masks of horses, and others wore masks of reindeer and
cattle.

When the men took off their masks, Fleetfoot looked as if in a dream.
For among the strangers moving about there appeared familiar forms.

For a few minutes Fleetfoot could not tell whether he was awake or
asleep. What he saw seemed very real, and yet it seemed like a dream.
He had almost forgotten his own people. He had not seen them since the
day he was lost. And now, only a few paces away, stood Scarface and
Straightshaft. Then other familiar forms appeared moving near the
fire. And among the women who had beaten the drums were Chew-chew and
Eagle-eye.

When Fleetfoot saw his mother and Chew-chew, he almost shouted for
joy. He wanted to go and speak to them, but something seemed to hold
him back.

Then his heart began to beat so loud and so fast that Fleetfoot was
afraid he would be discovered; so he hurried away from the spot to a
hollow tree where he spent the night.

For a long time he lay awake thinking about what to do. He could not
go back to Willow-grouse and leave his work undone. He could not make
himself known to Cave-men who were planning to attack the Bison clan.
He could not return to the Bison clan without learning the enemies'
plans.

And so Fleetfoot took the pebble from its bag and asked the Big Bear
for aid. Then he fell asleep and did not awake until the break of day.

All through the day he watched the clans. He saw them fish at the
rapids and feast and play around the fire. He saw them go to a smooth
spot near the bank where they played games. When night came he said to
himself, "I'll watch the dance and learn their plans."

Scarface offered gifts to the gods before the dance began. As he
performed the magic rites, all the people were still. Every eye was
turned toward the old man. No one suspected danger.

Fleetfoot, watching from a safe retreat, had heard a rustling sound.
And, looking in the direction from which the sound came, he saw a big
tiger in a neighboring tree.

The tiger had crept out on a strong branch and was watching for his
prey. The eyes of the big cat snapped fire as they followed each
movement that Scarface made.

There was not a moment to be lost. The tiger was about to spring.
Fleetfoot's spear whizzed through the air and dealt a powerful blow.
Another followed, but with less force although Fleetfoot hurled it
with all his might.

With a cry of rage the tiger turned, and leaving Scarface upon the