Once they crossed the relatively new rope-and-plank bridge over the gorge slashing across the meadow, they were greeted with a wild variety of reactions from the ponies they met. Those with a modicum of self-possession pressed them for any additional news; in the first instance Cook overrode his companions with, "Sorry, we don't know anything more than you do. We have injuries here. Please make way." Under his breath he added to Rose and Sunset, "They'll badger us no end if we admit to knowing anything, and once they start asking questions, there's no telling where it could lead—like, say, who we are and where we came from." Rose nodded agreement, forestalling any objections on Sunset's part.