"Back oscillated the kettle out of my sight. But the swarm had got
the benefit of its contents and didn't like them. An ominous
buzzing rose. Their wings lifted, then settled back. The scent was
not strong enough to start them.

"I took another full breath. To me the strangling fumes had been
sweet for the relief they promised. Once more the kettle swung
under me, this time remaining a little longer. The smell was
strong; with difficulty I repressed a coughing that threatened to
shake me.

"This time the outer layer of bees rose slightly and hovered over
the others. Some flew wildly and angrily about. A few dropped,
stupefied. It would evidently take but little more to start the
whole swarm. Lancy moved up close behind me.

"Again he swung the kettle under the bees. They had had enough. The
entire mass left my legs. The greater number dropped down and hung
a few feet below, but stray skirmishers flew confusedly about.

"So far, however, not a single bee had touched either of us. It
looked as if we were to escape unharmed.

"Suddenly an unexpected disaster happened. One end of the bail
pulled out, allowing the kettle to tilt down sidewise. Out fell the
sulphur in a blue-burning, smoky stream. A moment later the chain
slipped entirely off the bail; the kettle shot downward, leaving
only a vanishing scent and a swarm of infuriated bees.