228 THE BIG CANOE

the Carver he spoke; like a young chief among the
Tsimshians, his servitude forgotten for the time being.
Gone was Kona the slave; Kona the ill one. Like a
fearless young chief he stood there, holding Oala’s
hand, and all were amazed at the striking resemblance
between them.

“We two are twins,” he continued, “and all know
that twins are not like other people. Oala knows,
as I know also, that neither of us can live with-
out the other. It is as if each heart depended upon
the other one for life; as if each mind controlled
the thoughts and actions of the other. No one who
is not a twin can understand, but this is so.

“Qala destroyed the Talking Doll so that she would
be allowed to remain with me among the Niskas;
for she knew neither of us could live without the
other. Rich and powerful are the Haidas. Their
lodges are warm and well stocked with food against
the long winter months; their slaves are more kindly
treated than those of any other tribe. Oala knew
all this; ever since we became slaves she has longed
to live among the Haidas, yet she gave up every-
thing to be with me. Only a twin would make a
sacrifice like that, O Chief. Only the daughter of a
chief would be so brave.

“T am the son of Haimas the Carver. Once our
tribe was rich and powerful; our warriors were feared
among all the tribes on the Skeena; our village stood
securely in a place where the river was narrow and