84 



the army started I, as well as other black ants, was 

 with it. 



" It was a long journey across rough ground, and 

 around a piece of water, but after a while I knew 

 by the fresh speed and excitement that scouts had 

 brought news that we were coming near the nest 

 we were to attack. 



" I and the other slaves were hurried on with the 

 rest, and so I saw almost everything that happened. 



" The nest was a very large one. There must 

 have been many more black ants in it than there 

 were ants in our attacking party, but they knew how 

 fierce and strong the red ants are in battle. 



" They made little or no resistance and soon hid 

 away in the lower part of the nest. I think — I 

 hope — that few of them were hurt, but there were 

 some brave ones who suffered. 



" One I remember especially. She was trying 

 to guard a narrow door into the nest. A great red 

 ant rushed at her, and before the black ant could 

 protect herself her head was seized in those terrible, 

 strong, red jaws." 



Nipper shuddered with horror, and drew closer 

 to her friend. 



" Even then," Riddler went on, " all mieht have 



