THE BUTTERFLY SEEKERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20229, 13 April 1929, Page 4 (Supplement)

THE BUTTERFLY SEEKERS.

Crossing a lonely wilderness of sand were two brothers', Jack and Jim Wheeler, and their native guide, Nero. They were in serch of a rare butterfly that was found only on the palms flinging the oases of the desert. " There are some palm trees," cried Jack excitedly. " So there arc," replied Jim, who had been eagerly scanning tho sandy landscape before him. "Shall wo camp there, mas'r?" asked Nero presently. " Yes, I think we will," answered Jim, as he pocketed his field-glasses. " We might secure our long-lookcd-for specimen here," said Jack. "Might!" laughed'his brother. Thus Jack and Nero began to pitch the tents, while Jim lit a fire with which to boil the billy to make the lea. After they had eaten as much of their provisions as they needed, Jim and Nero lay down to sleep, but Jack sat at the tent door. He was thinking of his friends in England who ban tried to stop them from journeying over the desert for (he butterfly by telling them of the perils they wero likely to encounter. But be and his brother had laughed at their fears, and set out to meet the dangers tnat. awaited them. Indeed, very littlo had happened yet, ana only one or two — His thoughts wero interrupted by a bright red object fluttering a few feet away from him. His heart began to beat quicker as ho recognised his butterflv. '"The net! The net!" he called excitedly.

Without waiting for anyone to answer, lie secured liis own- and rushed after his prize. On Jack ran until he came to tlio palms where the butterfly had disappeared, but it reappeared again as Nero came out of the tent with a coil <>f rope, for he thought it might be useful. It was. Suddenly Jack's net closed over the butterfly. "I've got it!" ho cried. He spoko too soon, for suddenly he slipped on the slippery bank and fell into the stream with his captive still in the net. "The lassoo!" yelled Jim. Nero calmly spun the lassoo through the air, but it had scarcely fallen over Jack's shouloers when the head of a snake appeared above the water, its fang scarcely two feet away from Jack. " Mas'r Jim, pull the rope," yelled Nero, and while Jim did so Nero threw his hunting knife at the snake's head. His aim was true, for it entered its brain. A minute later Jack stood on dry land. He was rather pale. " My, that was a narrow squeak, but it was well worth it!" And he proudly held up his prize. —iladge Dixie, Mapiu r.0., (ase 13).