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Mclaughlin + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +Project Gutenberg's Myths and Legends of the Sioux, by Marie L. McLaughlin + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Myths and Legends of the Sioux + +Author: Marie L. McLaughlin + +Release Date: July 11, 2008 [EBook #341] +Last Updated: November 11, 2016 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MYTHS AND LEGENDS OF THE SIOUX *** + + + + +Produced by Judith Boss, and David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h1> + MYTHS AND LEGENDS OF THE SIOUX + </h1> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + By Mrs. Marie L. Mclaughlin + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h5> + In loving memory of my mother,<br /> MARY GRAHAM BUISSON,<br /> at whose + knee most of the stories<br /> contained in this little volume<br /> were + told to me, this book is<br /> affectionately dedicated<br /> + </h5> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_FORE"> FOREWORD </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> THE FORGOTTEN EAR OF CORN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> THE LITTLE MICE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0004"> THE PET RABBIT </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0005"> THE PET DONKEY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0006"> THE RABBIT AND THE ELK </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0007"> THE RABBIT AND THE GROUSE GIRLS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0008"> THE FAITHFUL LOVERS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0009"> THE ARTICHOKE AND THE MUSKRAT </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0010"> THE RABBIT AND THE BEAR WITH THE FLINT BODY + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0011"> STORY OF THE LOST WIFE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0012"> THE RACCOON AND THE CRAWFISH </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0013"> LEGEND OF STANDING ROCK </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0014"> STORY OF THE PEACE PIPE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0015"> A BASHFUL COURTSHIP </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0016"> THE SIMPLETON’S WISDOM </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0017"> A LITTLE BRAVE AND THE MEDICINE WOMAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0018"> THE BOUND CHILDREN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0019"> THE SIGNS OF CORN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0020"> STORY OF THE RABBITS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0021"> HOW THE RABBIT LOST HIS TAIL </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0022"> UNKTOMI AND THE ARROWHEADS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0023"> THE BEAR AND THE RABBIT HUNT BUFFALO </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0024"> THE BRAVE WHO WENT ON THE WARPATH ALONE AND + WON THE NAME OF THE LONE WARRIOR </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0025"> THE SIOUX WHO MARRIED THE CROW CHIEF’S + DAUGHTER </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0026"> THE BOY AND THE TURTLES </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0027"> THE HERMIT, OR THE GIFT OF CORN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0028"> THE MYSTERIOUS BUTTE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0029"> THE WONDERFUL TURTLE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0030"> THE MAN AND THE OAK </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0031"> STORY OF THE TWO YOUNG FRIENDS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0032"> THE STORY OF THE PET CROW </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0033"> THE “WASNA” (PEMMICAN) MAN AND THE UNKTOMI + (SPIDER) </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0034"> THE RESUSCITATION OF THE ONLY DAUGHTER </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0035"> THE STORY OF THE PET CRANE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0036"> WHITE PLUME </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0037"> STORY OF PRETTY FEATHERED FOREHEAD </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0038"> THE FOUR BROTHERS OR INYANHOKSILA (STONE BOY) + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0039"> THE UNKTOMI (SPIDER), TWO WIDOWS, AND THE RED + PLUMS </a> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_FORE" id="link2H_FORE"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h2> + FOREWORD + </h2> + <p> + In publishing these “Myths of the Sioux,” I deem it proper to state that I + am of one-fourth Sioux blood. My maternal grandfather, Captain Duncan + Graham, a Scotchman by birth, who had seen service in the British Army, + was one of a party of Scotch Highlanders who in 1811 arrived in the + British Northwest by way of York Factory, Hudson Bay, to found what was + known as the Selkirk Colony, near Lake Winnipeg, now within the province + of Manitoba, Canada. Soon after his arrival at Lake Winnipeg he proceeded + up the Red River of the North and the western fork thereof to its source, + and thence down the Minnesota River to Mendota, the confluence of the + Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers, where he located. My grandmother, + Ha-za-ho-ta-win, was a full-blood of the Medawakanton Band of the Sioux + Tribe of Indians. My father, Joseph Buisson, born near Montreal, Canada, + was connected with the American Fur Company, with headquarters at Mendota, + Minnesota, which point was for many years the chief distributing depot of + the American Fur Company, from which the Indian trade conducted by that + company on the upper Mississippi was directed. + </p> + <p> + I was born December 8, 1842, at Wabasha, Minnesota, then Indian country, + and resided thereat until fourteen years of age, when I was sent to school + at Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. + </p> + <p> + I was married to Major James McLaughlin at Mendota, Minnesota, January 28, + 1864, and resided in Minnesota until July 1, 1871, when I accompanied my + husband to Devils Lake Agency, North Dakota, then Dakota Territory, where + I remained ten years in most friendly relations with the Indians of that + agency. My husband was Indian agent at Devils Lake Agency, and in 1881 was + transferred to Standing Rock, on the Missouri River, then a very important + agency, to take charge of the Sioux who had then but recently surrendered + to the military authorities, and been brought by steamboat from various + points on the upper Missouri, to be permanently located on the Standing + Rock reservation. + </p> + <p> + Having been born and reared in an Indian community, I at an early age + acquired a thorough knowledge of the Sioux language, and having lived on + Indian reservations for the past forty years in a position which brought + me very near to the Indians, whose confidence I possessed, I have, + therefore, had exceptional opportunities of learning the legends and + folk-lore of the Sioux. + </p> + <p> + The stories contained in this little volume were told me by the older men + and women of the Sioux, of which I made careful notes as related, knowing + that, if not recorded, these fairy tales would be lost to posterity by the + passing of the primitive Indian. + </p> + <p> + The notes of a song or a strain of music coming to us through the night + not only give us pleasure by the melody they bring, but also give us + knowledge of the character of the singer or of the instrument from which + they proceed. There is something in the music which unerringly tells us of + its source. I believe musicians call it the “timbre” of the sound. It is + independent of, and different from, both pitch and rhythm; it is the + texture of the music itself. + </p> + <p> + The “timbre” of a people’s stories tells of the qualities of that people’s + heart. It is the texture of the thought, independent of its form or + fashioning, which tells the quality of the mind from which it springs. + </p> + <p> + In the “timbre” of these stories of the Sioux, told in the lodges and at + the camp fires of the past, and by the firesides of the Dakotas of today, + we recognize the very texture of the thought of a simple, grave, and + sincere people, living in intimate contact and friendship with the big + out-of-doors that we call Nature; a race not yet understanding all things, + not proud and boastful, but honest and childlike and fair; a simple, + sincere, and gravely thoughtful people, willing to believe that there may + be in even the everyday things of life something not yet fully understood; + a race that can, without any loss of native dignity, gravely consider the + simplest things, seeking to fathom their meaning and to learn their lesson—equally + without vain-glorious boasting and trifling cynicism; an earnest, + thoughtful, dignified, but simple and primitive people. + </p> + <p> + To the children of any race these stories can not fail to give pleasure by + their vivid imaging of the simple things and creatures of the great + out-of-doors and the epics of their doings. They will also give an + intimate insight into the mentality of an interesting race at a most + interesting stage of development, which is now fast receding into the + mists of the past. + </p> + <p> + MARIE L. McLAUGHLIN (Mrs. James McLaughlin). + </p> + <p> + McLaughlin, S. D., May 1, 1913. