"I don't know," answered Mooswa; "it's something Man has, but which we haven't--it's the thing that looks out of their eyes and makes us all turn our heads away. Even Rof there, who stands up against Cougar without flinching, drops his head when Man looks at him--is that not so, brave Comrade?"
"It is," answered Blue Wolf, dragging his tail a little.
"And a Breed will trade this thing for fire-water?" queried Carcajou.
"So the Factor said," answered the Moose.
"I wouldn't if I had it," declared Wolverine--"not even for the Fat-eating, and that is good for one. Was it that which made Wiesahkechack King of Men and Animals, and everything, when he was here--this Soul thing?" he asked pantingly, for the easy stride of his long-legged comrades made his lungs pump fast.
"I suppose so," replied Mooswa; "but if François gets fire-water at The Landing, I'm afraid it will be ill with The Boy. But, Comrades, you all remember your oath to me and the King, that for the Man-Cub shall be our help, and our care, and not the blood-feud that is against Man, because of his killing."
"I remember," cried Blue Wolf.
"And I," answered Pisew.
"I never forget anything," declared Carcajou. "When my paws ached because of François, I laid up hate against him; and when Black King's leg was lost because of this evil Man's Trap the hate grew stronger; but by the Bars on my Flanks do I bear not hate against The Boy, and bear the promise given to you, Mooswa."
"I'll carry you for a short trail, Lieutenant," said Blue Wolf, stopping beside Wolverine; "the Fat-eating has put new strength in my bones--jump up on my back. Your brains are nimbler than ours, but your short legs can't get over the deep snow so fast."