In a prehistoric setting, a Neolithic man named Tegumai Bopsulai, his wife Teshumai Tewindrow, and their daughter Taffimai Metallumai live a simple life. Tegumai, while fishing with Taffy, accidentally breaks his spear and realizes he has no spare. Taffy suggests sending a message home, but they lack the ability to write. A stranger from a different tribe appears, and Taffy attempts to communicate her need for a spear by drawing pictures on a piece of birch bark, using a shark's tooth as a tool. Taffy's drawings depict her father, the broken spear, and a path to their home, but the stranger misinterprets the images, believing Tegumai is in danger. He rushes to Teshumai, who, upon seeing the drawing, panics and gathers the tribe to rescue Tegumai. The tribe arrives at the river, disrupting Tegumai's fishing and causing confusion. Taffy explains her intentions, clarifying that her drawings were meant to request a spear, not to indicate danger. The tribe learns the importance of clear communication, and Taffy's innocent mistake leads to the realization of the concept of writing. The chief praises Taffy for her creativity, suggesting that one day, people will develop a system of letters to convey messages accurately. The story concludes with the tribe adopting the stranger and reflecting on the significance of Taffy's drawings, which mark the beginning of written communication.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1888 · Genre: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Adventure