96 



On and on she went, up and down until it 

 seemed as though she never would reach the end 

 of her journey. Then suddenly she saw the light 

 before her, and a moment after she was out in the 

 road again and among the frightened groups of 

 ants. 



What joy arose when they saw Nipper come 

 staggering out with the rescued queen upon her 

 back ! Immediately the two were surrounded by 

 a joyous crowd. The queen was lifted from Nip- 

 per's back, food was given her and she was gently 

 stroked and rubbed. 



When, at last the queen seemed herself again, 

 those around her turned to the faithful Nipper. 

 " And you, little ant ; what reward can we give to 

 you ? " they asked. 



At that one said one thing and one another, 

 until they saw that the queen wished to speak. 

 Then all were silent. 



The queen raised herself and looked around. 

 " My faithful subjects," she said, "although to-day 

 you have me with you again, a little while ago I was 

 lying prisoned among the ruins, and there I would 

 be still if it were not for this faithful little ant. I 

 now propose that as a reward for this service we 



