The woman of Bulika no doubt felt encouraged.
We talked the greater part of the night, chiefly about the growth of the children, and what it might indicate.

With Lona's power of recognising truth I had long been familiar; now I began to be astonished at her practical wisdom.

Probably, had I been more of a child myself, I should have wondered less.
It was yet far from morning when I became aware of a slight fluttering and scrambling.

I rose on my elbow, and looking about me, saw many Little Ones descend from their nests.

They disappeared, and in a few moments all was again still.
"What are they doing ?" I asked.
"They think," answered Lona, "that, stupid as they are, the giants will search the wood, and they are gone to gather stones with which to receive them.