And things happen as he decides: the band follows him faithfully.

Remember also that, even on a road which has already been travelled and beribboned, the guiding caterpillar continues to explore.
There is reason to believe that the Processionaries who have lost their way on the ledge will find a chance of safety here.

Let us watch them.
On recovering from their torpor, the two groups line up by degrees into two distinct files.

There are therefore two leaders, free to go where they please, independent of each other.

Will they succeed in leaving the enchanted circle?
At the sight of their large black heads swaying anxiously from side to side, I am inclined to think so for a moment.
But I am soon undeceived.