this time by his hind legs,
being relieved from the weight of his comrades, was able to twirl round
and obtain a safer footing.

The danger was surmounted, and the officer now inspected his little
troop with triumph; indeed, he spoke a few encouraging words which
actually caused his soldiers to salute in a body, as they could not
cheer, and cry with one voice that they were not afraid to go anywhere
with him.

This was, of course, very gratifying to such a young officer, and our
hero was beginning to thank his enthusiastic followers when a slight
noise attracted his attention, and he suddenly remembered that the time
for vigilance was not over: for in the tree above them he beheld a
little ant-eater slowly uncoiling itself before beginning its nightly
excursion.

Shiny-pate saw its long slimy tongue being uncoiled like a piece of
ribbon when the animal yawned; and well he knew that any ant who was
unfortunate enough to touch that sticky object would never return to
tell the tale; he therefore instantly determined on flight.

So our hero ordered a stampede, but he kept last of all the party, ready
to sacrifice himself for the general good if need be; and after a little
time his exertions were rewarded, for he happily overtook the main body
of ants under the guidance of old Long-legs, and the worthy veteran was
so pleased at seeing his young companion safe that he actually fell on
his neck and hugged him; and there is no saying what might have happened
next if two twinkling lights had not appeared in the distance. They were
only fire-flies that an Indian had tied to his feet in order to illumine
his path, but the sight made the friends restrain their transports until
they reached home.

Then, after all their labours and adventures, they gave themselves up to
enjoyment. Long-legs, Shiny-pate, and other distinguished officers who
had done their duty for their home and relations, were chaired by their
admiring soldiers and carried round the nest, while the fire-flies lit
up the triumphal march, and the beetles sang in chorus.

We leave Mr. and Mrs. Wolfe enjoying for the first time a house cleared
of both re