t.-- Just a
little while ago, as by a miracle, I escaped from the fortress
of the hornets, and the last I heard was that they were planning
to attack and plunder our kingdom at dawn."

The wild dismay that the little bee's words produced was
indescribable. The ladies-in-waiting set up a loud wail, the
officers at the door turned pale and made as if to dash off and
sound the alarm, the aide said: "Good God!" and wheeled
completely round, because he wanted to see on all sides at once.

As for the queen, it was really extraordinary to see with what
composure, what resourcefulness she received the dreadful news.
She drew herself up, and there was something in her attitude
that both intimidated and inspired endless confidence. Little
Maya was awed. Never, she felt, had she witnessed anything so
superior. It was like a great, magnificent event in itself.

The queen beckoned the officers to her side and uttered a few
rapid sentences aloud. At the end Maya heard:

"I give you one minute for the execution of my orders.
A fraction of a second longer, and it will cost you your heads."

But the officers scarcely looked as if they needed this
incentive. In less time than it takes to tell they were gone.
Their instant readiness was a joy to behold.

"O my queen!" said Maya.

The queen inclined her head to the little bee, who once again
for a brief moment saw her monarch's countenance beam upon her
gently, lovingly.

"You have our thanks," she said. "You have saved us. No matter
what your previous conduct may have been, you have made up for
it a thousandfold.-- But go, rest now, little girl, you look
very miserable, and your hands are trembling."

"I should like to die for you," Maya stammered, quivering.

"Don't worry about us," replied the queen. "Among the thousands
inhabiting this city there is not one who would hesitate a
moment to sacrifice his life for me and for the welfare of the
country. You can go to sleep peacefully."

She bent over and kissed the little bee on her forehead. Then
she beckoned to the ladies-in-waiting and bade them see to
Maya's rest and comfort.

Maya, stirred to the depths of her being, allowed herself to be
led away. After this, life had nothing lovelier to offer. As in
a dream she heard the loud, clear signals in the distance, saw
the high dignitaries of state assemble around the royal
chambers, heard a dull, far-echoing drone that shook the hive
from roof to foundation.

"The soldie