This tale of loss and rescue is by Reginald Bretnor writing under the anagramatic name of Grendel Briarton.

It was Ferdinand Feghoot who saved the Mulch Expedition on Rumjungle III in 3449. Because the planet’s intelligent race dreaded gadgets and hated all strangers, the Expedition could use only native equipment — semi-intelligent, specialized fauna the Rumjunglians carried in their carapace-pouches. Instead of a compass, they employed a stick-insect which pointed due North on command.

Two weeks out, with the nearest … Read the rest...