they were awakened by a great cry.

"Eh! what's the matter?" asked Dick Sand, quickly, who was on his feet
first of all.

"It is I! it is I who have cried!" replied Cousin Benedict.

"And what is the matter with you?" asked Mrs. Weldon.

"I have just been bit!"

"By a serpent?" asked Mrs. Weldon, with alarm.

"No, no! It was not a serpent, but an insect," replied Cousin Benedict.
"Ah! I have it! I have it!"

"Well, crush your insect," said Harris, "and let us sleep, Mr.
Benedict!"

"Crush an insect!" cried Cousin Benedict. "Not so! I must see what it
is!"

"Some mosquito!" said Harris, shrugging his shoulders.

"No! It is a fly," replied Cousin Benedict, "and a fly which ought to
be very curious!"

Dick Sand had lit a little portable lantern, and he approached Cousin
Benedict.