by a sinuous stream; and beyond there towered up against the sky a long

and lofty barrier of some kind, they did not know what. The Tumble-Bug

said he believed it was simply land tilted up on its edge, because he

knew he could see trees on it. But Professor Snail and the others said:

"You are hired to dig, sir--that is all. We need your muscle, not your

brains. When we want your opinion on scientific matters, we will hasten

to let you know. Your coolness is intolerable, too--loafing about here

meddling with august matters of learning, when the other laborers are

pitching camp. Go along and help handle the baggage."

The Tumble-Bug turned on his heel uncrushed, unabashed, observing to

himself, "If it isn't land tilted up, let me die the death of the

unrighteous."

Professor Bull Frog (nephew of the late explorer) said he believed the

ridge was the wall that inclosed the earth. He continued:

Our fathers have left us much learning, but they had not traveled far,

and so we may count this a noble new discovery. We are safe for renown

now, even though our labors began and ended with this single achievement.

I wonder what this wall is built of? Can it be fungus? Fungus is an

honorable good thing to build a wall of."

Professor Snail adjusted his field-glass and examined the rampart

critically. Finally he said:

150

Sketches New and Old