For this was perfectly plain: Each of the group, having followed his
or her particular sign to the end of the world, now knew exactly where
the hider lay. The supreme discovery was within reach at last. They
were merely waiting, waiting in order to enjoy the revelation all the
more, and--waiting in an ecstasy of joy and wonder. Seven or eight of
them were gathered together; the hiding-place was found. It was now,
and then, and natural, and always, and right: it was Yes, and life had
just begun....
There happened, then, a vivid and amazing thing--all rose as one being
and stood up. The Tramp alone remained lying beside his little fire.
But the others stood--and listened.
The precise nature of what had happened none of them, perhaps, could
explain. It was too marvellous; it was possibly the thing that nobody
understands, and possibly the thing they didn't know they knew; yet
_they_ both knew and understood it. To each, apparently, the hiding-
place was simultaneously revealed. Their Signs summoned them. The
hider called!
Yet all they heard was the singing of a little bird. Invisible
somewhere above them in the sea of blazing sunshine, it poured its
heart out rapturously with a joy and a passion of life that seemed
utterly careless as to whether it was heard or not.
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