AVEN WING AND HAWK EYE WATCHED THE CANOES FOR SOME
TIME.]

"Will your stepfather allow you to go on so long a trip?" asked Hawk
Eye.

"I can but ask him," answered Raven Wing.

"We will go, you and I, if he agrees," said Hawk Eye. "I have no father
to ask permission of. Besides, I am two years older than you. My mother
I know will give her consent."

Presently both boys were on their way to their lodges. Bending Willow,
Raven Wing's mother, looked up as her son stood before her.

"I would like to take the pelts I have cured from my winter's hunting to
the trading post. Hawk Eye plans to go also and we can make the journey
together," he announced in a low voice.

Bending Willow regarded the tall, strong boy for several minutes before
she answered him.

"I have no objection, son," she answered quietly. "But you must receive
permission from your stepfather."

"Will you speak a good word for me?" said Raven Wing.

"I will, my son," answered Bending Willow. "I know that you will be
careful. You are strong and tall for your years. You are a fine hunter;
you know the river; your canoe is well made."

As she finished speaking, Black Eagle strode up.

"The hunters are well on their way," he said. "The last canoe is now out
of sight."

"Raven Wing wishes to take his pelts to the trading post," announced
Bending Willow.

Black Eagle turned to his stepson. "You wish to go?" he asked.

"Yes," replied the boy. "Hawk Eye will go with me. He has many fine
skins, also."

"You have had no experience as a trader," said Black Eagle. "The pale
faces at the post will offer you foolish trinkets for your good pelts.
They may even make you dull and foolish with their minne wauken,
(firewater) and when your eyes are heavy-lidded and your mind falters,
strip you of your pack."

"I will learn by watching our hunters when they offer their pelts,"
answered Raven Wing. "I will not be deceived by trinkets, nor will I
taste the firewater."

"I see no reason why he should not go," said Black Eagle after a silence
of several minutes. "How does his mother look upon this adventure?" he
added, turning to Bending Willow.

"He must go some time. I am willing," she answered simply.

"Hawk Eye goes with you?" asked Black Eagle.

"He is now asking permission of his mother," replied Raven Wing.

[Illustration: {Bending Willow.}]

"When do you plan to go?" inquired Bending Willow.

"At once," said Raven Wing.

"That is wise," said