"What for? To hoist that old saw-log on board?" disrespectfully inquired Tom.
"It's nae a saw-log," protested Sandy with spirit.
"Then what on earth is it?" demanded Jack.
"It's an idol."
"An idol!" echoed both boys in a breath.
"Aye, an idol, or rather a 'totem,' is what they call 'em up here. No home is complete without one."
Jack broke into a laugh.
"Why, you bonehead, there's nothing sacred about a totem. They're simply family records, that's all. Something like the crests that our newly rich keep librarians so busy digging up."
Sandy looked blank.