148 THE BIG CANOE

Cautiously, he peered once more around the totem
pole. The war canoes had reached the beach. The war-
riors were leaping out upon the sand and running
swiftly toward the chief’s house.

Skai straightened and took a deep breath. It was
an incredible thing that he, Skai, should dare to face
Sebassa and all his warriors; yet it must be done,
and quickly, before it was too late.

“Now is the time, Tahn,” he whispered tremu-
lously. “Stand up.” He held a piece of candy where
the bear could see it and the animal instantly obeyed.
“Now come,” he commanded.

Bravely Skai stepped out into the village street
just as the first of the warriors ran up the path from
the beach. With astonishment and horror, they stood
still and stared at the creature that stood waiting for
them there in front of the chief’s lodge. It was a
frightful being with a red and yellow body, a hideous
soft flapping body of astounding shape and propor-
tions; with a face as white as the meat of the halibut;
with glittering eyes in great red and blue holes; with
an enormous mouth, red as blood, which stretched
from ear to ear! By the side of this awful being walked
a huge bear—a bear that stood on his hind feet and
squealed and bellowed loudly as he walked! A bear
that turned and swayed and twisted as he danced
along!

The next moment the air was filled with voices,
shrill, supernatural voices, that shrieked from behind