WONDER TALES OF THE FOREST 125

The old woman made a hideous scowl, but said nothing. Pulowech sat down.

Now the old woman belonged to the Porcu— pine family, and so could endure more heat than other people. Hoping she might kill Pulo— Wech, she built a great fire of hemlock bark. The fire blazed and crackled and roared, and the heat became intense. But Pulowech did not stir until the fire had burned down.

Now it was his turn. He went out and gathered fuel and built a fire, and then closed and fastened the entrance to the cave. He heard the sorcerers calling for mercy, but he was deaf to their cries. The roof and sides of the cave glowed and cracked with the heat, and by and by the fire burned down and all was still. The last of the robbers and mur- derers had been destroyed. The sea maiden was avenged!

And kespeadooksit—the story ends.