More quickly she perfected herself in jungle craft, so that
the time soon came when she was an important factor in the chase,
watching while the others slept, or helping them to trace the spoor
of whatever prey they might be stalking. Akut accepted her on a
footing which bordered upon equality when it was necessary for them
to come into close contact; but for the most part he avoided her.
The youth always was kind to her, and if there were many occasions
upon which he felt the burden of her presence he hid it from her.
Finding that the night damp and chill caused her discomfort and
even suffering, Korak constructed a tight little shelter high among
the swaying branches of a giant tree. Here little Meriem slept in
comparative warmth and safety, while The Killer and the ape perched
upon near-by branches, the former always before the entrance to
the lofty domicile, where he best could guard its inmate from the
dangers of arboreal enemies. They were too high to feel much fear
of Sheeta; but there was always Histah, the snake, to strike terror
to one's soul, and the great baboons who lived near-by, and who,
while never attacking always bared their fangs and barked at any
of the trio when they passed near them.
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