THE LAND OF THE AFTER-GLOW. 129

seen rising on the distant river. Nearer and
nearer it came, very distinct in the bright
moonlight, until it stood opposite to the brown
beetle, when it re-
mained stationary.

Gradually the
column of mist
assumed the form
of a beautiful fe-
male figure, and
slowly and grace-
fully it bent toward
the brown beetle,
until these words,
that sounded like
the wind breathing
softly through the forest
pines, fell on the beetle’s
ears :—

   
 

“From the land of mist and dew
Come I when one calls-on me.
Tell me, beetle good and true,
If I can do aught for. thee.”

The dull ‘mind of the good little beetle felt a
glow of pleasure at this kind reception. Slow
of speech was he, but he knew it was proper