Papa, as Zacharie understood to call this other wolf... who was not Dulcie, but did sleep in the den, and did bring them food. Was back! With more of the so-desired food, as one would have it.

When Zacharie realized that big Papa had the ability to do this, his returns became very important. And Zacharie would push his siblings if need be, to scramble forward and be the first to hop and leap and squeal in hopes of taking the biggest, tastiest bites.

This time, he didn't think he would need quite so much effort. As the sun set, the others slept. But he was waiting by the cave mouth in restless anticipation of dinner, so when he saw Jaxxon coming, the pup rushed outside as fast as stubby legs would go.

A mistake! Because it was cold! Wet! He spun and darted back inside to bark at the rain, as if to scold it into stopping.

Papa! Lapin! J'ai faim! (Rabbit! I'm hungry!) Papa! He whine-growled, pacing at the lip of the cave.