Swallows A Bee With A Drink Of Water

SHIELDS

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes
Date: 9/7/2013 at 09:54:22

The Grinnell (IA) Herald
July 21, 1916

SWALLOWS A BEE WITH
A DRINK OF WATER
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Whatever high regard James Shields may have entertained for the bee as a domestic utility was ruthlessly shattered on last Tuesday when he swallowed one of those annoying little insects. For a space of several minutes after this painful occurrence Mr. Shields fought unsuccessfully a wild desire to run, to jump up and down, and otherwise to demonstrate that he was in great agony. For the bee stung him. Not before he swallowed it, but after. Anyone knows that it is never any real joy to be stung by a bee, but under the above circumstances it is too painful to describe.

Here's how it happened: Mr. Shields lives in the northwest part of town and has a neighbor who keeps a large swarm of bees. One of these bees flew over into Mr. Shields' yard and took up temporary loding in the spout of the pump. Mr. Shields, all innocent and unaware, pumped a tumblerful of water, took a long, deep draught--and the rest is history. A physician who was called immediately, relieved the victim's sufferings, and now Mr. Shields is his old self once more.

Of course the foregoing discourse is strictly "inside information," but as to the doubters who are unable to believe this story The Herald can only refer them to the attending physician, or better still, to Mr. Shields himself.