An Open Air Page

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 137, 31 August 1927, Page 6

An Open Air Page

For Big Girls and Boys

FIRELIT FACES

“|"|XCE upon a time there was a hunter who had never dared the vl rapids in his canoe, never deciphered the footprints of beast or bird by the river and in the forest, never sat, as we sit now, with the glow of the firelight warm on our faces, never—” “Then he was dead, O Chief.” “Truly spoken, Little Beaver. What face is that I see in the shadows’ Step forth stranger and make your presence known.” “I am Little Cub Hunter, O Chief, of great daring and great speed. The mighty she-bear in the forest is ever listening for my approach. Little cubs make merry play-fellows and I would teach my skill and daring to the tribes.” “Greetings, Little Cub Hunter. May Fortune shield you from the wrath of the great she-bear. . . . Gentle one, step forth. What is your name?” “Shimmering 8001, O Chief. The wind has whispered to me of the Wigwam and 10, 1 have come in the flesh.” “Welcome, fair one. Ah, the circle grows. Whispering Pine and Silver Moon, Braves of the twilight, come nearer that I may scan your faces. .. , And you good Chief. . . What is that at your belt?” “A bear paw, Redfeather—trophy of the hunt. And Bear Paw is my name. The quarry was great, but my strategy outwitted him. I would tell of my deeds in the circle of the Wigwam.” “Welcome, Bear Paw. May the sound of your voice echo frequently down the trail. . . . And who is this of great breadth and commanding height? Approach, newcomer, that the children of the Wigwam may see the firelight on your face. Ah, Thundering Buffalo, the great one. The prairie has spoken of your coming. Sit here at my right. . . . And now I would hearken to your stories, for the night is young and a new moon swims above the birch tree. Let the die be cast. Beaver Hunter, what news of the distant trails?” REDFEATHER.