Summary

In "The Aftermath," Chapter 31, Sidi ventured into the mountains in search of the hornets. He believed he must "find their nests and neutralize them before a new attack came" (175). While Sidi searched, the villagers watched the hives. One day, Douda begged Sidi not to go into the mountains. He could not tell Sidi Toumi and his men were there, but he feared for Sidi's life.

While traveling, Sidi again heard the border guards approaching. This time, "the young soldiers" were friendly, and wished Sidi well (176). On one side of the mountain, Sidi tried luring the hornets with honey, but none appeared. He then moved to the other side of the mountain, praying for God's help. The next morning, he heard the hornets' "distinctive, bloodcurdling sound" (178). He captured one, tied a string to its abdomen, and let it go. He then followed the hornet...