So one fine morning they set out to conquer some weaker colony and make slaves of the prisoners of war.

It was not long before they came upon a nest of black ants.

“These are good workers,” said the lazy red ants.  “They will make good servants.”  So they fell upon the nests and carried off all the baby ants.

“We could never carry the older ones so far,” said the red ants, “but these children will grow up before long.”

This was true.  Soon Alerta was a fine, strong young ant.  One morning her mistress tapped her on the shoulder.

“Do get me some food, please,” said she.

“What would you like, and where shall I get it?” asked Alerta briskly.  She was glad to have something to do.

“Oh, run outside,” said the red ant, “and you will find our cows grazing on a rose-bush near the door.”

Alerta ran up the narrow winding passage-way and came out in the warm sunlight.  Numbers of slaves were running about, but they were all so busy that Alerta did not like to stop them.  At last, however, she saw one of them approach a small green insect which was clinging to a leaf, and tap it gently.  A big drop of honey came out of the little insect, and the ant passed on to another.

“Those must be the cows,” thought Alerta, and she hastened to follow her companion’s example.  She found that the honey was very sweet and delicious.  Soon she had a good supply for her hungry mistress and was about to return to the nest, when she met another servant.

“Where are you going?” asked Alerta.

“I am head-nurse in a large family of children,” said the other slave.  “They need all my time and attention.  I mustn’t stop to talk, thank you,” and she hurried on.

“I wonder,” thought Alerta, “what would become of the red ants if it were not for us.  They seem to be a very helpless people.”  Then she went back to her mistress.

“Now,” said the red ant, when she had eaten all she wanted, “please carry me to bed.”

“I wonder if I can lift her,” thought Alerta doubtfully, as she looked at her heavy companion.  “Still, I can try.”  So, with many stumbles and stops, and a great deal of panting, she bore the large ant to the place she pointed out as her bedroom.

“That will do,” said the sleepy lady.  “Now go and give the children a bath, and as soon as the sun is warmer, carry them up into the air.”

Alerta ran off to find the nursery.  The soldiers were on guard at the door, but they let her go by when she told them her errand.  Some of the babies were being fed, while others were already on their way upstairs.  Alerta was about to pick up one of the children when a cry came from above.

“Take the children down at once.  It is going to rain!”

Down the passage-way swarmed a crowd of nurses with their charges.

“No,” cried another voice, “it is not rain.  Some one is flooding our house.”