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE FORGOTTEN EAR OF CORN + </h2> + <p> + An Arikara woman was once gathering corn from the field to store away for + winter use. She passed from stalk to stalk, tearing off the ears and + dropping them into her folded robe. When all was gathered she started to + go, when she heard a faint voice, like a child’s, weeping and calling: + </p> + <p> + “Oh, do not leave me! Do not go away without me.” + </p> + <p> + The woman was astonished. “What child can that be?” she asked herself. + “What babe can be lost in the cornfield?” + </p> + <p> + She set down her robe in which she had tied up her corn, and went back to + search; but she found nothing. + </p> + <p> + As she started away she heard the voice again: + </p> + <p> + “Oh, do not leave me. Do not go away without me.” + </p> + <p> + She searched for a long time. At last in one corner of the field, hidden + under the leaves of the stalks, she found one little ear of corn. This it + was that had been crying, and this is why all Indian women have since + garnered their corn crop very carefully, so that the succulent food + product should not even to the last small nubbin be neglected or wasted, + and thus displease the Great Mystery. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE LITTLE MICE + </h2> + <p> + Once upon a time a prairie mouse busied herself all fall storing away a + cache of beans. Every morning she was out early with her empty cast-off + snake skin, which she filled with ground beans and dragged home with her + teeth. + </p> + <p> + The little mouse had a cousin who was fond of dancing and talk, but who + did not like to work. She was not careful to get her cache of beans and + the season was already well gone before she thought to bestir herself. + When she came to realize her need, she found she had no packing bag. So + she went to her hardworking cousin and said: + </p> + <p> + “Cousin, I have no beans stored for winter and the season is nearly gone. + But I have no snake skin to gather the beans in. Will you lend me one?” + </p> + <p> + “But why have you no packing bag? Where were you in the moon when the + snakes cast off their skins?” + </p> + <p> + “I was here.” + </p> + <p> + “What were you doing?” + </p> + <p> + “I was busy talking and dancing.” + </p> + <p> + “And now you are punished,” said the other. “It is always so with lazy, + careless people. But I will let you have the snake skin. And now go, and + by hard work and industry, try to recover your wasted time.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0004" id="link2H_4_0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE PET RABBIT + </h2> + <p> + A little girl owned a pet rabbit which she loved dearly. She carried it on + her back like a babe, made for it a little pair of moccasins, and at night + shared with it her own robe. + </p> + <p> + Now the little girl had a cousin who loved her very dearly and wished to + do her honor; so her cousin said to herself: + </p> + <p> + “I love my little cousin well and will ask her to let me carry her pet + rabbit around;” (for thus do Indian women when they wish to honor a + friend; they ask permission to carry about the friend’s babe). + </p> + <p> + She then went to the little girl and said: + </p> + <p> + “Cousin, let me carry your pet rabbit about on my back. Thus shall I show + you how I love you.” + </p> + <p> + Her mother, too, said to her: “Oh no, do not let our little grandchild go + away from our tepee.” + </p> + <p> + But the cousin answered: “Oh, do let me carry it. I do so want to show my + cousin honor.” At last they let her go away with the pet rabbit on her + back. + </p> + <p> + When the little girl’s cousin came home to her tepee, some rough boys who + were playing about began to make sport of her. To tease the little girl + they threw stones and sticks at the pet rabbit. At last a stick struck the + little rabbit upon the head and killed it. + </p> + <p> + When her pet was brought home dead, the little rabbit’s adopted mother + wept bitterly. She cut off her hair for mourning and all her little girl + friends wailed with her. Her mother, too, mourned with them. + </p> + <p> + “Alas!” they cried, “alas, for the little rabbit. He was always kind and + gentle. Now your child is dead and you will be lonesome.” + </p> + <p> + The little girl’s mother called in her little friends and made a great + mourning feast for the little rabbit. As he lay in the tepee his adopted + mother’s little friends brought many precious things and covered his body. + At the feast were given away robes and kettles and blankets and knives and + great wealth in honor of the little rabbit. Him they wrapped in a robe + with his little moccasins on and buried him in a high place upon a + scaffold. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0005" id="link2H_4_0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE PET DONKEY + </h2> + <p> + There was a chief’s daughter once who had a great many relations so that + everybody knew she belonged to a great family. + </p> + <p> + When she grew up she married and there were born to her twin sons. This + caused great rejoicing in her father’s camp, and all the village women + came to see the babes. She was very happy. + </p> + <p> + As the babes grew older, their grandmother made for them two saddle bags + and brought out a donkey. + </p> + <p> + “My two grandchildren,” said the old lady, “shall ride as is becoming to + children having so many relations. Here is this donkey. He is patient and + surefooted. He shall carry the babes in the saddle bags, one on either + side of his back.” + </p> + <p> + It happened one day that the chief’s daughter and her husband were making + ready to go on a camping journey. The father, who was quite proud of his + children, brought out his finest pony, and put the saddle bags on the + pony’s back. + </p> + <p> + “There,” he said, “my sons shall ride on the pony, not on a donkey; let + the donkey carry the pots and kettles.” + </p> + <p> + So his wife loaded the donkey with the household things. She tied the + tepee poles into two great bundles, one on either side of the donkey’s + back; across them she put the travois net and threw into it the pots and + kettles and laid the skin tent across the donkey’s back. + </p> + <p> + But no sooner done than the donkey began to rear and bray and kick. He + broke the tent poles and kicked the pots and kettles into bits and tore + the skin tent. The more he was beaten the more he kicked. + </p> + <p> + At last they told the grandmother. She laughed. “Did I not tell you the + donkey was for the children,” she cried. “He knows the babies are the + chief’s children. Think you he will be dishonored with pots and kettles?” + and she fetched the children and slung them over the donkey’s back, when + he became at once quiet again. + </p> + <p> + The camping party left the village and went on their journey. But the next + day as they passed by a place overgrown with bushes, a band of enemies + rushed out, lashing their ponies and sounding their war whoop. All was + excitement. The men bent their bows and seized their lances. After a long + battle the enemy fled. But when the camping party came together again—where + were the donkey and the two babes? No one knew. For a long time they + searched, but in vain. At last they turned to go back to the village, the + father mournful, the mother wailing. When they came to the grandmother’s + tepee, there stood the good donkey with the two babes in the saddle bags. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0006" id="link2H_4_0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE RABBIT AND THE ELK + </h2> + <p> + The little rabbit lived with his old grandmother, who needed a new dress. + “I will go out and trap a deer or an elk for you,” he said. “Then you + shall have a new dress.” + </p> + <p> + When he went out hunting he laid down his bow in the path while he looked + at his snares. An elk coming by saw the bow. + </p> + <p> + “I will play a joke on the rabbit,” said the elk to himself. “I will make + him think I have been caught in his bow string.” He then put one foot on + the string and lay down as if dead. + </p> + <p> + By and by the rabbit returned. When he saw the elk he was filled with joy + and ran home crying: “Grandmother, I have trapped a fine elk. You shall + have a new dress from his skin. Throw the old one in the fire!” + </p> + <p> + This the old grandmother did. + </p> + <p> + The elk now sprang to his feet laughing. “Ho, friend rabbit,” he called, + “You thought to trap me; now I have mocked you.” And he ran away into the + thicket. + </p> + <p> + The rabbit who had come back to skin the elk now ran home again. + “Grandmother, don’t throw your dress in the fire,” he cried. But it was + too late. The old dress was burned. