Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1894-11-03
A WATER BUGS DEFEAT.
Ho Made Gallant Defense, but the Red
Ants We're Too Many.

Ants We're Too Many.
A printer seated on the court house
railing one afternoon happened to
glance toward the fagstone and beheld
an ordinary water bug slowly making
his way toward the big stone building
Presently two small red ants rushed
from the protecting shades of bunch
of grass and sprang at the pedestrian.
The bug paused an instant in his per-
ambulations as though surprised, and
apparently stared at the highwaymen,
then boldly he threw them aside and
passed slowly on.
One of the highwaymen followed
him; the other scurried rapidly away
whence he came, and stopped in the
midst of Il score of busy companions.
Unconsciously the printer became in
terested.
The bug went on in leisurely way,
attending to his own business. Close
after him came his shadow, one of the
little red highwaymen, who never for
an instant lost track of the big fellow.
The little ant which had hurried
away after the first attack and repulse
was now returning in great haste. He
skirted along by the line of the follow
err, and close on his heels came fifty or
n hundred of his fellows. They were
very much excited, and gesticulated
wildly as they hurried along.
Occasionally the grand marshal
paused and gave 'em additional in
structions," as one of the spectators
expressed it.
The reserve guard was now within
three feet of the big fellow. The origi-
nal shadow evidently detected the sound
of the advancing hosts, for he turned,
looked back, then deserted his post,
and hurried back to meet the brigade.
He almost knocked the grand mar
shal down, so cordial was his welcome,
and rapidly he related what had oc-
CURED since they had last seen each
other. The soldiers gathered about the
two, and eagerly listened to the plan
of the campaign as it was unfolded to
the marshal.
All was ready for the attack. The
grand marshal stepped in front of his
restless command and gave the order
to advance. The slSirmishers who had
been deployed by the sergeant-major
flashed back the signal that the hour
was ripe.
The water bug had stopped in front
of an apple core and was lost in con-
temptation of his luscious prize and
with his face half buried in it.
Then came the signal to charge. A
score of red soldiers rushed at the ene-
my and he was well nigh vanquished,
so complete was the surprise. Then his
presence of mind and his strength re-
turned. He struck out right and left,
and his eR,snies fell back repulsed for
the instant.
On came another brigade and renewed
the attack with greater vigor. The enc
my was attacked at every point. He
fought with the courage of one aroused
to the highest pitch of desperation.
So vigorous were his blows that his
enemies fell around him by the dozens,
but fresh troops instantly took their
places and continued the battle.
The grand marshal had laid his plans
so well that every point was stormed
by overwhelming numbers. The blows
OF the big fellow grew weaker while
the battling of the red ants became
more vigorous.
Then over his body swarmed the red
soldiers. in high glee. The million
little stingers they had thrust into his
tough brown hide had reached vital
spot. The bug was no more.
The victorious troops danced and ran
and jumped over his prostrate form,
and one of the printers swore he heard
the sound of battle song.
Presently another brigade advanced,
and, seizing hold OF the conquered bug
at various points, pulled him over on
his back The brigade paused an in
slant to gloat DER his fatness, then
dragged him away over the hot stone
into the dark recesses of their grassy
forest.-St. Paul Pioneer Press.
Lumber Merchant.