Soon, however, their shrill squeals were distinctly heard, and a few minutes later the edge of that strange tide struck our tree and swept past us with a force impossible to realise.

No living thing was spared.

Snakes, lizards--ay, even the biggest kangaroos--succumbed after an ineffectual struggle.

The rats actually ate those of their fellows who seemed to hesitate or stumble.
The curious thing was that the great army never seemed to stand still.

It appeared to me that each rat simply took a bite at whatever prey came his way, and then passed on with the rest.
I am unable to say how long the rats were in passing--it might have been an hour.