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0007" id="link2H_4_0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE RABBIT AND THE GROUSE GIRLS + </h2> + <p> + The rabbit once went out on the prairie in winter time. On the side of a + hill away from the wind he found a great company of girls all with grey + and speckled blankets over their backs. They were the grouse girls and + they were coasting down hill on a board. When the rabbit saw them, he + called out: + </p> + <p> + “Oh, maidens, that is not a good way to coast down hill. Let me get you a + fine skin with bangles on it that tinkle as you slide.” And away he ran to + the tepee and brought a skin bag. It had red stripes on it and bangles + that tinkled. “Come and get inside,” he said to the grouse girls. “Oh, no, + we are afraid,” they answered. “Don’t be afraid, I can’t hurt you. Come, + one of you,” said the rabbit. Then as each hung back he added coaxingly: + “If each is afraid alone, come all together. I can’t hurt you <i>all</i>.” + And so he coaxed the whole flock into the bag. This done, the rabbit + closed the mouth of the bag, slung it over his back and came home. + “Grandmother,” said he, as he came to the tepee, “here is a bag full of + game. Watch it while I go for willow sticks to make spits.” + </p> + <p> + But as soon as the rabbit had gone out of the tent, the grouse girls began + to cry out: + </p> + <p> + “Grandmother, let us out.” + </p> + <p> + “Who are you?” asked the old woman. + </p> + <p> + “Your dear grandchildren,” they answered. + </p> + <p> + “But how came you in the bag?” asked the old woman. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, our cousin was jesting with us. He coaxed us in the bag for a joke. + Please let us out.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, dear grandchildren, I will let you out,” said the old woman as + she untied the bag: and lo, the grouse flock with achuck-a-chuck-achuck + flew up, knocking over the old grandmother and flew out of the square + smoke opening of the winter lodge. The old woman caught only one grouse as + it flew up and held it, grasping a leg with each hand. + </p> + <p> + When the rabbit came home with the spits she called out to him: + </p> + <p> + “Grandson, come quick. They got out but I have caught two.” + </p> + <p> + When he saw what had happened he was quite angry, yet could not keep from + laughing. + </p> + <p> + “Grandmother, you have but one grouse,” he cried, “and it is a very skinny + one at that.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0008" id="link2H_4_0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE FAITHFUL LOVERS + </h2> + <p> + There once lived a chief’s daughter who had many relations. All the young + men in the village wanted to have her for wife, and were all eager to fill + her skin bucket when she went to the brook for water. + </p> + <p> + There was a young man in the village who was industrious and a good + hunter; but he was poor and of a mean family. He loved the maiden and when + she went for water, he threw his robe over her head while he whispered in + her ear: + </p> + <p> + “Be my wife. I have little but I am young and strong. I will treat you + well, for I love you.” + </p> + <p> + For a long time the maiden did not answer, but one day she whispered back. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, you may ask my father’s leave to marry me. But first you must do + something noble. I belong to a great family and have many relations. You + must go on a war party and bring back the scalp of an enemy.” + </p> + <p> + The young man answered modestly, “I will try to do as you bid me. I am + only a hunter, not a warrior. Whether I shall be brave or not I do not + know. But I will try to take a scalp for your sake.” + </p> + <p> + So he made a war party of seven, himself and six other young men. They + wandered through the enemy’s country, hoping to get a chance to strike a + blow. But none came, for they found no one of the enemy. + </p> + <p> + “Our medicine is unfavorable,” said their leader at last. “We shall have + to return home.” + </p> + <p> + Before they started they sat down to smoke and rest beside a beautiful + lake at the foot of a green knoll that rose from its shore. The knoll was + covered with green grass and somehow as they looked at it they had a + feeling that there was something about it that was mysterious or uncanny. + </p> + <p> + But there was a young man in the party named the jester, for he was + venturesome and full of fun. Gazing at the knoll he said: “Let’s run and + jump on its top.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said the young lover, “it looks mysterious. Sit still and finish + your smoke.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, come on, who’s afraid,” said the jester, laughing. “Come on you—come + on!” and springing to his feet he ran up the side of the knoll. + </p> + <p> + Four of the young men followed. Having reached the top of the knoll all + five began to jump and stamp about in sport, calling, “Come on, come on,” + to the others. Suddenly they stopped—the knoll had begun to move + toward the water. It was a gigantic turtle. The five men cried out in + alarm and tried to run—too late! Their feet by some power were held + fast to the monster’s back. + </p> + <p> + “Help us—drag us away,” they cried; but the others could do nothing. + In a few moments the waves had closed over them. + </p> + <p> + The other two men, the lover and his friend, went on, but with heavy + hearts, for they had forebodings of evil. After some days, they came to a + river. Worn with fatigue the lover threw himself down on the bank. + </p> + <p> + “I will sleep awhile,” he said, “for I am wearied and worn out.” + </p> + <p> + “And I will go down to the water and see if I can chance upon a dead fish. + At this time of the year the high water may have left one stranded on the + seashore,” said his friend. + </p> + <p> + And as he had said, he found a fish which he cleaned, and then called to + the lover. + </p> + <p> + “Come and eat the fish with me. I have cleaned it and made a fire and it + is now cooking.” + </p> + <p> + “No, you eat it; let me rest,” said the lover. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, come on.” + </p> + <p> + “No, let me rest.” + </p> + <p> + “But you are my friend. I will not eat unless you share it with me.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well,” said the lover, “I will eat the fish with you, but you must + first make me a promise. If I eat the fish, you must promise, pledge + yourself, to fetch me all the water that I can drink.” + </p> + <p> + “I promise,” said the other, and the two ate the fish out of their + war-kettle. For there had been but one kettle for the party. + </p> + <p> + When they had eaten, the kettle was rinsed out and the lover’s friend + brought it back full of water. This the lover drank at a draught. + </p> + <p> + “Bring me more,” he said. + </p> + <p> + Again his friend filled the kettle at the river and again the lover drank + it dry. + </p> + <p> + “More!” he cried. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I am tired. Cannot you go to the river and drink your fill from the + stream?” asked his friend. + </p> + <p> + “Remember your promise.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but I am weary. Go now and drink.” + </p> + <p> + “Ek-hey, I feared it would be so. Now trouble is coming upon us,” said the + lover sadly. He walked to the river, sprang in, and lying down in the + water with his head toward land, drank greedily. By and by he called to + his friend. + </p> + <p> + “Come hither, you who have been my sworn friend. See what comes of your + broken promise.” + </p> + <p> + The friend came and was amazed to see that the lover was now a fish from + his feet to his middle. + </p> + <p> + Sick at heart he ran off a little way and threw himself upon the ground in + grief. By and by he returned. The lover was now a fish to his neck. + </p> + <p> + “Cannot I cut off the part and restore you by a sweat bath?” the friend + asked. + </p> + <p> + “No, it is too late. But tell the chief’s daughter that I loved her to the + last and that I die for her sake. Take this belt and give it to her. She + gave it to me as a pledge of her love for me,” and he being then turned to + a great fish, swam to the middle of the river and there remained, only his + great fin remaining above the water. + </p> + <p> + The friend went home and told his story. There was great mourning over the + death of the five young men, and for the lost lover. In the river the + great fish remained, its fin just above the surface, and was called by the + Indians “Fish that Bars,” because it bar’d navigation. Canoes had to be + portaged at great labor around the obstruction. + </p> + <p> + The chief’s daughter mourned for her lover as for a husband, nor would she + be comforted. “He was lost for love of me, and I shall remain as his + widow,” she wailed. + </p> + <p> + In her mother’s tepee she sat, with her head covered with her robe, + silent, working, working. “What is my daughter doing,” her mother asked. + But the maiden did not reply. + </p> + <p> + The days lengthened into moons until a year had passed. And then the + maiden arose. In her hands were beautiful articles of clothing, enough for + three men. There were three pairs of moccasins, three pairs of leggings, + three belts, three shirts, three head dresses with beautiful feathers, and + sweet smelling tobacco. + </p> + <p> + “Make a new canoe of bark,” she said, which was made for her. + </p> + <p> + Into the canoe she stepped and floated slowly down the river toward the + great fish. + </p> + <p> + “Come back my daughter,” her mother cried in agony. “Come back. The great + fish will eat you.” + </p> + <p> + She answered nothing. Her canoe came to the place where the great fin + arose and stopped, its prow grating on the monster’s back. The maiden + stepped out boldly. One by one she laid her presents on the fish’s back, + scattering the feathers and tobacco over his broad spine. