the prints left by tiny wavelets on the sand. Near the
base was a circular opening about as large as an old-fashioned penny.
This was the door of the hornets' residence, through which all the
occupants came and went.

The boys halted at a safe distance, and even Tom paused a few minutes
to make a reconnoissance before going nearer.

"You fellows stay here, and don't any of you throw stones or yell!" he
said, in a guarded undertone; "for if them hornets find out what is up,
they'll come swarming out by the million and sting us all to death."

The promise was readily made, and Tom went forward like a hero, the
eyes of all of his playmates fixed upon him. It was noticed be carried
a large silken handkerchief in his hand--one that he had secured at
home for this special purpose.

He advanced stealthily until within some ten feet, when he halted
again. With his gaze centered on the gray, oblong object, he saw one
of the dark insects suddenly crawl to view through the opening.

"I wonder if he suspects anything," thought Tom, half disposed to turn
about and run; "no--he's all right," he added, as the hornet spread his
wings, and shot off like a bullet through the air.

Still intently watching the orifice, the boy moved softly forward until
directly under the nest. Then, with the deliberation of a veteran, he
deftly enfolded it with the large silk handkerchief, easily wrenched it
loose from its support, tied the covering over the top so securely that
not an inhabitant of the nest could possibly escape, and rejoined in
triumph his companions.

"Now you'll see fun!" he exclaimed, as he led the whole party trooping
in the direction of the schoolhouse; "keep mum, and don't tell any of
the girls what's up."

It was a grand scheme and it looked as if there could be no hitch in
it. What compunctions the other boys might have felt against the
attempt to cause pain to their teacher were forgotten in the excitement
of the coming sport.

The residents of the oblong home must have been surprised, to put it
mildly, when they found the house swinging along, in the grasp of some
great giant, themselves enveloped in gloom, and the only avenue of
escape sealed up. They hummed, and buzzed and raised a tempest within,
but it was in vain: they were prisoners and must remain such until the
ogre chose to release them.

Everything seemed to join to help the young rebel. The girls were
playing so far from the school building, that