d. We must cook all
the bear, and hang the flesh in the trees."

"So we must," said the hunter. "It's not right that we three, who are
engaged in the great service of our country, should be hindered by the
danger of starvation. We ought now to be somewhere near the French and
Indians, watching them."

"Tomorrow we will seek them, Great Bear," said Tayoga, "but do you not
think that tonight we should rest?"

"So we should, Tayoga. You're right. We'll take all chances on being
seen, keep a good fire going and enjoy our comfort."

"And eat a big black bear steak every hour or so," said Robert.

"If we feel like it that's just what we'll do," laughed Willet. "It's
our night, now. Surely, Robert, you're the greatest hunter in the
world! Neither Tayoga nor I saw a sign of game, but you walked
straight to your bear."

"No irony," said Robert, who, nevertheless, was pleased. "It merely
proves that Areskoui had forgiven me, while he had not forgiven you
two. But don't you notice a tremendous change?"

"Change! Change in what?"

"Why, everything! The whole world is transformed! Around us a
little while ago stretched a scrubby, gloomy forest, but it is now
magnificent and cheerful. I never saw finer oaks and beeches. That sky
which was black and sinister has all the gorgeous golds and reds and
purples of a benevolent sunset. The wind, lately cold and wet, is
actually growing soft, dry and warm. It's a grand world, a kind world,
a friendly world!"

"Thus, O Dagaeoga," said Tayoga, "does the stomach rule man and the
universe. It is empty and all is black, it is filled and all that
was black turns to rose. But the rose will soon be gone, because the
sunlight is fading and night is at hand."

"But it's a fine night," said Robert sincerely. "I think it about the
finest night I ever saw coming."

"Have another of these beautiful broiled steaks," said Willet, "and
you'll be sure it's the finest night that ever was or ever will be."

"I think I will," said Robert, as he held the steak on the end of a
sharpened stick over the coals and listened to the pleasant sizzling
sound, "and after this is finished and a respectable time has elapsed,
I may take another."

The revulsion in all three was tremendous. Although they had hidden
it from one another, the great decrease in physical vitality had
made their minds sink into black despair, but now that strength was
returning so fast they saw the world through different eyes. They