Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1894-05-23
THE ANT HUNTER.

A delicious freshness pervaded the
woods. The sparrows fitted in and out
among the branches and sang to one an
other their sweetest songs. On q project
ing bough finch had comfortably set
tied himself and was whistling with
the utmost nonchalance the sole number
contained in the poor rascal S repertory.
1t was q rare delight indeed to wan
der through this natural loveliness aft
er leaving scarcely two hours before
the sitting atmosphere of railway car.
And the pathway through which loi-
tered in happiest mood was narrow
one The highway indeed would have
conducted me more quickly to the de-
sired haven, but OH this most magnifi-
cent summer day I very naturally chose
the longer walk through one Of the most
beautiful bits of forest in the neighbor
hood
Suddenly the sunshine glinted more
brightly through the trees. 1t must be
that was approaching clearing, and
in truth few more steps brought me to
an open place, which spread itself out
like an island in the heart Of the wood.
Near the edge of the clearing lznelt a
man who was industriously filling a
sack. Could it be earth that he was
scooping up, and for what purpose?
1 stole nearer. That which the man
was gathering was the peculiar nest of
the wood ant, cunningly put together
from bits of plants and pine needles.
All this the man put into a wire sieve,
through which the ants and their white
larvae fell into the sack.
''Good success?" said I, with friendly
greeting.
The ant hunter looked up and pushed
back little his old felt hat. Then he
said: ''It will do, sir. There isn't any
body in the neighborhood who cares to
be rival in the business -
''Indeedl Has any one any objection
to it?''
''Hm; yes! The work makes one look
SOL" said the ant hunter, and his eye
ran over his own shabby exterior.
He wore a dirty and ragged brown
coat, was barefooted, and pressed upon
his frouzy head was crumpled hat of
doubtful color Between his teeth he
held short pipe, the rudely fantastic
head of which he might have carved
himself. The old stump must have been
the dearest thing he called his own, for
even when he spoke it did not leave his
lips.
I had never before seen an ant hunt
er, although he is characteristic fea-
ture of the Alps, SO I sat down upon the
stump of tree to watch him work.
''You won't see anything very re-
markable, ?" said he shaking the sieve
"My work is simple enough. -
He spread out linen cloth, fastened
down its four corners with wooden pins
and surrounded the whole with pine
branches; then he took the sack and
shook it's contents out upon the cloth
Immediately the lively little creatures
seized their babies and sought to hide
them among the sheltering twigs. There
upon the ant hunter brushed these twigs
with coarse rag, and the ants remained
hanging to the twigs, while the larvae
lay clearly distinguishable upon the
cloth spread out below.
my crop is gathered for today" said
he, thrusting his booty into the sack.
''And does this business make you a
living?' I asked.
'tOh, it'll do! The dealers pay me
pretty well, and the amount 1 need for
my living He did not finish the SEN
tence, but sad smile fitted over his
face.
While his work had been going on
his pipe had gone out, and he drew out
now closely tied tobacco pouch. 1t
was empty I could see that the old
man was greatly disappointed, and that
after his hard work he had counted up
on this modest enjoyment Help, how
ever, was at hand, for although no
smoker myself I always carry tobacco
with me ON these mountain excursions.
1t is an "open sesame" when even the
jingle of coin is ineffectual-no Alpine
shepherd can resist it, Such a packet 1
took from my pocket now, and opening
it offered it to the ant hunter
''Here is some. Try it and see if it
suits you.
What had I done? The man stood as
though transfixed, his eyes staring A
shudder ran through his body.
''Sirp' he burst forth, but excitement
would not let him proceed further.
''Take it, I beg of youp' said I.
Upon this a curious change came
over his countenance. A suspicious
moisture appeared in his eyes. His bos-
ON rose and fell, and involuntarily he
stretched out his hand for the little
packet.
"Sir,'' he faltered. "Sir, excuse me,
but it is fully IL years since a human
being has offered me kindness. -
"You-avoid people?" said I, per-
picked.
cor they me-which amounts to the
same thing" said he bitterly.
looked narrowly at him. He dropped
his eyes.
''But they are right'' he went on, as
if talking to himself SIT is indeed a
disgrace to associate with jailbird!"
He stopped as though he expected me
to order him off. He waited in vain,
however, for though astounded at his
disclosure said not word.
whether one became such through
his own desert or if he be really bad
man no one ever takes the trouble to
Iask. 1t is enough that he has Worn the
striped jacket. He must be a rascal p"
'You have really experienced this
yourself?'' | asked
What, l? Do you really think so,
sir? Ha, ha, ha!'' His laugh was forced
and shrill Suddenly his manner
changed.
Forgive me, STRIP said he, with sur
| prising quietness. ''The miserable bust
ness belongs to years gone by. never
like to stir it up, but as you have been
so kind I would not have you get
wrong impression of me, so listen and
despise me if you can. -
He packed up his implements, threw
his sack over his shoulder and started
on his way.
"I'm bound for S - said l. "Are
you going the same way?"
''The same, sir, whichever way you
go. l am everywhere-or rather, no.
where-at home.
We walked on and soon entered again
the magnificent wood. But its beauty
I