“I think,” said Gimbo, “that any place where one can’t walk on four feet is no place to live,” and he raised himself up on his hind feet to warm his hands by blowing them—a method that they had only recently learned.
At this moment a great roar was heard in the mountains, and a shaking of the earth like that which followed the upheaval of the Alps. A rush of snow descended from a high peak, crashing into the valley below, and burying everything beneath it. It was the first avalanche seen by man, and it laid the foundation of a mighty glacier which was to be followed by others in its march across the country.
The Ammi were frightened at this new wonder, and thought that part of the sky had fallen, and that the gods would come next. Gimbo died from the fright, not so much because of what he saw and heard, as from the expected descent of the gods. Thus passed away the last four-footed man.
After regaining their composure they quickly decided to flee from the Cold, the Famine and the falling Heavens.
It was, accordingly, determined to go South; and they immediately began preparations for the exodus.
As soon as they were ready, they therefore left their ancient Paradise of Cocoanut Hill—the first Eden of the Human Race—driven by the cold, bleak God of Snow; but they sought another Eden.
As they started South, Koree and Sosee led the way, not caring whither they went, so they went together.
They directed their steps toward Egypt and Western Asia, whence their ancestors had come.
They soon got beyond the snow, and out of their sufferings; for the glacial region did not extend far south of Cocoanut Hill. They accordingly had abundant fruits and mild climate for their journey, and they proceeded with merriment, as well as regret, stopping often and delaying long where the country through which they passed pleased them.