It soon became obvious that they were under regular discipline, and even attempting to carry out the skilful plans and stratagems of some eminent leader.

Our hands and necks were the first objects of attack.

Large bodies of these little pests were massed in silence round the point to be assaulted.

We could hear the sharp shrill word of command two or three times repeated, though until then we had not believed in the vocal power of an ant; the instant after we felt the storming hosts range over head and neck, biting the tender skin, clinging with a death-grip to the hair, and parting with their jaws rather than quit their hold.

On our lying down again in the hope of their having been driven off, no sooner was the light out, and all still, than the manoeuvre was repeated.