Von Bloom did not join in their merriment.

He was in too serious a mood just then.
"Papa," inquired little Truey, perceiving that her father did not laugh, and thinking to draw him into the conversation,--"Papa! were these the kind of locusts eaten by John the Baptist when in the desert?
His food, the Bible says, was `locusts and wild honey.'" "I believe these are the same," replied the father.
"I think, papa," modestly rejoined Hans, "they are not exactly the same, but a kindred species.

The locust of Scripture was the true _Gryllus migratorius_, and different from those of South Africa, though very similar in its habits.

But," continued he, "some writers dispute that point altogether.

The Abyssinians say it was beans of the locust-tree, and not insects, that were the food of Saint John." "What is your own opinion, Hans ?" inquired Hendrik, who had a great belief in his brother's book-knowledge.
"Why, I think," replied Hans, "there need be no question about it.