NERVE SPECIALISTS 
291 
“ Oh, poor thing!” Alice wailed sorrowfully, 
“ the wretch must have poisoned her some way. 
Can’t we do anything to help? ” 
“Wait!” cautioned Uncle John, quickly. 
And, almost ere the words left his lips, the wasp 
sprang to her feet, and with a quick shrug became 
cool and collected, entirely ready for the matter 
in hand. As she advanced upon the worm, Uncle 
John stated calmly: “ Merely an hysterical fit of 
joy. She always has them to celebrate a vic¬ 
tory! ” 
“Shades of Columbus!” ejaculated Tommy, 
wide-eyed, and an appreciative murmur followed 
the little gasp of wonder with which the infor¬ 
mation had been received. 
Then all eyes were riveted upon the small 
butcher. Beginning at the joint below her first 
attack, she proceeded methodically down the 
length of the worm, jabbing in her lance at each 
joint, with never a hint of resistance from the 
victim. It is probable that he was quite insen¬ 
sible after the first thrust. In any event, as Max 
observed, they couldn’t feel very sorry for him. 
Wasn’t it just such creatures as he that stole into 
their gardens at night, cutting off their choicest 
flowers and vegetables, apparently for the very 
love of the mischief? Tit for tat; he deserved his 
fate. 
Perhaps the wasp thought so, too; at any rate. 
