"Yes," said little Francis, "they stung my face dreadfully the other day, when I was on the ladder.

I was pushing a stick into the hole they came out of, to try how deep it was." "Now, then," cried I, "I see through my difficulties.

Let us find out how far the tree is hollow; we can increase the size of the tunnel, and I have already planned the sort of staircase I can construct." I had hardly spoken, when the boys leaped like squirrels, some upon the arched roots, some on the steps of the ladder, and began to strike with sticks and mallets to sound the tree.

This rash proceeding had nearly been fatal to Jack, who, having placed himself just before the opening, and striking violently, the whole swarm, alarmed at an attack, which probably shook their palace of wax, issued forth, and revenged themselves amply on all the assailants.

Nothing was heard but cries and stamping of feet.