“When we have found Capricornus the sea goat,” said Uncle Henry, “it is easy to find Aquarius or the water carrier. Just prolong the line that connects the goat’s right foot with his tail until it runs close to a little triangle of three stars with another in the centre. ([19]) It looks a little like the head of the Serpent we found squirming in Ophiuchus’ hands, but it is the water-jar Aquarius is carrying.”
“Oh, I see it,” cried Paul.
The other stars in Aquarius were soon found and represented by pebbles. Then Uncle Henry drew the outline that finished the Water-Carrier, like this:
“Now we’re all through?” inquired Betty.
“Until next Christmas,” smiled back Uncle Henry.
“Can’t we have just one more poem?” teased Paul.
“What shall it be about?” asked Uncle Henry, with the air of a man who could write a poem to order on any subject.
“One about the lovely swan,” commanded Betty, “you haven’t made one up about the swan.”
Uncle Henry was in a quandary; he wanted to please everybody with the last poem. He lay down on his back and looked up at the sky for so long that the children thought he must have fallen asleep.