"It is surprising how quickly we finished," said one of the women to Rebecca, as the last basket was emptied. "It is because our friends gave us so much help. Won't you come to the house with us now and have a luncheon?"
"No, thank you," answered Rebecca. "It is nearly supper time, and I must go home and do some cooking."
"I am anxious to see the dear little gazelle again," said Esther.
As she walked back to her friend's house Rebecca told her stories about wild gazelles.
"They like to keep together," she said. "They are very fond of each other's company. While they are feeding, one of them stands on guard to see if any enemies are stealing upon them. If he hears a sound that means danger, he gives the alarm and away the flock flees like the wind."
"I have often heard father speak of being as fleet as a gazelle," said Esther. "But what are its worst enemies?"
"The lion and the leopard, I suppose. Poor little creature! If a lion takes it by surprise, there is little hope for its life. Its only chance is in flight.
"There are times when less dangerous animals come upon a herd of gazelles, and then they make a stand to defend themselves. They gather in a close mass, with the mothers and little ones in the centre. The males make a ring on the outside, pointing their horns toward the enemy."
"Isn't it wonderful they should be so wise? How did you learn so much about gazelles, Rebecca?"