Page:Wisdom of the Wilderness (1923).pdf/187

 Formica's people had decided that they must have a fresh supply of them. Hence this warlike and altogether unprovoked invasion. Whatever the virtues to be observed in the world of the ant folk, a regard for the rights of strangers is not among them. The ants' morality begins and ends with the interests of their own community.

The approach of the enemy was observed by the dark ants while the hostile column was yet several feet away, or possibly the alarm had been given by terrified scouts. However that may be, a swarm of defenders gathered swiftly on the summit of the threatened nest. They rushed down the slope and hurled themselves desperately upon the invaders. Their courage and devotion were beyond reproach; but in strength, in the effectiveness of their weapons, and in military skill they were no match for Formica and her fellows. After five minutes or less of furious mêlée they were routed and fled back into the depths of their nest, leaving half their number dead or mortally stricken on the field, while the casualties among the invading ranks were hardly worth mentioning.

The battle once decided, the victors were not vindictive. They had come not to slaughter needlessly but to procure slaves. For this purpose adult captives were of no use to them. They wanted