Venters listened.

One long, silver-tipped branch dropped almost to his cave, and upon it, within a few yards of him, sat one of the graceful birds.

Venters saw the swelling and quivering of its throat in song.

He arose, and when he slid down out of his cave the birds fluttered and flew farther away.
Venters stepped before the opening of the other cave and looked in.

The girl was awake, with wide eyes and listening look, and she had a hand on Ring's neck.
"Mocking-birds!" she said.
"Yes," replied Venters, "and I believe they like our company." "Where are we ?" "Never mind now.