There was a moment of silence; then a low murmur of voices as the circle broke and fell back, leaving only Gray Wolf and Sneaky in the front. Finding themselves deserted by the pack, they quickly ran, too, and disappeared in the woods. In the next story Mother Wolf takes Washer to the Silver Birch grove where his people live.
STORY THIRTEEN
WASHER GOES TO THE SILVER BIRCH GROVE
Black Wolf’s unexpected defense of Mother Wolf and Washer saved them from what might have been sure death to the latter and serious injury to the former. None of the pack dared to offer battle to their leader, and the moment he sided with Mother Wolf they broke ranks and ran off into the woods.
When they were gone, Mother Wolf turned gratefully to the big leader, and said: “You have saved my life, Black Wolf. What can I do to repay you?”
“Hurry home with your foster child, Mother Wolf, before the pack changes its mind and returns. I will accompany you.”
More than ever grateful now for seeing that she got back to her den in safety, Mother Wolf led the way through the woods, with Washer close behind her, and the leader of the pack bringing up the rear. Silently and noiselessly they stole single file through the woods, with eyes and ears alert to catch any unusual sound.
But nothing happened on the way. They reached the cave in safety, where Black Wolf stopped. “I’ll not go in,” he said. “Now you’re home you’ll know how to defend yourself.”
“Yes, I can defend my home,” she replied. “I’ll not need any help now. Thank you a thousand times for helping me.”