Bannertail 



demon in his soul had cast out fear as 

 well as wisdom. 



And Mother Carey must have wept as 

 she saw this very dear one take into his 

 body and his brain a madness that would 

 surely end his life. She loved him, but 

 far more she loved his race. And just a 

 little longer she would wait, and give him 

 yet one chance. And if he willed not to 

 be strong, then must he pay the price. 



Not happy was his homecoming that 

 night. Silvergray sniffed at his whiskers. 

 She liked not his breath. There was no 

 kindness in her voice, her only sound a 

 harsh, low " Grrrff! " 



And the family life went on. 



[180] 



