“O James! look there!”
“O!” exclaimed James; “it is a hornets’ nest.”
“So ’tis,” said Rollo; “run! run!”
James and Rollo started off at these words, and away they ran down the alley, Rollo convulsed with laughter at the success of his stratagem. At length they stopped.
“Now, how shall we get back?” said James. For the lilac, upon which Rollo had put the hornets’ nest, was close to the garden gate.
“I am not afraid to go,” said Rollo.
So Rollo walked along boldly; James following slowly and with a timid air, remonstrating with Rollo for his temerity.
“Rollo!” said he, “Rollo! take care. You had better not go.”
But what was his surprise and astonishment at seeing Rollo go deliberately up to the bush, and take down the twig that had the hornets’ nest attached to it, and hold it out towards him!