they made a special mock of the walking - staff , and scarcely an hour in the day passed that they had not some disparaging reference to it . among themselves they spoke of osseo of the walking - staff , in derision , as the owner of the big woods , or the great timber - man . " true , " said oweenee , " it is but a simple stick ; but as it supports the steps of my husband , it is more precious to me than all the forests of the north . " a time came when the sisters , and their husbands , and their parents were all invited to a feast . as the distance was considerable , they doubted whether osseo , so aged and feeble , would be able to undertake the journey ; but in spite of their friendly doubts , he joined them , and set out with a good heart .
he was aged and feeble .
why did everyone doubt whether osseo would be able to undertake the journey ?
why did everyone doubt whether osseo would be able to undertake the journey ?