CHAPTER, TEN 



The Afterma-bh 



FLEW with all my speed, and I was 

 almost overcome with joy when I saw 

 my house. I noticed, too, as I ap- 

 proached, the Master bending over a neighboring hive, 

 and I wondered what was the matter. But on alight- 

 ing I was too happy to inquire about anything. I rushed 

 inside and sang a song of thanksgiving at my deliverance. 



Then I bolted straight for my cell to find my beloved 

 Crip. He welcomed me with joy. 



"Well," said he, "I feared you were lost. You 

 ought to have come home before the storm broke. 

 But I'm happy you escaped. The next time you see 

 great piles of cloud, make haste homeward. Your 

 life is too precious to lose through stupidity." 



He came close and gave me a kiss, drawing his 

 tongue across my mouth. The taste of honey excited 

 me, and immediately I dropped into a cell and helped 

 myself. I still felt stiff and cold from my experiences, 

 and complained to Crip. 



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