Many mistakes had taught him to be cautious.

He had learned from experience that for every woodland creature he saw, there were ten watching his every move.

Just now he could not see even a little red squirrel.

Everywhere were sturdy hickory and oak trees, thickets and hazelnuts, slender ash saplings, and, in the open glades, patches of sumach.

Rotting trees lay on the ground, while ferns nodded long, slender heads over the fallen monarchs.