"When they have eaten and are gone I shall speak to you." The fire crackled and blazed, and ruddy flashes shot across the features of the woman.

Was it a mere reflection of the fire, or had her features quivered and coloured?
The old man scanned those features with a cold, steady look.
She removed from the fire the sooty pot of clay in which venison cut in small pieces was stewing together with corn, dark beans, and a few roots and herbs as seasoning.

Then she called out,-- "Shyuote, come and eat! Where is Okoya ?" The latter alone heard the invitation, for Shyuote had gone to sleep on the hides.

The elder brother shook him, and went into the kitchen.

He was followed by the child who staggered from drowsiness.