They were out of breath when they reached it and were glad to throw themselves on the bearskin which lay outside the door.
The chief came out of the hut, and looked kindly at the two boys.
He beckoned Lodrix to him, and said:
“How much bronze is there in your father’s village?”
Lodrix answered:
“There is more bronze in the village of the Dormorants than in any other village on the lake.”
“Is there more than one messenger can carry?” said the chief.
“You must send a strong messenger,” said Lodrix, “for our bronze is very heavy.”