The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1894-11-08
A WAFER BUGS DEFEAT.
He Made a Gallant Defense, but the Red
Ants Were Too Many.

/
Ants Were Too Many.
A printer seated on the court house
railing one afternoon happened to
glance toward the flagstone 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 a 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
sllirted along by the line of the follow
er, and close on his heels came fifty or
a 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
shall 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 SkirmisherS VINO had
been deplOyed by the sergeantmajor
| 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 enemies 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 We're 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 singers 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 PROSTATE form,
and one of the printers swore he heard
the sound of battle song.
Presently another brigade advanced,
and, selling hold of the conquered bug
at various points, pulled him over on
his back The brigade paused an in
slant to gloat DER his fairness, then
dragged him away over the hot stone
into the dark recesses of their grassy
/ forest.-St. Paul Pioneer Press.