SKAI AND THE DANCING BEAR 151

back of his bear slave and tore along the beach, hop-
ing to head them off at the entrance of the crescent-
shaped cove!

Like madmen they sent the canoes leaping over the
water, out of the cove, out into the safe haven of the
straits beyond. Not until they were far from shore did
they feel secure, for Kali Koustli still stood upon
a high rock, waving his horrible arms, and the shrill
howling of his cheated bear slave came to them on the
wind. Straight toward the east they drove their canoes,
straight toward the mainland many miles away. Kali
Koustli and his slave had put the fear of the dreaded
pestilence into their hearts, and they would not dare
return for many moons.

Not until the canoes of the enemy were mere specks
upon the blue waters, not until Skai was sure that
they could no longer see him there upon the rock, did
he venture to go back to the village, back through the
deserted street, where he met Mr. Williams hurrying
toward him.

“That was the bravest deed I have ever seen,” the
trader said. “When the chief and the others return I
will tell them what you have done and you will be a
hero.”

“What is a hero?” Skai demanded eagerly, for his
stock of English words was still small. “Is it better
than a clown?”

The trader hesitated. He knew what faith the Haida
lad had in him.