“Stir yourself, Wulli,” bellowed a voice. “Why do you stand like a dumb Moo Hoo when there is work to be done?”
The Rhinoceros aroused himself and whirled about, too confused to express his thoughts with fitting words. He trotted behind his friend, sullen and thoughtful; and so in silence they approached the great Rock which thrust itself into the valley from the more distant heights like a rugged outpost placed there to guard the river and lowlands.
“This is the place,” said the Mammoth. “Now we must look around for Grun Waugh.”
“We can look when we get there,” Wulli sniffed and he scrambled boldly up the slope. Hairi followed. No more words were wasted. Their breath was needed for the steep climb. Higher and higher rose their huge bodies until they neared the foot of a more abrupt although short ascent; the middle terrace. This latter was topped by a broad rock-platform which projected from the towering back-wall. A few more steps and the Mammoth’s eyes were above the level of this platform.
“Take care, no noise,” he whispered suddenly. “Grun Waugh is not here. Another has taken his place.”
“Who?”
“Not so loud, I tell you. It is one of the Cave-folk; the kind that has no tail and walks around on its hind legs.”
“Bear?”
“No, no; come and see for yourself.”
The Rhinoceros advanced several steps which brought his eyes above the level of the ledge. He took a long, careful look, then turned to the Mammoth and said in a low voice trembling with disappointment: