There was one moth in particular, with spread
wings, on the upper side of the thorax of which was traced in
white the semblance of a human skull. Nan was almost sure that
this must be the famous death's-head moth she had read about in
school; but she was not confident enough to say anything to old
Toby Vanderwiller. A few specimens of this rare insect have been
found in the swamps of America, although it was originally
supposed to be an Old World moth.
Nan did say, however, to Toby that perhaps some of these
specimens might be bought by collectors. The pressed flowers
were pretty but not particularly valuable. In the museum at the
Tillbury High School there was a much finer collection from the
Indiana swamps.
"Sho!" said Toby, slowly; "I wouldn't wanter sell the boy's
pretties. I brung most on 'em home to him; but he mounted 'em
himself."
Nan suspected that old Mrs. Vanderwiller had much to do with the
neat appearance of the cabinet. She was a quiet, almost a
speechless, old lady. But she was very kind and she set out her
best for Nan's luncheon before the girl from Tillbury returned
home.
"We ain't got much here on the island," the old lady said; "but
we do love to have visitors. Don't we, Corson?"
"Nice ones," admitted the cripple, munching cake.
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