"It was in the lodge of the head chief of the village and I had to wait until he went forth to greet Tandakora, who came with a band of his warriors to claim shelter, food and rest.

Then I took what was your own and here it is, one of the finest I have ever seen." He held up the great buffalo robe, tanned splendidly and rich in fur and the sight of it made Robert's teeth stop chattering.

He wrapped it around his body and sufficient warmth came back.
"You're a marvel, Tayoga," he said.

"Does the village contain anything else that belongs to us ?" "Nothing that I can think of now.

The rain will cease entirely in an hour, and then we will start." His prediction was right, and they set forth in the dark forest, Robert wearing the great buffalo robe which stored heat and consequent energy in his frame.