Grun Waugh felt terribly incensed. With all his courage, he dared not advance and impale himself upon that terrible nose-horn. He reviled Wulli under his breath for his obstinacy, but that did him no good. Then he tried threats, roaring loudly and showing his cruel teeth. He was fearful to look upon, but the Rhinoceros failed to appreciate this. Having determined that he was pursuing the best possible course, he refused to budge from it. Not for an instant would he permit the Cave Lion to enter shallow water and rest himself.
“Go away,” roared Grun Waugh. “We will not hurt you this time, provided you stand aside and let us pass.”
“Pass where?” asked Wulli in his blandest manner. “Your home is behind you. You are going the wrong way.”
“And you will not stand aside?”
“Not if I can help it,” replied the Rhinoceros. “You do not belong here. Go home and take your hyenas back with you.”
Scrag nearly had a fit as he heard himself thus insulted. To be classed as a hyena was more than he could bear.
“Pig!” he wauled, forgetting his paddling. His head sank; the waters closed over it. When it reappeared, Scrag was blinded and half-choked, also the starch was taken out of him entirely. He was cold and tired and made up his mind then and there that he could be of more service to the world as a live lion than mere fish-food. He faced about, wheezing and panting, and sailed away on his return trip.
Crocut saw the young lion scudding past him. He was suddenly reminded that his wind and strength were ebbing fast. Just about enough fuel left in his bunkers to carry him back where he came from, so he, too, swung around and steered a straight course homeward.
Thus was the Cave Beast squadron shorn of much of its seeming strength. The battle was not yet over, however, for Grun Waugh still persisted in his efforts to effect a landing. But Wulli held the bridgehead, and the Cave Lion, try as he would, could accomplish nothing. Finally, he, too, gave up, tired and discouraged and steamed away, leaving the Rhinoceros in full possession of the field.