At the end of half an hour Challoner disappointedly gave up his quest, and went back to the creek for a drink before setting himself to the task of skinning Noozak.
No sooner was he gone than Neewa's little head shot up alertly.

For a few moments he watched, and then slipped backward down the trunk of the cedar to the ground.

He gave his squealing call, but his mother did not move.

He went to her and stood beside her motionless head, sniffing the man-tainted air.

Then he muzzled her jowl, butted his nose under her neck, and at last nipped her ear--always his last resort in the awakening process.