Spring was breaking up there, and it was warm on the tundras and the southern slopes, and the pussy-willow buds were popping out of their coats like corn from a hopper.
He prayed God the months had been kind to his people--the people of the range.

It was a long time to be away from them, when one loved them as he did.

He was sure that Tautuk and Amuk Toolik, his two chief herdsmen, would care for things as well as himself.

But much could happen in seven months.

Nawadlook, the little beauty of his distant kingdom, was not looking well when he left.