188 THE BIG CANOE

“Where are you going now, One-who-is-always-in-
trouble?” demanded the most cruel-looking one of
all.

“T am going into the guest house for some of the
crab-apples in the sweet syrup,” Yulan answered,
and was proud that his voice did not tremble.

“Your father will punish you. He is very angry
with you because you broke his shaman’s hat,”
warned the slave, glancing at the other Niskas. Yulan
knew that he was asking them with his glance what
should be done.

In his excitement, Yulan had forgotten about the
incident of the shaman’s hat; he had forgotten about
his father’s anger. He was dismayed. What reason
could he give for being here, dressed like this, when
even the slaves knew how he would be punished for
it. While he hesitated the hoot of an owl sounded
once more. This time it came from behind the chief’s
lodge!

At the sound the Niska slaves started and glanced
quickly backward toward the forest. In that moment
Yulan darted forward and sprang into the wide en-
trance of the guest house. Before the scowling one
could seize him, he was safely inside, fighting his
way through the feasting crowd to the great chair of
the chief.

“The Niskas are armed!” he shouted shrilly.
“There are many more outside. I saw them land be-
yond the headland, and they are waiting in the for-