nd to distinguish the
commonest ones. I go wild on Catocalae. There's too many of them, all
too much alike for Philip, but I know all these fellows. One flew into
my room when I was about ten years old, and we thought it a miracle.
None of us ever had seen one so we took it over to the museum to Dr.
Dorsey. He said they were common enough, but we didn't see them because
they flew at night. He showed me the museum collection, and I was so
interested I took mine back home and started to hunt them. Every year
after that we went to our cottage a month earlier, so I could find them,
and all my family helped. I stuck to it until I went to college. Then,
keeping the little moths out of the big ones was too much for the mater,
so father advised that I donate mine to the museum. He bought a fine
case for them with my name on it, which constitutes my sole contribution
to science. I know enough to help you all right."

"Aren't you going north this year?"

"All depends on how this fever leaves me. Uncle says the nights are too
cold and the days too hot there for me. He thinks I had better stay in
an even temperature until I am strong again. I am going to stick pretty
close to him until I know I am. I wouldn't admit it to any one at home,
but I was almost gone. I don't believe anything can eat up nerve much
faster than the burning of a slow fever. No, thanks, I have enough. I
stay with Uncle Doc, so if I feel it coming again he can do something
quickly."

"I don't blame you," said Elnora. "I never have been sick, but it must
be dreadful. I am afraid you are tiring yourself over that. Let me take
the knife awhile."

"Oh, it isn't so bad as that! I wouldn't be wading creeks if it were. I
only need a few more days to get steady on my feet again. I'll soon have
this out."

"It is kind of you to get it," said Elnora. "I should 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 numerous in the old swamp over there."

"They are," said Elnora. "Most I have I took there. A few nights ago my
mother caught a number, but we don't dar