IV 

 00-KOO-HOO PLAYS THE GAME 



TRAILING THE BEAR 



"My son, a good hunter is never long in doubt; for when 

 he discovers a bear track and follows it for a few hundred paces, 

 he knows whether the track was made by day or by night, 

 whether the bear was large or small, old or young, male or fe- 

 male; whether its coat was in condition ornot; whether the beast 

 was merely wandering or travelling with a purpose in view; 

 whether it was frightened or undisturbed; whether going 

 fast or slow; and whether seeking friends or food. Also, the 

 hunter knows which way the wind was blowing when the 

 track was made, he knows whether the bear felt tired or 

 active, and, furthermore, whether or not it wanted to go to 

 bed." 



I laughed aloud. 



Instantly the old man's kindly face was clouded with a 

 frown and he exclaimed : 



"My son . . . that was the laugh of a monias (green- 

 horn)", and glaring at me, he added: "At first, I thought 

 better of you, but now I am sure that all white men are 

 fools!" 



Realizing my mistake, I sobered, and suggested that if he 

 would explain I would have a chance to learn the ways of a 

 great hunter. 



" My son, it is a simple matter to read a track — that is, when 

 one has learned the game. For then one has but to look, re- 

 member, and reason, and then the whole story unfolds before 



ill 



