luncheon. The fact that he had it proved that the white-toothed
bracelet told the truth in regard to his bravery.

While the wolves fought over their prey below Umpl looked at them and
thought. The others looked without thinking. Presently the noise grew
less, and Umpl looked about him and began to talk to the other young
men. He pointed out to them that one wolf, or two, would not have
dared to attack them. But as a band they had made even the bracelet-
wearer flee. So with themselves. One, or even two of them could not go
to another land where there was more water and game; but suppose they
stopped making war on each other and went as a band across the great
mountains? This country was eaten out. There were not caves enough to
go round among young men who wanted caves of their own. Elsewhere
things might be better. They could not be worse. And he would go with
them, taking Sptz, who could cook well, and the Iron Star, which would
bring them luck.

It seemed a very good idea, especially to youths who had none of their
own; and they agreed to form a band and go, if Umpl first would prove
the luck of the Star.

The youth nodded, and held up his club.

"This was made from it. Now see!"

Tying to it one end of the long thong he always carried, Umpl flung
the iron mass down on the head of a wolf that was trying to leap up
within reach. The animal fell, and his mates sprang on him, as wolves
will, and ate him up. Five times Umpl did it before the rest began to
take warning, and even then a pretended tumble brought them back and