Black Eagle. "The boys will easily catch up to the
hunters if they ply their paddles with vigor." He did not add that there
was safety in numbers, not wishing to needlessly alarm Bending Willow.
He could see that she was concerned over the adventure, although she
tried to hide her feelings.

The matter being settled, Raven Wing strode over to Hawk Eye's lodge.
Since the death of Running Deer, Hawk Eye had taken his father's place
with credit. Being two years older than Raven Wing, he naturally had had
more experience. Notwithstanding his advantage, in age he was no taller
nor stronger than the younger boy.

As Raven Wing neared the tepee, he heard Hawk Eye's mother, Light
Between Clouds, say in a low voice;

"You are my only support since the death of Running Deer."

"Sure, Mother," answered Hawk Eye, "but you would not have me always
remain in our village. Hawk Eye is now a man; he has a mother in his
wigwam, but he need not ask her permission to go on the hunt."

"'Tis a long journey to the trading post," answered Light Between
Clouds. "You have had no experience at bargaining with the palefaces.
Why not wait and go with the next band of trappers? There will be
another party setting out soon."

"They will merely trade in my pelts with their own and I shall have
nothing to say," cried Hawk Eye. "Besides, I would like to gain
experience first-hand. I am strong. I can handle my father's gun with
the best of the hunters. I am a boy no longer. Comes another snow and I
shall be a warrior."

[Illustration: {Canoe on the river.}]

CHAPTER III

LOADING THE CANOES

"You are my only son," sighed Light Between Clouds, gazing lovingly upon
the stalwart form of Hawk Eye. "You are the main support of your sister
and me. I am loath to give my consent. It is a long journey to the
trading post at Mendota."

"Black Eagle, my stepfather, is willing that I should go," broke in
Raven Wing.

"And what does Bending Willow say?" inquired Light Between Clouds.

"She agrees with my stepfather," answered Raven Wing.

"Then you have my permission to go," said Light Between Clouds, turning
to Hawk Eye. "And may the Great Spirit look kindly upon your adventure."
Without further words, she turned on her heel and walked toward a
nearby lodge.

"So your mother is willing that you should go," said Raven Wing.

"Yes, she has given her consent, as you have heard," answered Hawk Eye.

"Why did she leave us so suddenly?" asked