There was no doubt that the savant knew too much about the habits of the termites to be mistaken.

If he declared that a secret instinct warned them to leave the ant-hill recently, it was because there was truly peril in remaining in it.
Meanwhile, as it was impossible to abandon this shelter at a moment when the storm was raging with unparalleled intensity, Dick Sand looked no farther for an explanation of what seemed to be inexplicable, and he contented himself with saying: "Well, Mr.Benedict, if the termites have left their provisions in this ant-hill, we must not forget that we have brought ours, and let us have supper.

To-morrow, when the storm will be over, we will consult together on our future plans." They then occupied themselves in preparing the evening meal, for, great as their fatigue was, it had not affected the appetite of these vigorous walkers.

On the contrary, the food, which had to last for two more days, was very welcome.

The damp had not reached the biscuits, and for several minutes it could be heard cracking under the solid teeth of Dick Sand and his companions.