When invited by Saknis and Attean to join them on the hunt, Matt is initially ecstatic. If he joins them on the hunt, he will not need to spend the long winter by himself.

However, Matt soon realizes that, if he chooses to leave, his father won't know of his whereabouts when he returns. Even though he wants to go with Saknis and Attean, Matt understands that he has given his word that he will stay and tend to the cabin faithfully until his family returns.

When Saknis argues that Matt's father may not return at all, Matt defends his father. He tells Saknis that his father would surely send someone to let Matt know if he couldn't make it. Basically, Matt defends the integrity and loyalty of his father. Saknis then tells Matt that he is a good son and repeats his invitation, but Matt is resolute that he must stay.

So, Matt initially responds with great joy when Saknis and Attean extend their invitation, but he soon becomes sad when he realizes that he cannot in good conscience go with his beloved Indian friends.