Page:The white czar; a story of a polar bear (IA whiteczarstoryof00hawk).pdf/160

 their trip would be for nothing. He could not take the little Oumauk back unless he had brought the joy of living again to his face. He must see the doctor. The White Czar must live.

"You say your son can do anything with him," continued Mr. Adams. "Perhaps he could coax him to eat. I would try it if I were you. We must keep him alive for both our sakes."

So Eiseeyou set himself the hard task of telling Oumauk.

He had never lied to his son before, and he did not know how to account for his untruth. But love makes us all strong, so Eiseeyou went bravely through it.

He explained to Oumauk at length how necessary it was for them to see the doctor, and how much money it took. He told him that Mr. Adams had offered a large sum of money if he would help him catch the bear, and that all their happiness depended on it. Oumauk listened stoically as is the way with his people, then asked simply:

"Must Whitie be shut up all his life so that I can see the sun again?"