puzzled.

"No one can tell," answered Grayskin. "This insect family used to be the
least hurtful of any in the forest, and never before have they done any
damage. But these last few years they have been multiplying so fast that
now it appears as if the entire forest would be destroyed."

"Yes, it looks bad," Karr agreed, "but I see that the wisest animals in
the forest have come together to hold a consultation. Perhaps you have
already found some remedy?"

When the dog said this, Crooked-Back solemnly raised his heavy head,
pricked up his long ears, and spoke:

"We have summoned you hither, Karr, that we may learn if the humans know
of this desolation."

"No," said Karr, "no human being ever comes thus far into the forest
when it's not hunting time. They know nothing of this misfortune."

Then Antler-Crown said:

"We who have lived long in the forest do not think that we can fight
this insect pest all by ourselves."

"After this there will be no peace in the forest!" put in Rough-Mane.

"But we can't let the whole Liberty Forest go to rack and ruin!"
protested Big-and-Strong. "We'll have to consult the humans; there is no
alternative."

Karr understood that the elk had difficulty in expressing what they
wished to say, and he tried to help them.

"Perhaps you want me to let the people know the conditions here?" he
suggested.

All the old elk nodded their heads.

"It's most unfortunate that we are obliged to ask help of human beings,
but we have no choice."

A moment later Karr was on his way home. As he ran ahead, deeply
distressed over all that he had heard and seen, a big black water-snake
approached them.

"Well met in the forest!" hissed the water-snake.

"Well met again!" snarled Karr, and rushed by without stopping.

The snake turned and tried to catch up to him.

"Perhaps that creature also, is worried about the forest," thought Karr,
and waited.

Immediately the snake began to talk about the great disaster.

"There will be an end of peace and quiet in the forest when human beings
are called hither," said the snake.

"I'm afraid there will," the dog agreed; "but the oldest forest dwellers
know what they're about!" he added.

"I think I know a better plan," said the snake, "if I can get the reward
I wish."

"Are you not the one whom every one around here calls old Helpless?"
said the dog, sneeringly.

"I'm an old inhabitant of the forest," said the snake, "and I know how
to get rid