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, fish,” she cried, “Oh, fish, you who were my lover, I shall not + forget you. Because you were lost for love of me, I shall never marry. All + my life I shall remain a widow. Take these presents. And now leave the + river, and let the waters run free, so my people may once more descend in + their canoes.” + </p> + <p> + She stepped into her canoe and waited. Slowly the great fish sank, his + broad fin disappeared, and the waters of the St. Croix (Stillwater) were + free. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0009" id="link2H_4_0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE ARTICHOKE AND THE MUSKRAT + </h2> + <p> + On the shore of a lake stood an artichoke with its green leaves waving in + the sun. Very proud of itself it was, and well satisfied with the world. + In the lake below lived a muskrat in his tepee, and in the evening as the + sun set he would come out upon the shore and wander over the bank. One + evening he came near the place where the artichoke stood. + </p> + <p> + “Ho, friend,” he said, “you seem rather proud of yourself. Who are you?” + “I am the artichoke,” answered the other, “and I have many handsome + cousins. But who are you?” + </p> + <p> + “I am the muskrat, and I, too, belong to a large family. I live in the + water. I don’t stand all day in one place like a stone.” + </p> + <p> + “If I stand in one place all day,” retorted the artichoke, “at least I + don’t swim around in stagnant water, and build my lodge in the mud.” + </p> + <p> + “You are jealous of my fine fur,” sneered the muskrat. “I may build my + lodge in the mud, but I always have a clean coat. But you are half buried + in the ground, and when men dig you up, you are never clean.” + </p> + <p> + “And your fine coat always smells of musk,” jeered the artichoke. + </p> + <p> + “That is true,” said the muskrat. “But men think well of me, nevertheless. + They trap me for the fine sinew in my tail; and handsome young women bite + off my tail with their white teeth and make it into thread.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s nothing,” laughed the artichoke. “Handsome young warriors, painted + and splendid with feathers, dig me up, brush me off with their shapely + hands and eat me without even taking the trouble to wash me off.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0010" id="link2H_4_0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE RABBIT AND THE BEAR WITH THE FLINT BODY + </h2> + <p> + The Rabbit and his grandmother were in dire straits, because the rabbit + was out of arrows. The fall hunt would soon be on and his quiver was all + but empty. Arrow sticks he could cut in plenty, but he had nothing with + which to make arrowheads. + </p> + <p> + “You must make some flint arrowheads,” said his grandmother. “Then you + will be able to kill game.” + </p> + <p> + “Where shall I get the flint?” asked the rabbit. + </p> + <p> + “From the old bear chief,” said his old grandmother. For at that time all + the flint in the world was in the bear’s body. + </p> + <p> + So the rabbit set out for the village of the Bears. It was winter time and + the lodges of the bears were set under the shelter of a hill where the + cold wind would not blow on them and where they had shelter among the + trees and bushes. + </p> + <p> + He came at one end of the village to a hut where lived an old woman. He + pushed open the door and entered. Everybody who came for flint always + stopped there because it was the first lodge on the edge of the village. + Strangers were therefore not unusual in the old woman’s hut, and she + welcomed the rabbit. She gave him a seat and at night he lay with his feet + to the fire. + </p> + <p> + The next morning the rabbit went to the lodge of the bear chief. They sat + together awhile and smoked. At last the bear chief spoke. + </p> + <p> + “What do you want, my grandson?” + </p> + <p> + “I have come for some flint to make arrows,” answered the rabbit. + </p> + <p> + The bear chief grunted, and laid aside his pipe. Leaning back he pulled + off his robe and, sure enough, one half of his body was flesh and the + other half hard flint. + </p> + <p> + “Bring a stone hammer and give it to our guest,” he bade his wife. Then as + the rabbit took the hammer he said: “Do not strike too hard.” + </p> + <p> + “Grandfather, I shall be careful,” said the rabbit. With a stroke he + struck off a little flake of flint from the bear’s body. + </p> + <p> + “Ni-sko-ke-cha? So big?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “Harder, grandson; strike off bigger pieces,” said the bear. + </p> + <p> + The rabbit struck a little harder. + </p> + <p> + “Ni-sko-ke-cha? So big?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + The bear grew impatient. “No, no, strike off bigger pieces. I can’t be + here all day. Tanka kaksa wo! Break off a big piece.” + </p> + <p> + The rabbit struck again—hard! “Ni-sko-ke-cha?” he cried, as the + hammer fell. But even as he spoke the bear’s body broke in two, the flesh + part fell away and only the flint part remained. Like a flash the rabbit + darted out of the hut. + </p> + <p> + There was a great outcry in the village. Openmouthed, all the bears gave + chase. But as he ran the rabbit cried: “Wa-hin-han-yo (snow, snow) Ota-po, + Ota-po—lots more, lots more,” and a great storm of snow swept down + from the sky. + </p> + <p> + The rabbit, light of foot, bounded over the top of the snow. The bears + sunk in and floundered about helpless. Seeing this, the rabbit turned back + and killed them one by one with his club. That is why we now have so few + bears. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0011" id="link2H_4_0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + STORY OF THE LOST WIFE + </h2> + <p> + A Dakota girl married a man who promised to treat her kindly, but he did + not keep his word. He was unreasonable, fault-finding, and often beat her. + Frantic with his cruelty, she ran away. The whole village turned out to + search for her, but no trace of the missing wife was to be found. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, the fleeing woman had wandered about all that day and the next + night. The next day she met a man, who asked her who she was. She did not + know it, but he was not really a man, but the chief of the wolves. + </p> + <p> + “Come with me,” he said, and he led her to a large village. She was amazed + to see here many wolves—gray and black, timber wolves and coyotes. + It seemed as if all the wolves in the world were there. + </p> + <p> + The wolf chief led the young woman to a great tepee and invited her in. He + asked her what she ate for food. + </p> + <p> + “Buffalo meat,” she answered. + </p> + <p> + He called two coyotes and bade them bring what the young woman wanted. + They bounded away and soon returned with the shoulder of a fresh-killed + buffalo calf. + </p> + <p> + “How do you prepare it for eating?” asked the wolf chief. + </p> + <p> + “By boiling,” answered the young woman. + </p> + <p> + Again he called the two coyotes. Away they bounded and soon brought into + the tent a small bundle. In it were punk, flint and steel—stolen, it + may be, from some camp of men. + </p> + <p> + “How do you make the meat ready?” asked the wolf chief. + </p> + <p> + “I cut it into slices,” answered the young woman. + </p> + <p> + The coyotes were called and in a short time fetched in a knife in its + sheath. The young woman cut up the calf’s shoulder into slices and ate it. + </p> + <p> + Thus she lived for a year, all the wolves being very kind to her. At the + end of that time the wolf chief said to her: + </p> + <p> + “Your people are going off on a buffalo hunt. Tomorrow at noon they will + be here. You must then go out and meet them or they will fall on us and + kill us.” + </p> + <p> + The next day at about noon the young woman went to the top of a + neighboring knoll. Coming toward her were some young men riding on their + ponies. She stood up and held her hands so that they could see her. They + wondered who she was, and when they were close by gazed at her closely. + </p> + <p> + “A year ago we lost a young woman; if you are she, where have you been,” + they asked. + </p> + <p> + “I have been in the wolves’ village. Do not harm them,” she answered. + </p> + <p> + “We will ride back and tell the people,” they said. “Tomorrow again at + noon, we shall meet you.” + </p> + <p> + The young woman went back to the wolf village, and the next day went again + to a neighboring knoll, though to a different one. Soon she saw the camp + coming in a long line over the prairie. First were the warriors, then the + women and tents. + </p> + <p> + The young woman’s father and mother were overjoyed to see her. But when + they came near her the young woman fainted, for she could not now bear the + smell of human kind. When she came to herself she said: + </p> + <p> + “You must go on a buffalo hunt, my father and all the hunters. Tomorrow + you must come again, bringing with you the tongues and choice pieces of + the kill.” + </p> + <p> + This he promised to do; and all the men of the camp mounted their ponies + and they had a great hunt. The next day they returned with their ponies + laden with the buffalo meat. The young woman bade them pile the meat in a + great heap between two hills which she pointed out to them. There was so + much meat that the tops of the two hills were bridged level between by the + meat pile. In the center of the pile the young woman planted a pole with a + red flag. She then began to howl like a wolf, loudly. + </p> + <p> + In a moment the earth seemed covered with wolves. They fell greedily on + the meat pile and in a short time had eaten the last scrap. + </p> + <p> + The young woman then joined her own people. + </p> + <p> + Her husband wanted her to come and live with him again. For a long time + she refused. However, at last they became reconciled. