The Curious Adventures of a Field Cricket, Tr. by N. D'Anvers (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1878. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XIV. SOME SENSIBLE ADVICE. 'CATCH hold of my tail, ' I said to the ant, 'and I will help you to disembark.' She did as I suggested, and taking a spring, I gained the land at a single bound. The spot at which we alighted was not far from the main road, and to reach it we had to climb a grassy bank. The grass had been recently mown, but, short as it was, it presented quite a formidable obstacle to the progress of the ant. I therefore told her to seat herself on my back, and hold on firmly. This she readily consented to do; and one carrying the other we soon, and without any incident worthy of note, reached the wide path down which we had both been swept by the water the day before. It was just here that I had taken refuge amongst the strawberry-plants when I had been frightened off the road by the noise of an approaching carriage. I took it into my head that I should like to see the place where I had been received by the mole cricket, and had had my pleasant little chat with the grasshopper.. I mentioned my wish to the ant, and she said she would go with me. As we crossed the road, I also acquainted her with all the incidents of the first evening of my wandering life, dwelling specially on my meeting with the mole cricket. I was soon beneath the strawberry-plant which had protected the entrance to my cousin's home. Had that entrance been destroyed in the storm? No: a momeut's search, and I bad the pleasure of finding it still intact. 'Wait for me here, ' I said to the ant; 'I will just run in and ask my cousin how she is--at least, if I find her at home, which is doubtful.' 'I'll come with you, cricket; I shall be very glad to make the acquaintance of your worthy relative.' We entered the passage. All went well at first, but it soon became so dark tha.