“Do not be afraid, Flying Owl,” he said. “I will not hurt you.”
“Who are you?” Flying Owl asked as he looked up at the brave. “I do not recognize you as a member of our tribe. How do you know my name?”
The brave smiled, stepped closer, and said, “Oh, I know your name because I am of your tribe. I remember you as a baby who looked so much like his father whom I knew well.”
“But I do not ever remember seeing you and I thought I knew everyone. If you are one of our tribe, I should know you, and above all because you are wearing the headdress of our Chief. Surely all, even the children, know our great Chieftains.”
The brave drew closer until he was no more than a pace from Flying Owl. Then he took a small deerskin jacket from his shoulders, laid it on the ground, and sat cross-legged upon it, facing the boy. “My name is Bear Claw and I am truly your Chief. If you do not believe me, you may ask any question you wish about our tribe, and I will give you the answer.”
Flying Owl accepted the challenge and began to question the tall brave carefully until he was sure that the man was telling the truth. Still he had never seen or heard of him.
“Surely,” the chieftain said, “you must know now that I am one of your tribe. But let me ask you a few questions. You have been asking me many, and now it is my turn.” He waited with a laughing sparkle in his eyes while Flying Owl watched his face closely. “What reason would you have for questioning me, Bear Claw?” Flying Owl asked.
“I would merely like to ask why you came to the still lake on such a beautiful summer day,” replied the brave, not taking his eyes from the boy for one moment.
“Well,” said Flying Owl, “I thought it would be fun if I came here today and caught enough fish for my mother to cook for our supper.”
“Oh,” said Bear Claw smiling, “that is a very good reason. Please do not let me stop your fishing.” Then Bear Claw stretched out on the bank of the lake and lay gazing up through the trees at the bright blue sky.