“Bully has been beaten,” said Uncle George, “and his victor has taken not only the courage but the colour out of him.”
“It serves him right, I think, for being so proud and so cruel. But what is the meaning of all this fighting and change of colours, Uncle George?”
“Oh, it is very simple, Frank. There is a lady stickle-back in the question; and, like the brave knights of old, our little stickle-backs are trying to win her by fighting.
“The victor will marry her. They will build a neat little nest for themselves, and live happily together.
“To-morrow we will take them back to the brook, where the weak ones will be better able to escape.
“In June we will visit the brook. If we are lucky enough to find one of their nests, you will see that after Lady Stickle-back lays her tiny eggs in it, her little husband guards the home night and day.
“When the family are hatching out, the plucky little stickle-back bravely defends the nest.
“He drives away water-beetles, perch, and other fishes much larger than himself. For well he knows that these visitors would quickly gobble up his darlings if they got the chance.”
Stickle-backs and Nest.