"Will you speak a good word for me?" said Raven Wing.
"I will, my son," answered Bending Willow. "I know that you will be careful. You are strong and tall for your years. You are a fine hunter; you know the river; your canoe is well made."
As she finished speaking, Black Eagle strode up.
"The hunters are well on their way," he said. "The last canoe is now out of sight."
"Raven Wing wishes to take his pelts to the trading post," announced Bending Willow.
Black Eagle turned to his stepson. "You wish to go?" he asked.
"Yes," replied the boy. "Hawk Eye will go with me. He has many fine skins, also."
"You have had no experience as a trader," said Black Eagle. "The pale faces at the post will offer you foolish trinkets for your good pelts. They may even make you dull and foolish with their minne wauken, (firewater) and when your eyes are heavy-lidded and your mind falters, strip you of your pack."
"I will learn by watching our hunters when they offer their pelts," answered Raven Wing. "I will not be deceived by trinkets, nor will I taste the firewater."
"I see no reason why he should not go," said Black Eagle after a silence of several minutes. "How does his mother look upon this adventure?" he added, turning to Bending Willow.