In a remote village called Kobala'ba, a young chief named Makara has disrupted traditional gender roles, allowing women to hunt and fish while men become increasingly idle. This shift has drawn the attention of Mr. Sanders, the local Commissioner, who suspects that the village is not paying taxes and is involved in illicit activities, including slavery. Makara, seeking to maintain his power and wealth, has organized women to gather resources like rubber and fish, which he secretly exports. The story unfolds as Lieutenant Tibbetts, known as Bones, arrives in Kobala'ba to investigate the situation. He is met by T'lini, one of Makara's wives, who reveals the village's unusual dynamics. Bones, intrigued by the women's roles, begins to lecture them on various scientific topics, including the behavior of bees, which he uses as a metaphor for labor and societal roles. As Bones educates the women, they become empowered and start to question their subservient roles. T'lini, inspired by Bones' teachings, leads a revolt against the men of Kobala'ba, who have become lazy and abusive. The women, emboldened by their newfound knowledge, capture the men and decide to eliminate them, adopting a new societal structure where they will take new husbands from neighboring villages. The story culminates in a dramatic shift in power dynamics, with the women of Kobala'ba establishing themselves as the new rulers. They request that Bones, who they see as a wise figure, become their leader, dubbing him their "Queen Bee." This unexpected turn of events highlights themes of gender roles, power, and the impact of education on societal change. The narrative explores the consequences of breaking traditional norms and the potential for transformation within a community.
By Edgar wallace · First published 1930 · Genre: Adventure, Colonial Fiction, Satire