THE BROWN BEETLE UNDERTAKES A MISSION. Lay

the spirit of the dell? I know Wassa is not
a good, kind child, but she is in a sad plight,
and it seems wrong not to try to assist her.
Do, I pray thee, lend me a little of thy light.
It is so very dark.”

Almost before the beetle finished, out came
the moon from behind a cloud, full and bright,
and lighted up the meadow from end to end.
A placid, motherly smile was on her face, and
the good little beetle’s heart gave a great leap
for joy.

Now the way was as clear as if it were day-
light, and with his little heart beating with
courage and hope, the brown beetle soon
reached the river in which the spirit of the
dell made her home.