Ko-Ga felt himself to be an excellent judge of character. Birds knew these things. When Mithwyth greeted not just Nate-Dog, but also crow, his feathers fluffed up in decisive approval.

Aaa-Aa! He answered.

The thought occurred to him, then, that maybe Nate-Dog would be more inspired to eat if another dog was around to encourage it. Nate had never eaten mice Before, but he had eaten deer and prairie chicken (fat, stupid birds, not at all like crows) and fish. Ko-Ga couldn't catch these things, and Nate-Dog was clumsy. But Mithwyth looked capable enough!

Ko-Ga just needed to figure out how to ask her for help, when he did not yet know dog words for these things. Frustrating! He pecked at his dead mouse thoughtfully.