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0012" id="link2H_4_0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE RACCOON AND THE CRAWFISH + </h2> + <p> + Sharp and cunning is the raccoon, say the Indians, by whom he is named + Spotted Face. + </p> + <p> + A crawfish one evening wandered along a river bank, looking for something + dead to feast upon. A raccoon was also out looking for something to eat. + He spied the crawfish and formed a plan to catch him. + </p> + <p> + He lay down on the bank and feigned to be dead. By and by the crawfish + came near by. “Ho,” he thought, “here is a feast indeed; but is he really + dead. I will go near and pinch him with my claws and find out.” + </p> + <p> + So he went near and pinched the raccoon on the nose and then on his soft + paws. The raccoon never moved. The crawfish then pinched him on the ribs + and tickled him so that the raccoon could hardly keep from laughing. The + crawfish at last left him. “The raccoon is surely dead,” he thought. And + he hurried back to the crawfish village and reported his find to the + chief. + </p> + <p> + All the villagers were called to go down to the feast. The chief bade the + warriors and young men to paint their faces and dress in their gayest for + a dance. + </p> + <p> + So they marched in a long line—first the warriors, with their + weapons in hand, then the women with their babies and children—to + the place where the raccoon lay. They formed a great circle about him and + danced, singing: + </p> + <p> + “We shall have a great feast + </p> + <p> + “On the spotted-faced beast, with soft smooth paws: + </p> + <p> + “He is dead! + </p> + <p> + “He is dead! + </p> + <p> + “We shall dance! + </p> + <p> + “We shall have a good time! + </p> + <p> + “We shall feast on his flesh.” + </p> + <p> + But as they danced, the raccoon suddenly sprang to his feet. + </p> + <p> + “Who is that you say you are going to eat? He has a spotted face, has he? + He has soft, smooth paws, has he? I’ll break your ugly backs. I’ll break + your rough bones. I’ll crunch your ugly, rough paws.” And he rushed among + the crawfish, killing them by scores. The crawfish warriors fought bravely + and the women ran screaming, all to no purpose. They did not feast on the + raccoon; the raccoon feasted <i>on them!</i> + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0013" id="link2H_4_0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LEGEND OF STANDING ROCK + </h2> + <p> + A Dakota had married an Arikara woman, and by her had one child. By and by + he took another wife. The first wife was jealous and pouted. When time + came for the village to break camp she refused to move from her place on + the tent floor. The tent was taken down but she sat on the ground with her + babe on her back The rest of the camp with her husband went on. + </p> + <p> + At noon her husband halted the line. “Go back to your sister-in-law,” he + said to his two brothers. “Tell her to come on and we will await you here. + But hasten, for I fear she may grow desperate and kill herself.” + </p> + <p> + The two rode off and arrived at their former camping place in the evening. + The woman still sat on the ground. The elder spoke: + </p> + <p> + “Sister-in-law, get up. We have come for you. The camp awaits you.” + </p> + <p> + She did not answer, and he put out his hand and touched her head. She had + turned to stone! + </p> + <p> + The two brothers lashed their ponies and came back to camp. They told + their story, but were not believed. “The woman has killed herself and my + brothers will not tell me,” said the husband. However, the whole village + broke camp and came back to the place where they had left the woman. Sure + enough, she sat there still, a block of stone. + </p> + <p> + The Indians were greatly excited. They chose out a handsome pony, made a + new travois and placed the stone in the carrying net. Pony and travois + were both beautifully painted and decorated with streamers and colors. The + stone was thought <i>“wakan”</i> (holy), and was given a place of honor in + the center of the camp. Whenever the camp moved the stone and travois were + taken along. Thus the stone woman was carried for years, and finally + brought to Standing Rock Agency, and now rests upon a brick pedestal in + front of the Agency office. From this stone Standing Rock Agency derives + its name. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0014" id="link2H_4_0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + STORY OF THE PEACE PIPE + </h2> + <p> + Two young men were out strolling one night talking of love affairs. They + passed around a hill and came to a little ravine or coulee. Suddenly they + saw coming up from the ravine a beautiful woman. She was painted and her + dress was of the very finest material. + </p> + <p> + “What a beautiful girl!” said one of the young men. “Already I love her. I + will steal her and make her my wife.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said the other. “Don’t harm her. She may be holy.” + </p> + <p> + The young woman approached and held out a pipe which she first offered to + the sky, then to the earth and then advanced, holding it out in her + extended hands. + </p> + <p> + “I know what you young men have been saying; one of you is good; the other + is wicked,” she said. + </p> + <p> + She laid down the pipe on the ground and at once became a buffalo cow. The + cow pawed the ground, stuck her tail straight out behind her and then + lifted the pipe from the ground again in her hoofs; immediately she became + a young woman again. + </p> + <p> + “I am come to give you this gift,” she said. “It is the peace pipe. + Hereafter all treaties and ceremonies shall be performed after smoking it. + It shall bring peaceful thoughts into your minds. You shall offer it to + the Great Mystery and to mother earth.” + </p> + <p> + The two young men ran to the village and told what they had seen and + heard. All the village came out where the young woman was. + </p> + <p> + She repeated to them what she had already told the young men and added: + </p> + <p> + “When you set free the ghost (the spirit of deceased persons) you must + have a white buffalo cow skin.” + </p> + <p> + She gave the pipe to the medicine men of the village, turned again to a + buffalo cow and fled away to the land of buffaloes. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0015" id="link2H_4_0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + A BASHFUL COURTSHIP + </h2> + <p> + A young man lived with his grandmother. He was a good hunter and wished to + marry. He knew a girl who was a good moccasin maker, but she belonged to a + great family. He wondered how he could win her. + </p> + <p> + One day she passed the tent on her way to get water at the river. His + grandmother was at work in the tepee with a pair of old worn-out sloppy + moccasins. The young man sprang to his feet. “Quick, grandmother—let + me have those old sloppy moccasins you have on your feet!” he cried. + </p> + <p> + “My old moccasins, what do you want of them?” cried the astonished woman. + </p> + <p> + “Never mind! Quick! I can’t stop to talk,” answered the grandson as he + caught up the old moccasins the old lady had doffed, and put them on. He + threw a robe over his shoulders, slipped through the door, and hastened to + the watering place. The girl had just arrived with her bucket. + </p> + <p> + “Let me fill your bucket for you,” said the young man. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no, I can do it.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, let me, I can go in the mud. You surely don’t want to soil your + moccasins,” and taking the bucket he slipped in the mud, taking care to + push his sloppy old moccasins out so the girl could see them. She giggled + outright. + </p> + <p> + “My, what old moccasins you have,” she cried. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I have nobody to make me a new pair,” he answered. + </p> + <p> + “Why don’t you get your grandmother to make you a new pair?” + </p> + <p> + “She’s old and blind and can’t make them any longer. That’s why I want + you,” he answered. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, you’re fooling me. You aren’t speaking the truth.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I am. If you don’t believe—come with me <i>now!</i>” + </p> + <p> + The girl looked down; so did the youth. At last he said softly: + </p> + <p> + “Well, which is it? Shall I take up your bucket, or will you go with me?” + </p> + <p> + And she answered, still more softly: “I guess I’ll go with you!” + </p> + <p> + The girl’s aunt came down to the river, wondering what kept her niece so + long. In the mud she found two pairs of moccasin tracks close together; at + the edge of the water stood an empty keg. