Behind Ralph the tall grass had filled with silent hunters. Ralph looked at
Jack.
"You're a hunter."Jack went red."I know. All right."Something deep in Ralph spoke for him."I'm chief. I'll go. Don't argue."He turned to the others."You. Hide here. Wait for me."He found his voice tended either to disappear or to come out too loud. He
looked at Jack.
"Do you―think?"Jack muttered."I've been all over. It must be here.""I see."Simon mumbled confusedly: "I don't believe in the beast."Ralph answered him politely, as if agreeing about the weather."No. I suppose not."His mouth was tight and pale. He put back his hair very slowly."Well. So long."