374 THE STORY-BOOK OF SCIENCE 



preoccupied. Emile, Jules, and Claire look at each 

 other, surprised at what is going on. 



The little cloud descends, it approaches the cur- 

 rant-bush, as Jacques had foreseen, passes around 

 it, examines it, chooses a branch. And now pom! 

 pom! pom! pom! louder than ever. On the branch 

 selected a round mass is formed, visibly increasing 

 while the cloud, less and less compact, whirls around. 

 Jacques and Mother Ambroisine stop tapping. 

 Soon there hangs from the branch of the currant- 

 bush a large bunch, from which the last comers of the 

 living cloud depart to return an instant later. All 

 is over ; one can now approach. 



Emile, who suspects it is bees, would like to return 

 to the house. His old misadventure with the hive 

 has left him with lively remembrances. To reassure 

 him his uncle takes him by the hand. Emile bravely 

 approaches the currant-bush. What risk can he run 

 with his uncle? Jules and Claire come close also; 

 it is worth the trouble. 



Now, on the currant-bush hangs a bunch of bees, all 

 close together. Some belated ones come from here 

 and there, choose a good place, and cling on to the 

 preceding ones. The branch bends under the bur- 

 den, for there are several thousands on it. The first 

 arrivals, doubtless the most robust, since they will 

 have to support the whole load, have seized the 

 branch with the claws of their forefeet ; others have 

 come and fastened themselves to the hind feet of the 

 first bees, and in their turn have served as suspen- 

 sion points to a third rank; then, gradually, to a 

 fourth, fifth, sixth, and more still, meantime dimin- 



