MARTIN RATTLER. 235

Into this hole it thrust its long tongue, and immedi-
ately the ants swarmed upon it. The creature let its
tongue rest till it was completely covered over with
thousands of ants, then it drew it into its mouth and
enoulfed them all!

As Martin had no reason in the world for attempt-
ing to shoot the great ant-eater, and as he was, more-
over, by no means sure that he could kill it if he were
to try, he passed on quietly and left this curious ani-

mal to finish its supper in peace.