When the Council members had arrived, Whisky-Jack came back with a report that Lynx could not be found.
"Guilt and a full stomach have caused him to travel far; it is easier to keep out of the way than to answer eyes that are asking questions," declared Blue Wolf, in a thick voice.
"Then we shall decide without him," cried Black King, angrily.
The evidence was put clearly before the Council by Rof, Carcajou, and Mooswa; besides, each of the animals swore solemnly by their different tail-marks, which is an oath not to be broken, that they had not done this thing.
"Well," said Black Fox, "we arranged before that, in case of a serious breach of the Law, the Council should decide by numbers whether any one must die because of the Law breaking. Is that not so?"
"It is," they all answered.
"Then what of Pisew, who has undoubtedly broken the Oath-promise that was made unto Mooswa?"
"He must die!" snarled Blue Wolf.
"He must cease to be!" echoed Carcajou.
"Yes, it is not right that he live!" declared Mooswa. And from Bull Moose down to Wapistan, all agreed that Pisew deserved death for his traitorous conduct.