First they tried for butterflies and captured several fine ones without
trouble. They also called swarms of ants, bees, beetles, and flies. When
it grew dusk, Mrs. Comstock and Philip went to prepare supper. Elnora
and Billy remained until the butterflies disappeared. Then they lighted
the lanterns, repainted the trees and followed the home trail.
"Do you 'spec you'll get just a lot of moths?" asked Billy, as he walked
beside Elnora.
"I am sure I hardly know," said the girl. "This is a new way for me.
Perhaps they will come to the lights, but few moths eat; and I have some
doubt about those which the lights attract settling on the right trees.
Maybe the smell of that dope will draw them. Between us, Billy, I think
I like my old way best. If I can find a hidden moth, slip up and catch
it unawares, or take it in full flight, it's my captive, and I can keep
it until it dies naturally. But this way you seem to get it under
false pretences, it has no chance, and it will probably ruin its wings
struggling for freedom before morning."
"Well, any moth ought to be proud to be taken anyway, by you," said
Billy. "Just look what you do! You can make everybody love them. People
even quit hating caterpillars when they see you handle them and hear
you tell all about them. You must have some to show people how they are.
It's not like killing things to see if you can, or because you want to
eat them, the way most men kill birds.
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