The Explorer

The man who appears before the children is cautious and mistrustful, brandishing a knife at the children and questioning them immediately. He has a pet vulture that stands beside him, and he complains that he cannot stand the sound of Max’s crying. Fred notices the man’s clothes are made entirely out of animal skins and furs, and he’s covered in scars and burns. The whole group is filled with fear, not knowing what the man will do or who he is. Fred explains that their plane crashed and they found a map, which they then followed. The man reluctantly gives the children water from inside a hollowed-out tree trunk. As they drink, the vulture approaches Max and seems to trust him. Seeing this, the man reluctantly takes the children to a shelter where they can sleep for the night. He also tells them to stay out of his private area, which is hidden by hanging vines.

The children ask for food, and the man tells them to hunt for it themselves. He gives them each a sharpened flint, including Max, who takes it eagerly. The man reluctantly shares some of his own food for the night, but he warns the children they will have to hunt tomorrow.