Tom and the Wasfs. 197

“JT wish,” he had been saying, “that they
would understand that we do not want to hurt
them. We only want to watch what they are
doing.”

“Never mind,” called Archie. ‘Come
away, Tom! They'll fly out and sting you,
I’m certain. Look—there’s ever so many of
them.”

“Wasps, wasps,” said Tom to them, “don’t
be angry. I’m only just going to have a look
at your house. I promise not to touch it—
but I do want to know how you make it.”

“Tom, comeaway!” called Archie. ‘“ You'll
be stung—I know you'll be stung!”

It was no use calling, Tom would not
listen. Instead of going away, he went nearer,
and bent down, pushing the branches back
with his hand. |

“I believe,” he said, in a low voice, “that
they’re all out-of-doors, for I don’t see one.”

Alas! Just at that minute, before he had
time to step back, a number of wasps flew out
of the wasp-bike, and rushed at him.

« Archie!” shouted he. He wanted to say,