dreams of
slaughter of us, I vote that we turn their dreams into action against
themselves. The elephant, and rhinoceros, and buffalo are strong; let
each lead his tribe to attack, overturn, and trample down their nests.
We, with our families, will range round and slaughter every one that
escapes them. Those are my words."

"Now, friend Buffalo, what sayest thou?" demanded the Elephant. "Thou
art a staunch friend and stout foe. We cannot but listen with respect
to such an one as thyself."

"Ah, friend Elephant, and ye chiefs of tribes, every sentiment of
hostility against the vile and spiteful sons of man that ye have
expressed finds an echo in my inwards. If wrong has been done to any
here, magnify that wrong tenfold in order that ye may understand the
intensity of the hate I bear the remorseless destroyers of my kith and
kin. Ask me not how I would slay them, my fury is so great that I am
unfit to devise. Do ye the devising, and give the method to me. All I
can think of now is the pleasure I shall feel when my horns are warmed
in the bodies of the base and treacherous creatures who have murdered
wife, brother, sister, and child of mine, besides a countless number of
my kindred by lance and line, spear and snare, sword and stake, trick
and trap. I will lead my herd into the midst of the vicious community
with a joy that only my hate can match. That is all I have to say."

"Now, my good friend Hyena. Thou art the only one left whose sentiments
are as yet unknown. Speak, and let us hear wisdom from thee in this
matter."

The Hyena uttered a mocking laugh, and said: "My kind friends and
cousins: The night suits me well, for I am in my element then. I may
say that I have a large family which is always hungry. It will be a
laughing matter to them indeed to hear of your good purpose. It has
been long delayed, this signal measure of just vengeance upon those who
have outdone in cold cruelty all that generations of the four-footed
tribe of the fiercest kind have done. Bird and beast, from the smallest
to the greatest, have fallen victims to man's lust for destruction.
True, my kind are often indebted to man for bones and refuse, but what
we have eaten has been sorely against his good will; and we therefore
owe him no gratitude. The young of the human community will be juicy
morsels for my tribe, when the signal is given for the attack. With all
my heart I say let it be to-night. I have said my say."