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0016" id="link2H_4_0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE SIMPLETON’S WISDOM + </h2> + <p> + There was a man and his wife who had one daughter. Mother and daughter + were deeply attached to one another, and when the latter died the mother + was disconsolate. She cut off her hair, cut gashes in her cheeks and sat + before the corpse with her robe drawn over her head, mourning for her + dead. Nor would she let them touch the body to take it to a burying + scaffold. She had a knife in her hand, and if anyone offered to come near + the body the mother would wail: + </p> + <p> + “I am weary of life. I do not care to live. I will stab myself with this + knife and join my daughter in the land of spirits.” + </p> + <p> + Her husband and relatives tried to get the knife from her, but could not. + They feared to use force lest she kill herself. They came together to see + what they could do. + </p> + <p> + “We must get the knife away from her,” they said. + </p> + <p> + At last they called a boy, a kind of simpleton, yet with a good deal of + natural shrewdness. He was an orphan and very poor. His moccasins were out + at the sole and he was dressed in wei-zi (coarse buffalo skin, smoked). + </p> + <p> + “Go to the tepee of the mourning mother,” they told the simpleton, “and in + some way contrive to make her laugh and forget her grief. Then try to get + the knife away from her.” + </p> + <p> + The boy went to the tent and sat down at the door as if waiting to be + given something. The corpse lay in the place of honor where the dead girl + had slept in life. The body was wrapped in a rich robe and wrapped about + with ropes. Friends had covered it with rich offerings out of respect to + the dead. + </p> + <p> + As the mother sat on the ground with her head covered she did not at first + see the boy, who sat silent. But when his reserve had worn away a little + he began at first lightly, then more heavily, to drum on the floor with + his hands. After a while he began to sing a comic song. Louder and louder + he sang until carried away with his own singing he sprang up and began to + dance, at the same time gesturing and making all manner of contortions + with his body, still singing the comic song. As he approached the corpse + he waved his hands over it in blessing. The mother put her head out of the + blanket and when she saw the poor simpleton with his strange grimaces + trying to do honor to the corpse by his solemn waving, and at the same + time keeping up his comic song, she burst out laughing. Then she reached + over and handed her knife to the simpleton. + </p> + <p> + “Take this knife,” she said. “You have taught me to forget my grief. If + while I mourn for the dead I can still be mirthful, there is no reason for + me to despair. I no longer care to die. I will live for my husband.” + </p> + <p> + The simpleton left the tepee and brought the knife to the astonished + husband and relatives. + </p> + <p> + “How did you get it? Did you force it away from her, or did you steal it?” + they said. + </p> + <p> + “She gave it to me. How could I force it from her or steal it when she + held it in her hand, blade uppermost? I sang and danced for her and she + burst out laughing. Then she gave it to me,” he answered. + </p> + <p> + When the old men of the village heard the orphan’s story they were very + silent. It was a strange thing for a lad to dance in a tepee where there + was mourning. It was stranger that a mother should laugh in a tepee before + the corpse of her dead daughter. The old men gathered at last in a + council. They sat a long time without saying anything, for they did not + want to decide hastily. The pipe was filled and passed many times. At last + an old man spoke. + </p> + <p> + “We have a hard question. A mother has laughed before the corpse of her + daughter, and many think she has done foolishly, but I think the woman did + wisely. The lad was simple and of no training, and we cannot expect him to + know how to do as well as one with good home and parents to teach him. + Besides, he did the best that he knew. He danced to make the mother forget + her grief, and he tried to honor the corpse by waving over it his hands.” + </p> + <p> + “The mother did right to laugh, for when one does try to do us good, even + if what he does causes us discomfort, we should always remember rather the + motive than the deed. And besides, the simpleton’s dancing saved the + woman’s life, for she gave up her knife. In this, too, she did well, for + it is always better to live for the living than to die for the dead.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0017" id="link2H_4_0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + A LITTLE BRAVE AND THE MEDICINE WOMAN + </h2> + <p> + A village of Indians moved out of winter camp and pitched their tents in a + circle on high land overlooking a lake. A little way down the declivity + was a grave. Choke cherries had grown up, hiding the grave from view. But + as the ground had sunk somewhat, the grave was marked by a slight hollow. + </p> + <p> + One of the villagers going out to hunt took a short cut through the choke + cherry bushes. As he pushed them aside he saw the hollow grave, but + thought it was a washout made by the rains. But as he essayed to step over + it, to his great surprise he stumbled and fell. Made curious by his + mishap, he drew back and tried again; but again he fell. When he came back + to the village he told the old men what had happened to him. They + remembered then that a long time before there had been buried there a + medicine woman or conjurer. Doubtless it was her medicine that made him + stumble. + </p> + <p> + The story of the villager’s adventure spread thru the camp and made many + curious to see the grave. Among others were six little boys who were, + however, rather timid, for they were in great awe of the dead medicine + woman. But they had a little playmate named Brave, a mischievous little + rogue, whose hair was always unkempt and tossed about and who was never + quiet for a moment. + </p> + <p> + “Let us ask Brave to go with us,” they said; and they went in a body to + see him. + </p> + <p> + “All right,” said Brave; “I will go with you. But I have something to do + first. You go on around the hill <i>that</i> way, and I will hasten around + <i>this</i> way, and meet you a little later near the grave.” + </p> + <p> + So the six little boys went on as bidden until they came to a place near + the grave. There they halted. + </p> + <p> + “Where is Brave?” they asked. + </p> + <p> + Now Brave, full of mischief, had thought to play a jest on his little + friends. As soon as they were well out of sight he had sped around the + hill to the shore of the lake and sticking his hands in the mud had rubbed + it over his face, plastered it in his hair, and soiled his hands until he + looked like a new risen corpse with the flesh rotting from his bones. He + then went and lay down in the grave and awaited the boys. + </p> + <p> + When the six little boys came they were more timid than ever when they did + not find Brave; but they feared to go back to the village without seeing + the grave, for fear the old men would call them cowards. + </p> + <p> + So they slowly approached the grave and one of them timidly called out: + </p> + <p> + “Please, grandmother, we won’t disturb your grave. We only want to see + where you lie. Don’t be angry.” + </p> + <p> + At once a thin quavering voice, like an old woman’s, called out: + </p> + <p> + “Han, han, takoja, hechetuya, hechetuya! Yes, yes, that’s right, that’s + right.” + </p> + <p> + The boys were frightened out of their senses, believing the old woman had + come to life. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, grandmother,” they gasped, “don’t hurt us; please don’t, we’ll go.” + </p> + <p> + Just then Brave raised his muddy face and hands up thru the choke cherry + bushes. With the oozy mud dripping from his features he looked like some + very witch just raised from the grave. The boys screamed outright. One + fainted. The rest ran yelling up the hill to the village, where each broke + at once for his mother’s tepee. + </p> + <p> + As all the tents in a Dakota camping circle face the center, the boys as + they came tearing into camp were in plain view from the tepees. Hearing + the screaming, every woman in camp ran to her tepee door to see what had + happened. Just then little Brave, as badly scared as the rest, came + rushing in after them, his hair on end and covered with mud and crying + out, all forgetful of his appearance: + </p> + <p> + “It’s me, it’s me!” + </p> + <p> + The women yelped and bolted in terror from the village. Brave dashed into + his mother’s tepee, scaring her out of her wits. Dropping pots and + kettles, she tumbled out of the tent to run screaming with the rest. Nor + would a single villager come near poor little Brave until he had gone down + to the lake and washed himself. