The Chief, taking Miriam by the hand, congratulated her and presented her with the coup feather symbolising her attainment. She smilingly took her seat amid the pleased murmurs of the Pentagoet Tribe.
“Any more Honours to be claimed?” asked the Chief.
“Oh Chief! I have at last completed the requirements for the last rank in the Little Lodge,” cried Paul, springing to his feet. “I was eleven years old last month, so I am anxious to do this before I pass into the Big Lodge.”
Paul had various sheets of paper signed by his witnesses at different times throughout the past year which he now presented to the Chief. Wita-tonkan read them aloud to the Council.
“Know one wild bird for each year of your age.”
“Oh Chief! I really know a lot more than eleven birds—I am trying for the Bird coup,” explained Paul, proudly.
Wita-tonkan continued: “Know one wild four-footed animal for each year of your age.”
“I knew twelve animals my first year in Woodcraft,” said Paul.
“Know one forest tree for each year of your age.”
“I know more than enough for that too; we found so many kinds of trees at Wickeecheokee Farm last summer when the Little Woodcrafters spent a week in camp there,” explained Paul.