The Chief let out a big sigh of relief.
"It's about ants," Kenzie began.
"Now, now, Kenzie boy," the Chief interrupted hurriedly. "Let's stay on the subject, shall we? Let's not get off on that tangent again, Kenzie boy. Shall we?"
"Nuts," Kenzie said.
"But this is about ants, Chief," Pringle answered. Then shrewdly, "But first you gotta promise, Chief."
"All right, I promise," the Chief acceded testily.
"It's about ants," Kenzie repeated stubbornly. The Chief winced, but he held his peace.
"They're intelligent," Kenzie said profoundly, and stopped.
"I know," the Chief prompted. "I know, Kenzie boy. You've been saying that all along."
"I communicated with them," Kenzie said flatly.