No wonder they did not know him. He had been one of their bravest hunters. He had left them young and happy, but now he looked old and haggard. He seemed to be crushed with sorrow. They carried him into the cave and bathed his tired feet. They dressed his wounds. At last he moved, and they spoke to him. They asked about the old man. They asked if he had found fire. But Sharpeyes could not answer. He fell into a deep sleep, and he was still sleeping long after the morning sun arose. [Illustration: “_They carried him into the cave_”] THINGS TO DO _Show how the Cave-men acted when they saw the stranger coming toward the cave._ _Show how they helped Sharpeyes to the cave._ _Draw a picture showing the part that you like best._ XXII THINGS TO THINK ABOUT What do you think the Cave-men will do while Sharpeyes is sleeping? Why will everybody on the wooded hills want to hear his story? What do you think his story will be? _The Journey to the Fire Country_ Before sunrise Strongarm had sent word to all the people on the hills that Sharpeyes had returned. He told them to meet at the fire clan’s cave. All were anxious to hear Sharpeyes’ story. Some of the Cave-men still hoped that the old man would come with fire. But others feared he would never return. About noon Sharpeyes awoke. The women brought him water and meat. When he had eaten, all the Cave-men were there. They gathered around Sharpeyes in silence and grew sad as they looked in his face. At length Sharpeyes roused up as if he were waking from a dream. He recalled the morning that he and the old man had started out on their journey. He spoke of the hope that filled their hearts. He told of the long and difficult way and of the trouble they had in crossing the mountains. At last they reached the dry, rocky country, where the old man led the way. He knew where to look for the cool mountain springs, where they drank and filled the water bag. They journeyed onward many a day, climbing steep and rocky heights. At last they saw flames of fire in the distance. They eagerly hastened to their journey’s end. [Illustration: “_They watched the fire dart up toward the sky_”] They were tired and hungry when they reached the fire country, but their hearts were filled with joy. They were glad to be near the fire god once more. They watched the fire dart up toward the sky. It seemed to come from deep, dark chasms. They stayed in the fire country several days. After mending their weapons, they hunted a while. They cooked their meat in the flaming fire. They slept on the ground beside the fire. When they were rested they started home. They lighted some punk and put it in their tool bag. Then they lighted their torches and set out on their homeward way. As they traveled they talked of their friends. Their hearts were glad, for they hoped to bring happiness to all the people on the wooded hills. THINGS TO DO