Bonobo number one suddenly opened and closed his fingers while sweeping his hands away from his chest. At the same time he said: “Arak.”

Immediately, the group started moving, including the animal holding the rope. Kevin, Melanie, and Candace were forced forward.

“That gesture was the same as the bonobo did in the operating room,” Candace said.

“Then it must mean ‘go’ or ‘move’ or ‘away,’” Kevin said. “It’s incredible. They’re speaking!”

They left the cul de sac and moved across the field until they came to the trail. At that point they were led right. While they walked, the bonobos remained silent but vigilant.

“I suspect that it isn’t Siegfried who maintains these trails,” Melanie said. “I think it’s the bonobos.”

The trail curved to the south and soon entered the jungle. Even in the forest it was well cleared and the ground underfoot was packed smooth.

“Where are they taking us?” Candace asked nervously.

“I guess toward the caves,” Kevin said.

“This is ridiculous,” Melanie said. “We’re being taken for a walk like dogs on a leash. If they’re so impressed with us, maybe we should resist.”

“I don’t think so,” Kevin said. “I think we should make every effort not to get them riled up.”

“Candace?” Melanie asked. “What are you thinking?”

“I’m too scared to think,” Candace said. “I just want to get back to the canoe.”

The bonobo leading with the rope turned and gave the rope a yank. The tug almost knocked all three people down. The bonobo repeatedly waved his hand palm down while whispering: “Hana.”

“My God, is he strong or what?” Melanie commented as she regained her footing.

“What do you think he means?” Candace asked.

“If I had to guess, I’d say he’s telling us to be quiet,” Kevin said.

All at once, the entire group stopped. There were some hand signals among the bonobos. Several pointed up toward the trees to the right. A small group of bonobos slipped silently into the vegetation. Those remaining formed a wide circle, except for three who climbed directly up into the canopy of the forest with an ease that defied gravity.

“What’s happening?” Candace whispered.

“Something important,” Kevin said. “They all seem to be tense.”

Several minutes went by. None of the bonobos on the ground moved or made the slightest noise. Then suddenly, there was a tremendous commotion to the right, accompanied by high-pitched shrieks. At once, the trees were alive with desperately fleeing colobus monkeys on a course bringing them directly toward the bonobos who’d climbed up into the trees.

The terrified monkeys tried to change direction, but in their haste several of them lost their hold on the branches and fell to the ground. Before they could recover they were set upon by waiting bonobos on the ground who killed them instantly with stone wedges.

Candace winced in horror, then turned away.

“I’d say that was a good example of coordinated hunting,” Melanie whispered. “That requires a high level of cooperation.” Despite the circumstances, she couldn’t help but be impressed.