He reaches the top of the rim and descends upon the other side on the earth in the vase.

He is followed by six others, no more.

Perhaps the rest of the troop, who have not fully recovered from their nocturnal torpor, are too lazy to bestir themselves.
The result of this brief delay is a return to the old track.

The caterpillars embark on the silken trail and the circular march is resumed, this time in the form of a ring with a gap in it.

There is no attempt, however, to strike a new course on the part of the guide whom this gap has placed at the head.