by Forken, by his father's concern, and by all the circumstances of
that day, had never forgotten nor lost that warning.

"_We_ cannot hope to stop them," Sssuri pointed out. "But we must
learn when they will come again and be waiting for them--with your
people and mine. For I tell you now, brother of the knife, they must
not be allowed to rise once more!"

"And how can we foretell their coming?" Dalgard wanted to know.

"Perhaps that alone we cannot do. But when they come they will not
leave speedily. They have stayed here before without harm, and their
distrust has been lulled. When next they come, it will be only
according to their natures that they will wish to stay longer. Not
snatching up the closest to hand of these treasures of theirs, but
choosing out with care those things which will give them the best
results. Therefore they may make a camp, and we can summon others to
aid us."

"To return to Homeport will take several days even if we push,"
pointed out the scout.

"Word can pass swifter than man," the merman returned, with confidence
in his own plan of action. "We shall put other eyes, other ears, many
eyes, many ears, to service for us. Be assured we are not the only
ones to fear the return of Those Others from overseas."

Dalgard caught his meaning. Yes, it would not be the first time the
hoppers and other small animals living in the grasslands, the runners
and even the moth birds that only the mermen could mind touch, would