THE BIG CANOE
“Wait; we will call the tribe,” the chief decided.

“They are all concerned in this matter; and when
they learn that you have returned, they will be anxious
to hear your story. Rest while I send messengers to
notify every one in the village of your arrival.”

A few moments after the chief’s slaves had set out
with his message, excited people came hurrying in
through the entrance hole, to stare in astonishment at
the stalwart unfamiliar figure of the young chief and
marvel at the beautiful fur garments he wore. They
gaped at the extraordinary little animal he had
brought back to the village. Never before had the
Haidas seen garments so warm and so cleverly fash-
ioned as Quahl’s. Never before had they seen any
animal so strange as this little ivory creature with two
tails.

When at last the chief’s keen glance assured him
that all in the village had gathered upon the ledges
above the huge living room, where only his family
and relatives and a few invited guests were seated
around the hearth, he motioned to his slaves to throw
more logs upon the fire and raised his hand to quiet
the hubbub. Instantly there was silence, broken only
by the snap and crackle of the driftwood logs, and
Quahl, obeying the old chief’s nod, began his story: