The Sign of the Beaver

Matt is worried because his father is late in bringing their family home. Attean appears, his face painted. He invites Matt to a feast at his family home. Honored, Matt follows Attean for over an hour and well past sunset, until they cross a river by canoe and enter a stockade that protects cabins and wigwams. Smoke rises from a central fire; bear meat, in iron pots, simmers over the fire. Some of Attean’s people wear English coats, while others sport colorful blankets; a few have feathered headbands, but most wear shiny metal bracelets and necklaces, and have painted their faces.

Saknis stands and welcomes Matt; the other members echo this with a shout: “Ta ho.” Children gather around Matt, making a game of touching him. Attean shows Matt to a place to sit; a woman brings him a gourd containing a sweet-spicy drink.

Saknis rises again, briefly puffs on a pipe, then hands it to Attean, who takes a puff and tells the story of the bear encounter. He tells it well, and the people respond with enthusiasm. He points at Matt and makes a throwing gesture; the crowd enjoys hearing about Matt’s part in the encounter.