ave it. He wished with all
his heart for it, but all his efforts were vain.

"O why won't you come to me, torngak?" demanded the poor youth, with a
pitiful whine.

"Because you are wise enough already," said a low voice, which startled
the audience very much, and sent a thrill of alarm, not unmingled with
surprise, to the hearts of Ippegoo and his master.

The voice seemed to come from the outside of the hut.

"Ask him to come inside and speak to us," whispered Ujarak, who was a
good deal more surprised even than his pupil at this unexpected turn of
affairs.

"Won't you come in, torngak?" said Ippegoo timidly. "It is very cold
outside. You will be more comfortable inside, and we shall hear you
better. I suppose you can come as easily through the wall as by--"

"Stop your stupid tongue!" growled Ujarak.

At that moment a deep unearthly voice was heard inside the hut. Every
one trembled, and there ensued a silence so oppressive as to suggest the
idea that all present were holding their breath, and afraid to move even
by a hair's-breadth.

Suddenly there was a faint murmur, for at the upper end of the hut a
dark form was seen slowly to arise. It must be remembered that there
was barely light enough to render darkness visible. No features could
be distinguished on this apparition, but it gradually assumed the form
of a gigantic bear, rising nearly to the roof, and with its great
forelegs extended, as if it were brooding over the assembly. Every one
remained perfectly still, as if spell-bound.

Only one of the audience was sceptical. Being himself a master of
deception, Ujarak suspected some trick, and slowly approached the giant
bear with the intention of testing its reality--in some trepidation,
however, for he was naturally superstitious. When he had drawn near
enough to touch it, he received a tremendous blow on the forehead, which
laid him flat on his back in a partially stunned condition, with his
head in Pussimek's lap. That amiable woman considerately allowed it to
remain there, and as the wizard felt mentally confused he did not care
to change his position.

Presently a low musical voice broke upon the assembly. We need scarcely
say that it was that of our hero, Red Rooney, but so changed in
character and tone as to be quite unrecognisable by the company, most of
whom, indeed, were not yet very familiar with it. Even his more
intimate friends, Angut and the Okiok family, were startled by it.