"After this there will be no peace in the forest!" put in Rough-Mane.
"But we can't let the whole Liberty Forest go to rack and ruin!" protested Big-and-Strong. "We'll have to consult the humans; there is no alternative."
Karr understood that the elk had difficulty in expressing what they wished to say, and he tried to help them.
"Perhaps you want me to let the people know the conditions here?" he suggested.
All the old elk nodded their heads.
"It's most unfortunate that we are obliged to ask help of human beings, but we have no choice."
A moment later Karr was on his way home. As he ran ahead, deeply distressed over all that he had heard and seen, a big black water-snake approached them.
"Well met in the forest!" hissed the water-snake.
"Well met again!" snarled Karr, and rushed by without stopping.
The snake turned and tried to catch up to him.