All plans of vengeance against the Terri-Hi-Hi were forgotten for the time. Excitable warriors snatched weapons and leapt up in the war-dance. Soon they were all at it to the rumble of stamping feet and the frenzied chant of the women. Warriors rattled their spears and clashed their shields, with a roar to the chief demanding to be led against these invaders of their lands. Only then did Red Kangaroo seize his weapons and join in the call for action.

But with a plan. These last few months had taught him how to think. The men of Narrabri coming down from the north, the men of Quirindi coming in from the south—two strong tribes against one! Probably they were only scouting parties, but if they were war parties, then the swifter the Gunn-e-darr tribe turned on one and destroyed it the sooner it could turn and face the other. But who was he to argue in the councils of the elders? There was much solemn talk among the elders, but nothing was decided.

Several days later the Gunn-e-darr tribe were badly frightened. From a friendly tribe a nervous messenger arrived with a warning. Chief Ilpara of the Goonoo Goonoo and Kibbi, war chief of the Bundarra, were both threatening war against the Gunn-e-darr, jealous of their lands and waters.

The messenger left apologetically after hurriedly delivering his message, murmuring to Jerrabri and the elders that his own people dared not be brought into the trouble lest their small numbers be wiped out.

Jerrabri and his council decided that the fastest runners amongst the first degree warriors should scout the southern boundary on the look-out for the Quirindi men, while another fast group would scout the north and race back with word should the Narrabri men come in from the north. Meanwhile the tribe must still carry on with hunting to live, while also guarding against the Goonoo Goonoo and Bundarra. All tribal groups would hunt in close reach near the centre of their lands. If big danger came then the tribe would rapidly congregate along the Porcupine Ridges by Mullibah Lagoon camp, for deep within the dense hoop-vine scrubs near there was hidden the Secret Camp, refuge for the women and children.

This plan seemed to Red Kangaroo a council of despair as, in charge of a party of the younger warriors, he hurried through the bush to patrol the tribe’s northern boundary. A Stone Age patrol, but demanding extreme endurance, mobility, speed, initiative, and powers of observation.

Red Kangaroo, moving with long, easy strides at Giluram’s side, said with a sly smile, “Giluram is not glum, surely, at the thought of the wicked plans of Ilpara of the Goonoo Goonoo?”

The forlorn expression eased from Giluram’s face as he smiled. “No. Wouldn’t I love the chance to hurl this spear deep into his chest!”

“Ah!” grunted Red Kangaroo. Presently he remarked, “And is there not another chest you would like to bed that spear in?”

Giluram glanced at him as they hurried on, then muttered, “You know!”