The Nest-building Odynerus 



arrives without a hitch at its destination, in 

 front of the Hen-house. It is put back in 

 the earth immediately facing the reeds 

 wherein the Odynerus makes her dwelling. 

 No matter whether it takes root again or 

 not, provided that the little tree keep fresh 

 for a few days with abundant watering: 

 that is all that is wanted. 



After installing her observatory, Claire 

 proceeds to lie in wait, hiding behind some 

 branches beside the poplar, whose foliage is 

 in full view. She watches in the morning; 

 she watches when the heat of the day has 

 come; she watches in the afternoon. Next 

 day, she begins again; on the day after that, 

 she is still at it; and so she continues until 

 at last fortune smiles upon her. O blessed 

 patience, of what are you not capable! The 

 swarm of Odyneri, out in search of larvae, 

 were, on their return, warned by the smell 

 of nitrobenzene of the presence of the trans- 

 planted and game-laden poplar. Why make 

 distant expeditions when the quarry abounds 

 outside one's door? The little tree was 

 extensively exploited. Under such condi- 

 tions the huntress was not long in revealing 

 the secret of her tactics. Over and over 

 again Claire witnessed the act of murder by 

 the dagger. But she paid dearly for satisfy- 

 207 



