Indeed they heard nothing: for a complete silence reigned around them, broken only now and then by the fluttering of the wings of the old male hornbill--who was still keeping in the neighbourhood of the nest, apparently puzzled to make out by what mysterious combination of circumstances he had been so abruptly disembarrassed of his adversary, the panda.
The movements of the bird had no longer any interest for Karl and Caspar--who were beginning to grow uneasy at the prolonged absence of Ossaroo.
Soon after, however, they were relieved from their suspense, by seeing the shikaree emerging from the underwood, and advancing at a quick pace to the open ground.

They had the additional pleasure of beholding Fritz following at his heels.

The dog had joined Ossaroo near the edge of the timber--where he had been quietly secreting himself from the eyes of the dreaded elephant.
As Ossaroo drew near, both Karl and Caspar noticed an expression upon his countenance, which, combined with his hurried advance, told that he had something of an important nature to communicate.
"Well, Ossy," asked Caspar, who was the first to speak, "what news?
Have you seen anything more of the rogue ?" "Ah, rogue indeed!" replied Ossaroo, in a tone expressive of some secret fear.

"You speakee true, sahib; the rogue, if he no worse." "Why, what now?
Have you seen anything since you left us ?" "Seen, sahibs! Where you tinkee he now gone ?" "Where ?" "Hee go for de hut." "For the hut ?" "Straight trackee.

Ah, sahibs!" continued the shikaree, speaking in a low voice and with an air of superstitious terror; "dat animal too wise for dis world; he know too much.