Death of Hum — Robbery — Restitution. 105 



a hole for shelter. This made me later still, and 

 when I got back I found the entrance of the hive 

 closed, and smoke coming out from every crevice. 

 Two men were standing close by; the smoke made 

 me feel sick and giddy ; presently the men pulled 

 the hive from the board. Oh, Buz ! it was dreadful 

 to see them shake out the dead bees in heaps. Some 

 of the honey came out, and they pulled out the 

 breeding comb. Only to think how many grubs, 

 which would soon have become busy bees, have been 

 destroyed ! Only to think how much honey they 

 would have collected next spring! It is very, very 

 sad. For myself, dear, I think I had done my work; 

 I am getting to feel quite old, and could hardly have 

 expected to live through the winter. Ah!" she 

 continued more faintly, "how long and cold the 

 night has been ! I found this empty cell and crept 

 into it, or I must have died hours ago. A few other 

 bees, who, like me, had not returned before the hive 

 was filled with smoke, were going about at first, but 

 I have seen none moving lately. Where are you. 

 Buz, dear } Where are your antennae ? It is so dark 

 and so cold." 



" I am quite, quite close to you, my poor Hum ! " 

 said Buz. "Can't you see and feel me?" 



" No, no," answered Hum in a whisper ; " it is too 



