BROTHER MOLES This new danger, working below in the solid earth, had thrown Rudolph into a state of sullen resignation.

What was the use now, he thought indignantly, of all their watching and fighting?
The ground, at any moment, might heave, break, and spring up underfoot.

He waited for his friend to speak out, and put the same thought roundly into words.
Instead, to his surprise, he heard something quite contrary.
"Now we know!" said Heywood, in lively satisfaction.

"Now we know what the beasts have up their sleeve.

That's a comfort.