was to fast and pray until he received a sign from the gods.
And when he had done their bidding, he was to return for his final
test. This test once passed, Fleetfoot would be counted one of the
men.

Before Fleetfoot went, Greybeard instructed him in the use of prayers
and charms. Antler gave him a magic powder and showed him how to
prepare it from herbs. And the men told him of their tests, and the
signs they received from the gods.

Flaker had listened to every word that Greybeard had said. He had
thought of all the dangers which Fleetfoot might encounter. And he
wondered if there was not a way to protect Fleetfoot from harm.

Flaker knew that the reindeer dance was a prayer of the Cave-men to
their gods. He knew each movement in the dance was to help the gods
understand. He felt sure that the gods would help Fleetfoot if he
could make them understand. And so he determined to make a prayer
which Fleetfoot could carry with him.

[Illustration: _The engraving of a cave-bear on a pebble._]

Perhaps you will think that the prayer Flaker made was a very strange
prayer. But many people in all parts of the world have made such
prayers. It was a prayer to the Big Bear of the mountains. Flaker
scratched it upon a smooth pebble with a flint point. It was a picture
of the Big Bear, and Flaker made it so that Fleetfoot could control
the actions of the Big Bear.

When Flaker gave the prayer to Fleetfoot he told him to guard it with
great care. Fleetfoot took the prayer and promised to keep it near his
side. Then the boys made an offering to the Big Bear and asked him to
guide the way.

When at length Fleetfoot was ready to start, Greybeard spoke these
parting words: "Forget not the offerings to the gods, and remember
they must be made with true words and a faithful heart."

#THINGS TO DO#

_Show in your sand-box where you think the mountains were. Model
them and show that they were almost covered with snow. Show good
places for neighboring hunting grounds._

_Tell why game might be scarce in some hunting grounds and plenty
in others._

_Dramatize this story. Draw pictures which will show what happened.
See if you can engrave some animal upon wood or soft stone._

XXXI

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT

Where do you think Fleetfoot will go while he is away from home?

Find a picture of a glacier, and see if you can tell how a glacier
is made. In what places does th