They waited. And we waited.
"If we build a fire——" I suggested in a whisper.
"Wait, brother," Tawannears replied. "They fear a fire."
I cursed impartially.
"Are you for saving their lives?"
He stood in front of me, very erect, as Indian as old Nadoweiswe.
"Otetiani forgets that we are of the totem of the Wolf. Their—" he gestured toward the gray half-circle—"emblem is on my chest. It is forbidden to slay the totem-beast of your Clan."
"That may mean something to you, but certes, it little interests me," I said disagreeably.
"It means much to Otetiani." His voice was stern. "Did not Otetiani become a member of the Wolf Clan? Will not what he does affect not only himself, but his Clan brothers? Be wise. Stay your hand. These gray brothers are curious and hungry, but they do not know us. We will tell them, and they will go away."
I laughed shortly.