have had to peel it, which would spoil the cocoon for a specimen and ruin the moth."
"You haven't said yet whether I may help you while I am here."
Elnora hesitated.
"You better say 'yes,'" he persisted. "It would be a real kindness. It would keep me outdoors all day and give an incentive to work. I'm good at it. I'll show you if I am not in a week or so. I can 'sugar,' manipulate lights, and mirrors, and all the expert methods. I'll wager moths are thick in the old swamp over there."
"They are," said Elnora. "Most I have I took there. A few nights ago my mother caught a good many, but we don't dare go alone."
"All the more reason why you need me. Where do you live? I can't get an answer from you. I'll just go tell your mother who I am and ask her if I may help you. I warn you, young lady, I have a very effective way with mothers. They almost never turn me down."
"Then it's probable you will have a new experience when you meet mine," said Elnora. "She never was known to do what any one expected she surely would."
The cocoon came loose. Philip Ammon stepped down the embankment, turning to offer his hand to Elnora. She ran down as she would have done alone, and taking the cocoon turned it end for end to learn if the imago it contained was alive. Then Ammon took back the cocoon to smooth the edges. Mrs. Comstock gave them one long look as they stood there, and returned to her
