The Sign of the Beaver

Days later, Attean appears at the cabin with Saknis. Matt instinctively knows that Attean discovered his manitou: “He had changed. He stood straighter and taller. He looked older” (110). Attean’s head is shaved except for a braided topknot.

Saknis says the village will head north to hunt moose during the winter. He notes that Matt’s father still hasn’t arrived and invites Matt to join them. Matt wants to join but insists his father will show up any day and that he must guard the cabin. Saknis suggests Matt write a note for his father, but the latter knows he has to stay.

Saknis admires Matt’s loyalty to his family. He shakes Matt’s hand, and he and Attean leave. For a moment, Matt wants to run after them, but knows he can’t abandon his family. However, he’s troubled that Attean simply turned and walked away.

Four days later, Attean returns. He says he understands Matt’s desire to protect his father’s cabin, as he would have done the same. He brings gifts from Saknis and Grandmother—snowshoes and a small basket of costly maple sugar.