The villagers were glad to have the five men back, and the women prepared a huge supper that evening. The next few days were dedicated to preserving the meat and making the lodge and the new house tight for winter. The people moved their things into their winter quarters, and woodpiles were stacked within easy reach. At last Alomar declared that they were ready to meet the cold weather. “The snow will come soon,” Shea said after breakfast one morning, looking toward the north. “We will have a few more days of good weather,” Alomar said, and no one disagreed with the elder. “Perhaps it is time to explore the cellar hole of Ezander’s old hunting lodge,” Hunter suggested. Karsh was immediately alert and ready for adventure. It had been months since Hunter told him they would dig it up one day, and he had all but given up hoping the time would come.