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0018" id="link2H_4_0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE BOUND CHILDREN + </h2> + <p> + There once lived a widow with two children—the elder a daughter and + the younger a son. The widow went in mourning for her husband a long time. + She cut off her hair, let her dress lie untidy on her body and kept her + face unpainted and unwashed. + </p> + <p> + There lived in the same village a great chief. He had one son just come + old enough to marry. The chief had it known that he wished his son to take + a wife, and all of the young women in the village were eager to marry the + young man. However, he was pleased with none of them. + </p> + <p> + Now the widow thought, “I am tired of mourning for my husband and caring + for my children. Perhaps if I lay aside my mourning and paint myself red, + the chief’s son may marry me.” + </p> + <p> + So she slipped away from her two children, stole down to the river and + made a bathing place thru the ice. When she had washed away all signs of + mourning, she painted and decked herself and went to the chief’s tepee. + When his son saw her, he loved her, and a feast was made in honor of her + wedding. + </p> + <p> + When the widow’s daughter found herself forsaken, she wept bitterly. After + a day or two she took her little brother in her arms and went to the tepee + of an old woman who lived at one end of the village. The old woman’s + tumble down tepee was of bark and her dress and clothing was of old + smoke-dried tent cover. But she was kind to the two waifs and took them in + willingly. + </p> + <p> + The little girl was eager to find her mother. The old woman said to her: + “I suspect your mother has painted her face red. Do not try to find her. + If the chief’s son marries her she will not want to be burdened with you.” + </p> + <p> + The old woman was right. The girl went down to the river, and sure enough + found a hole cut in the ice and about it lay the filth that the mother had + washed from her body. The girl gathered up the filth and went on. By and + by she came to a second hole in the ice. Here too was filth, but not so + much as at the previous place. At the third hole the ice was clean. + </p> + <p> + The girl knew now that her mother had painted her face red. She went at + once to the chief’s tepee, raised the door flap and went in. There sat her + mother with the chief’s son at their wedding feast. + </p> + <p> + The girl walked up to her mother and hurled the filth in her mother’s + face. + </p> + <p> + “There,” she cried, “you who forsake your helpless children and forget + your husband, take that!” + </p> + <p> + And at once her mother became a hideous old woman. + </p> + <p> + The girl then went back to the lodge of the old woman, leaving the camp in + an uproar. The chief soon sent some young warriors to seize the girl and + her brother, and they were brought to his tent. He was furious with anger. + </p> + <p> + “Let the children be bound with lariats wrapped about their bodies and let + them be left to starve. Our camp will move on,” he said. The chief’s son + did not put away his wife, hoping she might be cured in some way and grow + young again. + </p> + <p> + Everybody in camp now got ready to move; but the old woman came close to + the girl and said: + </p> + <p> + “In my old tepee I have dug a hole and buried a pot with punk and steel + and flint and packs of dried meat. They will tie you up like a corpse. But + before we go I will come with a knife and pretend to stab you, but I will + really cut the rope that binds you so that you can unwind it from your + body as soon as the camp is out of sight and hearing.” + </p> + <p> + And so, before the camp started, the old woman came to the place where the + two children were bound. She had in her hand a knife bound to the end of a + stick which she used as a lance. She stood over the children and cried + aloud: + </p> + <p> + “You wicked girl, who have shamed your own mother, you deserve all the + punishment that is given you. But after all I do not want to let you lie + and starve. Far better kill you at once and have done with it!” and with + her stick she stabbed many times, as if to kill, but she was really + cutting the rope. + </p> + <p> + The camp moved on; but the children lay on the ground until noon the next + day. Then they began to squirm about. Soon the girl was free, and she then + set loose her little brother. They went at once to the old woman’s hut + where they found the flint and steel and the packs of dried meat. + </p> + <p> + The girl made her brother a bow and arrows and with these he killed birds + and other small game. + </p> + <p> + The boy grew up a great hunter. They became rich. They built three great + tepees, in one of which were stored rows upon rows of parfleche bags of + dried meat. + </p> + <p> + One day as the brother went out to hunt, he met a handsome young stranger + who greeted him and said to him: + </p> + <p> + “I know you are a good hunter, for I have been watching you; your sister, + too, is industrious. Let me have her for a wife. Then you and I will be + brothers and hunt together.” + </p> + <p> + The girl’s brother went home and told her what the young stranger had + said. + </p> + <p> + “Brother, I do not care to marry,” she answered. “I am now happy with + you.” + </p> + <p> + “But you will be yet happier married,” he answered, “and the young + stranger is of no mean family, as one can see by his dress and manners.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well, I will do as you wish,” she said. So the stranger came into + the tepee and was the girl’s husband. + </p> + <p> + One day as they were in their tent, a crow flew overhead, calling out + loudly, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Kaw, Kaw, +</pre> + <p> + “They who forsook the children have no meat.” + </p> + <p> + The girl and her husband and brother looked up at one another. + </p> + <p> + “What can it mean?” they asked. “Let us send for Unktomi (the spider). He + is a good judge and he will know.” + </p> + <p> + “And I will get ready a good dinner for him, for Unktomi is always + hungry,” added the young wife. + </p> + <p> + When Unktomi came, his yellow mouth opened with delight at the fine feast + spread for him. After he had eaten he was told what the crow had said. + </p> + <p> + “The crow means,” said Unktomi, “that the villagers and chief who bound + and deserted you are in sad plight. They have hardly anything to eat and + are starving.” + </p> + <p> + When the girl heard this she made a bundle of choicest meat and called the + crow. + </p> + <p> + “Take this to the starving villagers,” she bade him. + </p> + <p> + He took the bundle in his beak, flew away to the starving village and + dropped the bundle before the chief’s tepee. The chief came out and the + crow called loudly: + </p> + <p> + “Kaw, Kaw! + </p> + <p> + “The children who were forsaken have much meat; those who forsook them + have none.” + </p> + <p> + “What can he mean,” cried the astonished villagers. + </p> + <p> + “Let us send for Unktomi,” said one, “he is a great judge; he will tell + us.” + </p> + <p> + They divided the bundle of meat among the starving people, saving the + biggest piece for Unktomi. + </p> + <p> + When Unktomi had come and eaten, the villagers told him of the crow and + asked what the bird’s words meant. + </p> + <p> + “He means,” said Unktomi, “that the two children whom you forsook have + tepees full of dried meat enough for all the village.” + </p> + <p> + The villagers were filled with astonishment at this news. To find whether + or not it was true, the chief called seven young men and sent them out to + see. They came to the three tepees and there met the girl’s brother and + husband just going out to hunt (which they did now only for sport). + </p> + <p> + The girl’s brother invited the seven young men into the third or sacred + lodge, and after they had smoked a pipe and knocked out the ashes on a + buffalo bone the brother gave them meat to eat, which the seven devoured + greedily. The next day he loaded all seven with packs of meat, saying: + </p> + <p> + “Take this meat to the villagers and lead them hither.” + </p> + <p> + While they awaited the return of the young men with the villagers, the + girl made two bundles of meat, one of the best and choicest pieces, and + the other of liver, very dry and hard to eat. After a few days the camp + arrived. The young woman’s mother opened the door and ran in crying: “Oh, + my dear daughter, how glad I am to see you.” But the daughter received her + coldly and gave her the bundle of dried liver to eat. But when the old + woman who had saved the children’s lives came in, the young girl received + her gladly, called her grandmother, and gave her the package of choice + meat with marrow. + </p> + <p> + Then the whole village camped and ate of the stores of meat all the winter + until spring came; and withal they were so many, there was such abundance + of stores that there was still much left. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0019" id="link2H_4_0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE SIGNS OF CORN + </h2> + <p> + When corn is to be planted by the Indians, it is the work of the women + folk to see to the sorting and cleaning of the best seed. It is also the + women’s work to see to the planting. (This was in olden times.) + </p> + <p> + After the best seed has been selected, the planter measures the corn, lays + down a layer of hay, then a layer of corn. Over this corn they sprinkle + warm water and cover it with another layer of hay, then bind hay about the + bundle and hang it up in a spot where the warm rays of the sun can strike + it. + </p> + <p> + While the corn is hanging in the sun, the ground is being prepared to + receive it. Having finished the task of preparing the ground, the woman + takes down her seed corn which has by this time sprouted. Then she + proceeds to plant the corn. + </p> + <p> + Before she plants the first hill, she extends her hoe heavenwards and asks + the Great Spirit to bless her work, that she may have a good yield. After + her prayer she takes four kernels and plants one at the north, one at the + south, one at the east and one at the west sides of the first hill. This + is asking the Great Spirit to give summer rain and sunshine to bring forth + a good crop. + </p> + <p> + For different growths of the corn, the women have an interpretation as to + the character of the one who planted it. + </p> + <p> + 1st. Where the corn grows in straight rows and the cob is full of kernels + to the end, this signifies that the planter of this corn is of an + exemplary character, and is very truthful and thoughtful. + </p> + <p> + 2nd. If the rows on the ears of corn are irregular and broken, the planter + is considered careless and unthoughtful. Also disorderly and slovenly + about her house and person. + </p> + <p> + 3rd. When an ear of corn bears a few scattering kernels with spaces + producing no corn, it is said that is a good sign that the planter will + live to a ripe old age. So old will they be that like the corn, their + teeth will be few and far between. + </p> + <p> + 4th. When a stalk bears a great many nubbins, or small ears growing around + the large one, it is a sign that the planter is from a large and + respectable family. + </p> + <p> + After the corn is gathered, it is boiled into sweet corn and made into + hominy; parched and mixed with buffalo tallow and rolled into round balls, + and used at feasts, or carried by the warriors on the warpath as food. + </p> + <p> + When there has been a good crop of corn, an ear is always tied at the top + of the medicine pole, of the sun dance, in thanks to the Great Spirit for + his goodness to them in sending a bountiful crop. