“How do they divide their spoil?” one of the youths asked.
“We don't know that,” was the reply, “but it is certain they have some form of division or they would not pass the fruit from one to another as they do. It is quite possible that the chief takes the best for himself and either assigns the others their shares or lets them quarrel over what he does not want.”
“Another instance of their close imitation of human customs,” said George with a laugh.
“Captain Mayne Reid gives an interesting account,” said Mr. Graham, “of how monkeys in the tropical forest of America cross a stream. It is an excellent illustration of the subject we have under consideration.”
When they reached home Mr. Graham found the book containing the story and handed it to Harry, who read aloud as follows:
“The half-human voices now sounded nearer, and we could perceive that the animals were approaching the spot where we lay. Presently they appeared upon the opposite bank, headed by an old gray chieftain, and officered like so many soldiers. They were of the comadreja or ring-tailed tribe.
“One—an aide-de-camp, or chief pioneer, perhaps—ran out upon a projecting rock, and after looking across the stream, as if calculating the distance, scampered back, and appeared to communicate with the leader. This produced a movement in the troops. Commands were issued, and fatigue parties were detailed and marched to the front.
