ligion. We are a
stronger, more powerful nation, while they steal and murder
wherever they can. You may use your sting upon insects, to
defend yourself and inspire respect, but if you insert it in a
warm-blooded animal, especially a human being, you will die,
because it will remain sticking in the skin and will break off.
So do not sting warm-blooded creatures except in dire need, and
then do it without flinching or fear of death. For it is to our
courage as well as our wisdom that we bees owe the universal
respect and esteem in which we are held. And now good-by, Maya
dear. Good luck to you. Be faithful to your people and your
queen."

The little bee nodded yes, and returned her old monitor's kiss
and embrace. She went to bed in a flutter of secret joy and
excitement and could scarcely fall asleep from curiosity. For
the next day she was to know the great, wide world, the sun, the
sky and the flowers.

Meanwhile the bee-city had quieted down. A large part of the
younger bees had now left the kingdom to found a new city; but
for a long time the droning of the great swarm could be heard
outside in the sunlight. It was not from arrogance or evil
intent against the queen that these had quitted; it was because
the population had grown to such a size that there was no longer
room for all the inhabitants, and it was impossible to store a
sufficient food-supply of honey to feed them all over the
winter. You see, according to a government treaty of long
standing, a large part of the honey gathered in summer had to be
delivered up to human beings, who in return assured the welfare
of the bee-state, provided for the peace and safety of the bees,
and gave them shelter against the cold in winter.

"The sun has risen!"

The joyous call sounding in Maya's ears awoke her out of sleep
the next morning. She jumped up and joined a lady working-bee.

"Delighted," said the lady cordially. "You may fly with me."

At the gate, where there was a great pushing and crowding, they
were held up by the sentinels, one of whom gave Maya the
password without which no bee was admitted into the city.

"Be sure to remember it," he said, "and good luck to you."

Outside the city gates, a flood of sunlight assailed the little
bee, a brilliance of green and gold, so rich and warm and
resplendent that she had to close her eyes, not knowing what to
say or do from sheer delight.

"Magnificent! It really is," she said to her companion. "Do we
fl