She Wolf did what she was told, and for the first time in her life. When they had eaten as much as they could, No Man said:
“Now, we will go and drink.”
They found a place above the alder pool, where the brook grass was sweet and soft to lie in, and the brook tinkled clear and cold among the stones.
No Man lay on his belly and drank till he swelled. Presently he rose with dripping face and mouth.
“When I have drank,” said She Wolf, “I shall sleep as is my custom. But if you come near me, I will take my club to you.”
“Drink,” said No Man.
She Wolf placed her club and her spear and her knife carefully to one side, and lay down to drink. When she had finished she started to rise, pushing against the ground with her hands. But No Man who had possessed himself secretly of the club, now brought it down on her head so that she pitched face downward into the stream.
No Man dragged her out and waited patiently for her to recover consciousness.
After a time she came to, but she was dazed and looked about uncomprehendingly.
“Which is the stronger of us?” said No Man. Then She Wolf knew that No Man had struck her, and she sprang at him furiously, her big sharp teeth flashing, and her lips curling. But her hands were empty and No Man struck her again with the club.