The year is 1832. Wapahoo is a full-blooded Yurok Indian from the North. He is about fifteen years of age. He has been given a test for courage by Chief Ha-go-I-neigh to ride among the warriors along the trail of the elk to kill a bull elk to prove him a man. Wapahoo fails the test, and he is then sent on his second quest: to kill a bobcat, stay overnight with the bobcat"s spirit, and then travel back home through the enemy territory of the Tolowa. Wapahoo narrowly passes the second quest and during his night alone with the bobcat"s spirit, he is attacked first by a lone older wolf and then a black bear. Wapahoo offers his new friend bear meat as a thank-you for bringing him good luck.