"And what does the Sparrow-Hearted want to be called?" sneered Grumgra.
"The Eagle-Hearted!" replied Ru, without an instant's hesitation.
A little murmur of surprise ran through the assemblage.
"The Sparrow-Hearted cannot become the Eagle-Hearted just because he asks it!" thundered the Growling Wolf, glowering menacingly.
"And our people cannot cross the river just because they ask it!" countered Ru, retreating far enough to escape the swinging club.
"Call him the Eagle-Hearted, the Eagle-Hearted, the Eagle-Hearted! Only let him do as we want!" came a multitude of shouting voices.
Grumgra stood hesitating; it was easy to see that public sentiment was against him.
"What matter what we call him? Only let him take us across the river!" cried Zunzun the Marvel-Worker. "The Eagle-Hearted let it be!"
"Take us across the river, and you shall be Ru the Eagle-Hearted!" pronounced Grumgra, for once without his usual assurance.
And Ru, with an acquiescent smile, assured his people that they should not have long to wait before crossing the waters.