"Can you return?" asked Invar doubtfully. "Remember the word of death."
"That, let Uglik answer," replied Anak. "In peace or in war, I will return. Soon the winter will come and here are warm caves and game in plenty. Here shall the tribe make a home."
"Where you go, there go I," exclaimed Invar.
"And I likewise," said Una.
"Una will stay here until we return," replied Anak in a tone which brooked no argument.
The girl pouted, but a sharp word from Anak settled the matter. Throwing-spear and smiting-stone in hand, the two hunters approached the camping place of Uglik's tribe. They were within a hundred yards before they were seen. Esle set up a shrill cry.
"Here come those on whom the Father passed the death word. Slay, oh, hunters!"
Anak raised his hand and made the sign of peace.
"Wait before you attack two such as we," he said. "We are bearers of good tidings. By our hands, the cousins of Gumor have died. Think you, do you care to attack two such as we?"