A store of honey had been found in a hollow tree, and the Wasps
declared positively that it belonged to them. The Bees were just
as sure that the treasure was theirs. The argument grew very
pointed, and it looked as if the affair could not be settled
without a battle, when at last, with much good sense, they
agreed to let a judge decide the matter. So they brought the
case before the Hornet, justice of the peace in that part of the
woods.
When the Judge called the case, witnesses declared that they had
seen certain winged creatures in the neighborhood of the hollow
tree, who hummed loudly, and whose bodies were striped, yellow
and black, like Bees.
Counsel for the Wasps immediately insisted that this description
fitted his clients exactly.
Such evidence did not help Judge Hornet to any decision, so he
adjourned court for six weeks to give him time to think it over.
When the case came up again, both sides had a large number of
witnesses. An Ant was first to take the stand, and was about to
be cross-examined, when a wise old Bee addressed the Court.
“Your honor,” he said, “the case has now been pending for six
weeks. If it is not decided soon, the honey will not be fit for
anything. I move that the Bees and the Wasps be both instructed
to build a honey comb. Then we shall soon see to whom the honey
really belongs.”
The Wasps protested loudly. Wise Judge Hornet quickly understood
why they did so: They knew they could not build a honey comb and
fill it with honey.
“It is clear,” said the Judge, “who made the comb and who could
not have made it. The honey belongs to the Bees.”
Ability proves itself by deeds.
