THE CARPENTERS 235 



its neighbour's nursery. As soon as the 

 hole in the log is finished, the first insect 

 stored away, and the wasp gone for an- 

 other, in pops little green madam. She 

 lays her egg in the snug retreat that cost 

 her only vigilance to secure, and away she 

 goes. 



But woe to her if she is caught in the 

 act, for the wasp knows her well and 

 understands perfectly her thievish inten- 

 tions, and if she so much as sees her in 

 the neighbourhood of the nest there is 

 trouble. The wasp makes a dash for the 

 chrysis, but the little green rascal is so very 

 quick in her movements that she generally 

 escapes unharmed. 



She appears to go away after this inhos- 

 pitable reception, but she does not really 

 go. She still lurks near, watching opera- 

 tions — and watching her chance. 



If she succeeds in getting into the nest 

 when the wasp is away she deposits her tggy 

 and her interest in that nest is at an end. 



