"To be sure I do."
"Then, sir, you are obstructing the road. This is most irregular."
"Not at all—most regular thing in the world. A little early, perhaps, for the first swarm."
"Be so good as to take down that ladder at once, and let my company pass."
"A step higher, Tristram," said the little man, turning a deaf ear to this order. "Better use the right hand. Wait a moment, while I get the hive underneath."
"Take down that ladder!" shouted the red-coated officer.
"You must wait a moment, I'm afraid."
"You refuse?"
"Oh dear, yes! Keep back, sir, for the bees are easily frightened."
"Sergeant!" foamed the young man, "come and remove this ladder!"