"'As to that,' returned he modestly, 'I am nothing to the Mole-cricket.'
"'If I could only have a glimpse of your residence,' I sighed.
"The Cricket grew affable, and offered to make a call with me upon the Mole-cricket. Accordingly we started together; and it was fortunate I had a guide, for otherwise I never should have discovered the abode of this curious insect. It is very quarrelsome with its own kind, as perhaps you are aware; and it passes nearly the whole of its life underground, in the many winding galleries and passages, excavated by means of the spade-like limbs.
"'I hope we may find him in a good humor,' remarked the Field-cricket. 'Hulloa!'
"He called several times; then, receiving no answer, pushed a blade of grass into the opening, when out dashed the Mole-cricket, furious at the intrusion.
"'What do you want?' he asked, snapping his strong claws at us in a very unpleasant manner.
"'The Field-cricket was so kind as to bring me here, hoping that you would allow me to see something of your house,' I said boldly.
"'I have just got it into a splendid state of order, so I do not mind.'
"'Wait,' exclaimed the Field-cricket, as we were about to enter, 'you must promise not to eat us up after we get in.'
"'I promise,' laughed the other; 'I have already had my supper, so I am not hungry.'