Chapter 16 Summary

Later the same day when Matt is by himself, he becomes very lonely. His excitement gone, he begins to wonder what is taking his father so long. He imagines the possibility of a bear getting him. How would his mother ever find him? All of a sudden, a stranger walks out of the woods. It is not a stranger, but Attean dressed in what Matt believes is blue and white war paint. Attean tells Matt that it is not war paint, but paint for a celebration of feasting on the bear. Attean's grandfather has asked Attean to invite Matt. Matt is thrilled and says that he would love some of the bear meat. As they leave, Attean makes one of his infrequent jokes and tells Matt not to forget to bar the door properly.

After walking for more than an hour, the boys...