THE BUILDING OF THE SHACK 89 



Francois s Shack, in the safety time of the Forest, 

 dawn hour ; either that or dusk hour. What say 

 you Brothers which shall it be?&quot; 



&quot; It would suit me better on account of my 

 work,&quot; ventured Umisk, &quot; to go at dusk hour. 

 I have lost much time lately, and I m building 

 new lodges for my three-year-old Sons who are 

 starting out for themselves this Fall.&quot; 



&quot; Don t be late, then I go to bed at dusk,&quot; 

 lisped Whisky-Jack, mincingly, for his tongue 

 was wondrous sore. &quot; I will take note of what 

 the Men do in the meantime.&quot; 



&quot; And take care of us, O Wise Bird,&quot; sneered 

 Pisew. 



&quot; Big- feet ! Spear-ear ! Herring-waist ! &quot; fairly 

 screamed Jay, forgetting the sore tongue in his 

 rage. &quot; Before Winter is over, you 11 be glad of 

 Jack s advice, or I don t know Francois.&quot; 



&quot; The white of a Partridge egg is good for a 

 burn,&quot; retorted Lynx. &quot; Find one and cool your 

 fevered tongue.&quot; 



&quot; Are not these wranglers just like Men, Car 

 cajou ? &quot; remarked Mooswa. &quot; If you all spent 

 more time in lawful hunt for food you would be 

 fatter. It will profit me more to browse in the 

 Forest than listen to your frost-singed wit, so I 

 leave you, Comrades.&quot; 



&quot; And I prefer even fat Frogs to hot fat Pork,&quot; 



