ACING THE
LAKE FOR SOME LITTLE TIME.]

"O Great Spirit, I implore you to command the Winds, Clouds, Rain and
Snow to make smooth my path that I may reach the brow of the second
hill.

"O Great Spirit, I implore you to command the Hills, Valleys, Rivers,
Lakes, Trees and Grasses to make smooth my path that I may reach the
brow of the third hill.

"O Great Spirit, I implore you to command the Birds, Animals and Insects
to make smooth my path that I may reach the brow of the fourth hill.

"O Great Spirit, make me strong in heart and limb to reach the brow of
the fifth hill, upon whose summit are the Happy Hunting Grounds.

"O Great Spirit, receive my most precious offering," and he flung the
necklace far out into the lake.

[Illustration: {Wolf.}]

CHAPTER VI

THE BEAR

On awakening the next morning after a restful night, Hawk Eye said:

"Fresh meat tastes better than pemmican. I will take my bow and arrows
and see what game I can find. In the meantime you might gather some dry
wood and start a fire."

After a plunge in the cool waters of the lake, he set out. For some
distance he traveled to the north, and on emerging from the timber, he
came upon a hillside covered with low bushes. He had set an arrow
against the bowstring in readiness for whatever kind of game might
suddenly start up. As he looked about, a rabbit darted across an open
space. But before it could reach cover, Hawk Eye's arrow brought it
tumbling to the ground.

"Enough for our morning meal," he observed. After retrieving the arrow,
he slung the dead rabbit over his shoulder and started on his way back
to camp.

As there was no special trail leading toward the water, he followed a
course indicated by several landmarks he had made note of when first
setting out. After crossing an open space, he paused at the edge of the
timber belt that lined the banks of the river. He thought he had heard a
slight noise in the underbrush. As the sound was not repeated, he strode
in among the trees, setting an arrow against the bowstring. Presently he
heard a pounding noise followed by a wheeze, and as he peered among the
tree trunks, he made out the form of a huge black bear.

Surprised for a moment, the bear halted; then with a grunt took a step
forward. Unprepared for such big game, Hawk Eye dropped into a backward
walk, keeping his eyes fixed upon the animal, which now quickened its
steps. Raising his bow and continuing to step backwards, he a