THE SILVER BRACELET 85

stand. “The poor bear is unhappy, shut up in his pen
all day long. Around and around he walks from
morning until night, trying to find a way to escape
into the forest. If you were to open the gate and let
him loose, he would run down the street and all the
people would run shrieking to their houses. They are
all afraid of Toona. Maada would laugh to see them
running away, and her heart would be happy again.”

“Then Shim will let Toona loose,” Shim declared,
patting Maada’s head. “It will make Shim happy,
also, to see the people run away. Shim will let Toona
out of his pen and drive him down the street so that
all the people may see him and be afraid.”

“That will make me very happy, Shim,” Maada
cried, scarcely daring to believe her good fortune.
“But remember, this is not to be done until Maada
whispers in your ear. This she will do before the
evening is over, and you must wait for her to come to
you.”

“Shim will do as Maada says,” the Foolish One
agreed, nodding. “He will wait for Maada, who will
whisper in his ear. She will bring a big piece of fish
so that Toona will follow Shim along the village
street. Shim is not afraid of the bear. He will not
harm Shim. With a spirit-catcher Shim will draw a
spirit from the bear and make the people wonder.
Shim will laugh loudly to see the people stare.”

So it was arranged. Shim stumbled away, singing
loudly of a cross bear vexed by many evil spirits.