“It is a very curious thing,” remarked Kdraban, “that only the female insect attacks man.”

“Ithink I can understand that,” remarked Bruno, rubbing himself.

“Ibelieve we should do well to get into the chaise,” said Van Mitten; “weshall be devoured if we remain here.” “Thecountries of the Lower Danube are particularly plagued with these gnats, and one ought to sprinkle one’s bed and clothing with powder o? pyrites.” “Ofwhich we have not a grain,” remarked Van Mitten. “Precisely,”answered Kéraban. “Butwho could have foreseen that we should have been stranded in the marshes of the Dobroutchai” “Noone, friend Kéraban.” “Ihave heard it stated,” continued Kdraban, “thata colony of Crimean Tartars, to whom the government had made a concession in this delta, was obliged to be broken up in consequence of the attacks of these gnats.” “Afterour own experience, the tale does not seem improbable,” replied Van Mitten. “Letus get into the carriage again,” said Kéraban. “Wehave remained out too long already,” said his friend, as the mosquitos came buzzing round in myriads, beating their tiny wings thousands of times in a second. Just as Kéraban and his friend were about to enter the chaise, the former said,.—. “Aswe have nothing to fear, had not Bruno better remain outside and wait the return of the postillion ?“ “Hewill not object,” said Van Mitten. “Iwill not object because it is my duty to obey,” replied Bruno. “ButI shall lit eaten alive.” “No,”replied Kéraban. “Igam informed that these gnats never bite twice in the saite place; so that Bruno will soon be free from their attacks.” “Yes,when I have been bitten ‘ina million places,” said Bruno. “That is what I mean,” retorted Kéraban. But may I not, at any rate, keep watch in the ‘dicky’?”asked Bruno.