the words were a growl , a hungry little rumble , as if hed caught a whiff of his favorite meal on the air . there had been some other quarters too . he blinked rapidly , rigid as a board . and he registered a tearing sensation , had felt a part of her give way with his entry . the short story came out well and bill was impressed . they walked to the steps and up to the door . among the young warriors it was obvious there was exhaustion and general lethargy . 