The gate is perfectly simple, Temeraire said. There is only a bar across the fence, which one can lift very easily, and then it swings open; Nitidus could do it best, for his forehands are the smallest. Though it is difficult to keep the animals inside the pen, and the first time I learned how to open it, they all ran away, he added. Maximus and I had to chase after them for hours and hours--it was not funny at all, he said, ruffled, sitting back on his haunches and contemplating Laurence with great indignation.