For the last year at least I had not been beholden to my mother for food.

All she had furnished me was protection and guidance.
I crawled softly out through the bushes.

Once I looked back and saw the Chatterer still chanting and teetering.

It was not a pleasant sight.

I knew pretty well how to be cautious, and I was exceedingly careful on this my first journey in the world.
I gave no thought as to where I was going.