As when a storm, rushing from the north, suddenly strikes the sea, rolling the waves in mountain ridges along the main, which again, breaking, rush back and fall like cliffs into the deep, stirring the great cauldron of waters to its bottom, and then spread out again into a calm, so the Apes, mightily stirred at the approach of stern War, and driven by their fears, rushed hither and thither over the plain, mounting the trees and scattering to places of safety, and then, as the storm of terror passed on its way regained composure and settled down on the field of battle ready for action.
First advanced from the ranks of the Ammi the mighty Pounder, impatient for battle, and, surveying the plain which lay between the Men and the Apes, he grinned a challenge to the whole Lali.
Him seeing from afar the mighty Scratch-for-Fleas, starting up from the hosts of the Lali and shaking himself, (at which the earth trembled as when Jupiter shook Olympus with a nod), advanced to him, saying:
“For what purpose come you to the shores of the Lali? Have the cocoanuts failed beyond the Swamp, or do you come for our women? We will defend our own, be they cocoanuts or girls. Go back, or taste the wrath of the Monkeys.”
Him answering with a grin, the fierce Pounder showed his teeth. His great lips parted, like the swinging gates of Babylon, bringing to view huge rows of marble-like columns that lined, like palisades, a deep, dark gorge.
A like mouth opened on the other side; and Scratch-for-Fleas, looking now to the east and now to the west, advanced, first on four feet and then on two. Next he moved sidewise, and, at last, for a moment, stood still, moving however in contemplation his great features, which, following his thoughts, changed fast in shape and color like clouds in a mountain storm.
“Do you come for the maiden of Ilo?” he said. “You will return without her. Give back your stolen fruits and women, and we may make peace before war begins.”
Pounder thereupon, without answering, rushed for Scratch-for-Fleas, being better fitted for war than for diplomacy.
Scratch-for-Fleas, fearing the mighty assault, retreated to the hosts of the Lali, unwilling to fight so great a champion; and thereupon a loud shout went up from the Ammi at their bloodless victory. Pounder, however, was disappointed, for he loved fighting better than conquering.