The lion apparently did not think its prey worth a wetting； at any rate it made no attempt to take the water in pursuit. The two horses， side by side， were now well out into the middle of the creek and the opposite shore could be clearly seen. The Tarkaan had not yet spoken a word. “But he will，” thought Shasta. “As soon as we have landed. What am I to say？ I must begin thinking out a story.”
Then， suddenly， two voices spoke at his side. “Oh， I am so tired，” said the one.
“Hold your tongue， Hwin， and don’t be a fool，” said the other.
“I‘m dreaming，” thought Shasta. “I could have sworn that other horse spoke.”
Soon the horses were no longer swimming but walking and soon， with a great sound of water running off their sides and tails and with a great crunching of pebbles under eight hoofs， they came out on the farther beach of the inlet. The Tarkaan， to Shasta’s surprise， showed no wish to ask questions. He did not even look at Shasta but seemed anxious to urge his horse straight on. Bree， however， at once shouldered himself in the other horse‘s way.