[Out of the Triangle by Mary E. Bamford]@TWC D-Link bookOut of the Triangle CHAPTER VIII 176/182
The men go on a distance, and then turn as before. After doing this several times, the men dare to go home, but even there weapons are placed ready for use by the bedside, and outside the house sledges are put up right, for the bear is always suspicious of the erect sledge, and she will knock it dawn before she will attack the igloo.
The knocking down of the sledge makes a noise that gives warning to the family. But when Anvik saw the condition that his father and brother were in, he was greatly frightened, for he did not believe that the liquor had left enough sense in their minds so that they had remembered to turn off in the homeward journey, and, if they had come home without covering their track, there could be no doubt that the mother bear would come to attack the igloo that very night. But it would do no good to say anything to Tanana and his father. They were far too much under the influence of what they had been drinking.
Anvik told his mother his suspicions. "We will set up the sledge outside the igloo," said his mother, trembling. "I will have my harpoon ready," answered Anvik bravely.
"Do not fear, mother.
Perhaps the bear will not come." They put two harpoons and a spear beside the raised platform of snow in the igloo, after the father and older son were stupidly sleeping. Then came an anxious time of waiting.
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