At last, however, she saw
one of them approach a small green insect which was clinging to a leaf,
and tap it gently. A big drop of honey came out of the little insect,
and the ant passed on to another.
"Those must be the cows," thought Alerta, and she hastened to follow her
companion's example. She found that the honey was very sweet and
delicious. Soon she had a good supply for her hungry mistress and was
about to return to the nest, when she met another servant.
"Where are you going?" asked Alerta.
"I am head-nurse in a large family of children," said the other slave.
"They need all my time and attention. I mustn't stop to talk, thank
you," and she hurried on.
"I wonder," thought Alerta, "what would become of the red ants if it
were not for us. They seem to be a very helpless people." Then she went
back to her mistress.
"Now," said the red ant, when she had eaten all she wanted, "please
carry me to bed."
"I wonder if I can lift her," thought Alerta doubtfully, as she looked
at her heavy companion. "Still, I can try." So, with many stumbles and
stops, and a great deal of panting, she bore the large ant to the place
she pointed out as her bedroom.
"That will do," said the sleepy lady. "Now go and give the children a
bath, and as soon as the sun is warmer, carry them up into the air.
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