ITALIAN QUEEN BEE 49 



of cells to suit each size, shape, and kind 

 of bee, as the case may be. 



Well, as I was thus wandering about, 

 seriously considering all that was fast en- 

 tering my vigorous young mind, what should 

 I suddenly hear but that queer noise that I 

 had distinguished only once before, namely 

 "Hock! Hock!" It seemed strangely 

 harsh, and as it was repeated every now and 

 then, I detected from what direction it came, 

 and took my way towards that part of the 

 hive. As I went up and down or across 

 the brood frames, attended by my escort of 

 Maids and Chaps, who leisurely followed me 

 wherever I went, that sound grew louder 

 and more severe in its note. I saw ominous 

 glances on the faces of my attendants, as if 

 they thought it lay with me what was to be 

 done. I first grew apprehensive, and then 

 very angry. My passion came spontane- 

 ously and I was conscious of no wrong im- 

 pulses. It was simply ordained nature. I 



