Something was going on. First a bird had flown into their group from the east, then several bonobos from different family groups had joined them from various directions, finally a crocodile (a species the bonobos normally stayed well clear of) had emerged from a nearby river and clambered up the bank to speak to the chimps sitting in the trees above. Soon Jambo swung over to speak to Neema. ‘There are mysterious tidings from near and far,’ she started. ‘First, my kin who remained near the place we usually dwell say that two Tailless Ones come every day to thy little house and call for thee. They carry no thundersticks. Then others of my kin come whence the Brilliant One rises. They tell of two small Tailless Ones who sit alone in a house that moves. They are guarded by spotfangs who threaten any of the junglekin who approach.’ ‘Are those of whom you speak not the Little Tailless Ones?’ asked Neema, wondering if Jambo was referring to the forest pygymies.
