"The Great Spirit has rewarded you for sacrificing the necklace of panther claws," said Raven Wing in an awe-struck voice.
"He has indeed," agreed Hawk Eye. After a moment's silence Hawk Eye said, "Help me remove the pelt."
Without further words both boys set to work. It was no mean job they had undertaken. They found it necessary to cut down two strong young saplings with which to turn over the immense body. At length they were able to tear the hide clear of the carcass.
As Raven Wing bound it up in a neat, tight roll, he remarked, "I see you have already taken the choice cuts."
"They are in my canoe," answered Hawk Eye, wiping his blood-stained hands on the bear's head.
"We have another pelt to trade," chuckled Raven Wing, shouldering the package. "We had better start at once for the river. The sun is low."
"Yes," answered Hawk Eye. "I do not like the idea of leaving our canoes for so long a time. Let us make haste."
