As the sun broke over the prairie, Jakko arose and stretched. He gave himself a good shake and trotted merrily through the grass.

Long, quick strides carried him with purpose. He had indebted himself to the girl by stealing and later eating her jackrabbit and he intended to have that debt repaid. Jakko did not expect to have trouble doing this. Jackrabbits were as plentiful as the pheasants and silly little prairie dogs. All he had to do was wait for a fresh scent.

The sun made its slow climb into the sky. Jakko had roamed over a few knolls before finally sighting his target. A nice, plump jackrabbit was nibbling on the grass, if it ever could be said that a jackrabbit was plump. Jakko readied himself and with a yip he launched himself after the jackrabbit.

Immediately frightened, the jackrabbit fled, zigging and zagging in the fashion all rabbits are taught by their parents to lose predators with. Jakko sprang happily behind the rabbit, gaining ground. He had chased jackrabbits many times and it was much harder for them to shake him than when he first came to the prairie.

The gap closed, faster and faster. He was mere inches away from his prize. Jakko opened his mouth wide, preparing to catch the jackrabbit. Suddenly the rabbit was pinned to the ground by an arrow and Jakko tripped and tumbled over the poor thing. Dazed and confused, he sorted himself out and gave himself a good shake.

A cheer rang out from the ridge. Jakko looked to see Shanku jumping up and down with glee at having shot her first rabbit with his master quite taken aback. Dai had been teaching her how to use a bow and scolded her roundly for taking such a risky shot that could have hit the dog instead. She quickly apologized and came up to claim her game.

Jakko snorted and sat sullenly to himself. So much for that rabbit! He had to start fresh on his debt.

Shanku gave him a rub on his ears. "We're even now, Jakko."

Jakko raised his head and barked. Wagging his tail, he followed his master and Shanku back to their camp on the ridge. Shanku helped Jakko guard the herd in the following days and was often tasked with finding their supper to further her hunting skills.