THE YELLOW PERIL IN HIVELAND 173 
that constitutes, for the wasp, the main risk when 
robbing the hives. 
If this happens, there is no longer any doubt of 
the turn affairs are to take. At an unlucky moment 
the wasp brushes against one of these hive-constables 
and instead of indifference, or, at most, a spiteful 
tweak of the leg or wing in passing, she finds 
herself suddenly at deadly grips. The bee’s attack 
is as swift as it is furious. Seizing the yellow 
honey-thief with all six legs, she hacks away at her 
with her jaws, at the same time curving her body 
inwards with her cruel sting bared to the hilt. 
Even now, although more than equal to one bee at 
any time, the policy of the wasp is to refuse the fight, 
and to run. Her long legs give her a better reach. 
She forces her adversary away, disengages, and 
charges off towards the dim light of the entrance. 
In all that follows, this is the beacon that guides 
her. If she could get a clear course, her greater 
speed would soon out-distance all pursuit. But the 
sudden clash of arms in the quiet of the hive has 
an extraordinary effect on the sluggish colony. The 
alarm spreads on every side. Wherever the wasp 
runs now she is met with snapping jaws and 
detaining embraces. As she rushes madly down the 
comb, she is continually pulled up in full flight by 
bees hanging on to her legs, her wings, her black 
waving antenne. A dozen times she shakes them 
all off, and speeds on, the spot of light and safety 
in the distance ever growing brighter and larger. 
But she seldom escapes with her life if affairs have 
reached this pass. The way now is alive with 
enemies, She is stopped and headed off in all 
directions. Trying this way and that for a loophole, 
