DPN LOSS EIA

TERN Rae ON

EEE INE eae? umetomenit pre ere oe ane ney

MOLE NG hah MEN:

ear ore aE

Sms) Serer

A ADR a aN L ECS

54 THE BIG CANOE

is sleeping and I would have him rest. When he
wakes I will summon you and we will have a great
feast in honor of his return.”

“Look, he is smiling. He is happy even in his
sleep,” Quahl’s mother said softly, as the people
slipped out through the entrance hole and the big
room was quiet.

“No one ever deserved happiness more than he,”
replied the chief, his stern face softening as he stooped
to place a roll of fur beneath the head of his son,
Quahl the Carver, who lay sound asleep upon the
gravel hearth beside the roaring fire, the small ivory
image of the Ancient One clutched tightly in his
hand.