“That proves that the new way is better, mother,” said White Sox. “Service and sacrifice for the males! That is now our law. That is why you didn’t complain when my two big brothers were butchered.”
Mother Reindeer nodded her head.
“Our worst enemies did us a kind turn when they stampeded White Feet and his little band into the hunter’s tent,” continued White Sox. “And man, our next worst enemy, did us a better turn when he taught us to serve him. Mother, if I am to live to a ripe old age and die a natural death, I must make myself so useful to man that my services will be of greater value than my flesh and skin. Isn’t that right, mother?”
“That’s the whole lesson, my son,” Mother Reindeer said. “And now I will tell you that I have always wanted to be the mother of a second White Feet. I was pleased because you were marked like the great leader, but I am more pleased that you are able to think like him. A leader has to face many trials of courage and many temptations, and has great cares and responsibilities. It is only by overcoming all temptations and weaknesses and by boldly doing your duty that you become of great service to man and to your kind.”
White Sox nodded his head. “Yes, mother,” he said thoughtfully. “I’ve been worrying about my spoiled stockings and what the herd would think of these black ones, but now I’m glad my legs are black. By the time the hair comes next summer, and my new white stockings appear, I shall have learned many more lessons. I’ve one more question to ask. Do you ever wish to return to the land where White Feet lived?”
“No,” said the kind old mother, “this is a better land for reindeer. The moss here is better. We have more timber, better sleds and harness, good herding dogs to help keep off our enemies, and good herders. I’m getting old, my son, but I hope to live to see you leader of the big herd—as wise and useful as your great ancestor.”
“Thank you, mother dear,” he said gently. “Thank you for telling me the big story. My! what a foolish fawn I was—wanting to stay with our wild cousins! How glad I am the wolves chased us away!”
He looked to the north, then to the west. He sniffed the air and turned this way and that, this way and that. At last he turned to the north and looked very steadily.
What do you think he saw?
A cloud of fog was rising from the ground. It was only a few miles ahead of them. The morning sky was bright and clear. The air was very cold.