ACT 2, SCENE 2 At the hunting camp the following day. LITTLE LISTENER is waiting as always for her brothers.

[The three brothers come running on from stage right, stumbling, looking back over their shoulders, breathing hard from running. All three of them seem to be badly frightened and shaken up.]

LITTLE LISTENER. What is wrong?

OLDEST BROTHER. I have seen strange tracks to the north, like those of a man but much larger.

SECOND BROTHER. I have also seen those tracks, but I saw them to the west.

THIRD BROTHER. I have seen such tracks, too. I found those tracks to the south.

LITTLE LISTENER. I have gathered berries and firewood, and I have made our meal. Now let us eat.

[The three brothers dish out food for themselves and start eating. They all sit quietly around the fire. Finally the oldest brother speaks.]

OLDEST BROTHER. Brothers, I think we were mistaken. I think those were only the tracks of bears.

SECOND BROTHER. Yes, I think you are right, Oldest Brother.

THIRD BROTHER. Ooh, ooh! I am sure you are right. Those footprints I saw were just bear prints that looked bigger than usual because they were in such soft earth.

[The brothers gradually act relieved. They laugh and joke about being frightened by mere bear tracks. LITTLE LISTENER continues to eat her dinner and doesn’t say anything. She is deep in thought.]

LITTLE LISTENER. [out loud but to herself; her brothers continue eating, laughing, and talking, and they don’t hear what she says] I, too, have seen those tracks. They were very close to the edge of the hill by our camp. And I know that those were not bear tracks. There is only one creature that could make such tracks. But I mustn’t speak the name out loud, or I will invite it into our camp. I will remain quiet, but I must make a plan.

END OF ACT 2, SCENE 2