"He must have a Mother also," said the Red-Widow softly. "You have all forsworn malice to my Babe, Stripes, until he is of full strength--let the Man-Cub have the same guard."
"What about François?" objected Whisky-Jack. "By my Stone-crop I'll wager he taught that Chick the trick of the hot pork."
"For him," continued Mooswa, gravely, "in defence of our rights and our lives the full law of the Forest; by night, the lone road and the cry of Blue Wolf and his Brothers; by day, the strong clasp of Muskwa; at close quarters, the stamp of my hoofs; and for his Traps and their Bait, the cunning of Carcajou and Black King."
"This is fair--it is a good Law," said Black Fox.
"It is!" they all cried in chorus.
"I am satisfied!" added the Moose.
"I think it would be well, Subjects," said Black King, thoughtfully, "to watch this Man and Man-Cub until the setting out of the Traps; after that we can regulate our lives in accordance. How long will it take them to build their Shack, Clerk?"
"Four days, François told The Boy last evening, as he smoked the scent-flower."
"Then on the fourth day, three or four of us who are quick travellers had better go and watch the evil ways of this Slayer. What say you all?"
"Most wise King," exclaimed Pisew, "select thou the Strong Runners."