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0020" id="link2H_4_0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + STORY OF THE RABBITS + </h2> + <p> + The Rabbit nation were very much depressed in spirits on account of being + run over by all other nations. They, being very obedient to their chief, + obeyed all his orders to the letter. One of his orders was, that upon the + approach of any other nation that they should follow the example of their + chief and run up among the rocks and down into their burrows, and not show + themselves until the strangers had passed. + </p> + <p> + This they always did. Even the chirp of a little cricket would send them + all scampering to their dens. + </p> + <p> + One day they held a great council, and after talking over everything for + some time, finally left it to their medicine man to decide. The medicine + man arose and said: + </p> + <p> + “My friends, we are of no use on this earth. There isn’t a nation on earth + that fears us, and we are so timid that we cannot defend ourselves, so the + best thing for us to do is to rid the earth of our nation, by all going + over to the big lake and drowning ourselves.” + </p> + <p> + This they decided to do; so going to the lake they were about to jump in, + when they heard a splashing in the water. Looking, they saw a lot of frogs + jumping into the lake. + </p> + <p> + “We will not drown ourselves,” said the medicine man, “we have found a + nation who are afraid of us. It is the frog nation.” Had it not been for + the frogs we would have had no rabbits, as the whole nation would have + drowned themselves and the rabbit race would have been extinct. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0021" id="link2H_4_0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + HOW THE RABBIT LOST HIS TAIL + </h2> + <p> + Once upon a time there were two brothers, one a great Genie and the other + a rabbit. Like all genie, the older could change himself into any kind of + an animal, bird, fish, cloud, thunder and lightning, or in fact anything + that he desired. + </p> + <p> + The younger brother (the rabbit) was very mischievous and was continually + getting into all kinds of trouble. His older brother was kept busy getting + Rabbit out of all kinds of scrapes. + </p> + <p> + When Rabbit had attained his full growth he wanted to travel around and + see something of the world. When he told his brother what he intended to + do, the brother said: “Now, Rabbit, you are Witkotko (mischievous), so be + very careful, and keep out of trouble as much as possible. In case you get + into any serious trouble, and can’t get out by yourself, just call on me + for assistance, and no matter where you are, I will come to you.” + </p> + <p> + Rabbit started out and the first day he came to a very high house, outside + of which stood a very high pine tree. So high was the tree that Rabbit + could hardly see the top. Outside the door, on an enormous stool, sat a + very large giant fast asleep. Rabbit (having his bow and arrows with him) + strung up his bow, and, taking an arrow from his quiver, said: + </p> + <p> + “I want to see how big this man is, so I guess I will wake him up.” So + saying he moved over to one side and took good aim, and shot the giant + upon the nose. This stung like fire and awoke the giant, who jumped up, + crying: “Who had the audacity to shoot me on the nose?” “I did,” said + Rabbit. + </p> + <p> + The giant, hearing a voice, looked all around, but saw nothing, until he + looked down at the corner of the house, and there sat a rabbit. + </p> + <p> + “I had hiccoughs this morning and thought that I was going to have a good + big meal, and here is nothing but a toothful.” + </p> + <p> + “I guess you won’t make a toothful of me,” said Rabbit, “I am as strong as + you, though I am little.” “We will see,” said the giant. He went into the + house and came out, bringing a hammer that weighed many tons. + </p> + <p> + “Now, Mr. Rabbit, we will see who can throw this hammer over the top of + that tree.” “Get something harder to do,” said Rabbit. + </p> + <p> + “Well, we will try this first,” said the giant. With that he grasped the + hammer in both hands, swung it three times around his head and sent it + spinning thru the air. Up, up, it went, skimming the top of the tree, and + came down, shaking the ground and burying itself deep into the earth. + </p> + <p> + “Now,” said the giant, “if you don’t accomplish this same feat, I am going + to swallow you at one mouthful.” Rabbit said, “I always sing to my brother + before I attempt things like this.” So he commenced singing and calling + his brother. “Cinye! Cinye!” (brother, brother) he sang. The giant grew + nervous, and said: “Boy, why do you call your brother?” + </p> + <p> + Pointing to a small black cloud that was approaching very swiftly, Rabbit + said: “That is my brother; he can destroy you, your house, and pine tree + in one breath.” + </p> + <p> + “Stop him and you can go free,” said the giant. Rabbit waved his paws and + the cloud disappeared. + </p> + <p> + From this place Rabbit continued on his trip towards the west. The next + day, while passing thru a deep forest, he thought he heard some one + moaning, as though in pain. He stopped and listened; soon the wind blew + and the moaning grew louder. Following the direction from whence came the + sound, he soon discovered a man stripped of his clothing, and caught + between two limbs of a tall elm tree. When the wind blew the limbs would + rub together and squeeze the man, who would give forth the mournful + groans. + </p> + <p> + “My, you have a fine place up there. Let us change. You can come down and + I will take your place.” (Now this man had been placed up there for + punishment, by Rabbit’s brother, and he could not get down unless some one + came along and proposed to take his place on the tree). “Very well,” said + the man. “Take off your clothes and come up. I will fasten you in the + limbs and you can have all the fun you want.” + </p> + <p> + Rabbit disrobed and climbed up. The man placed him between the limbs and + slid down the tree. He hurriedly got into Rabbit’s clothes, and just as he + had completed his toilet, the wind blew very hard. Rabbit was nearly crazy + with pain, and screamed and cried. Then he began to cry “Cinye, Cinye” + (brother, brother). “Call your brother as much as you like, he can never + find me.” So saying the man disappeared in the forest. + </p> + <p> + Scarcely had he disappeared, when the brother arrived, and seeing Rabbit + in the tree, said: “Which way did he go?” Rabbit pointed the direction + taken by the man. The brother flew over the top of the trees, soon found + the man and brought him back, making him take his old place between the + limbs, and causing a heavy wind to blow and continue all afternoon and + night, for punishment to the man for having placed his brother up there. + </p> + <p> + After Rabbit got his clothes back on, his brother gave him a good + scolding, and wound up by saying: “I want you to be more careful in the + future. I have plenty of work to keep me as busy as I want to be, and I + can’t be stopping every little while to be making trips to get you out of + some foolish scrape. It was only yesterday that I came five hundred miles + to help you from the giant, and today I have had to come a thousand miles, + so be more careful from this on.” + </p> + <p> + Several days after this the Rabbit was traveling along the banks of a + small river, when he came to a small clearing in the woods, and in the + center of the clearing stood a nice little log hut. Rabbit was wondering + who could be living here when the door slowly opened and an old man + appeared in the doorway, bearing a tripe water pail in his right hand. In + his left hand he held a string which was fastened to the inside of the + house. He kept hold of the string and came slowly down to the river. When + he got to the water he stooped down and dipped the pail into it and + returned to the house, still holding the string for guidance. + </p> + <p> + Soon he reappeared holding on to another string, and, following this one, + went to a large pile of wood and returned to the house with it. Rabbit + wanted to see if the old man would come out again, but he came out no + more. Seeing smoke ascending from the mud chimney, he thought he would go + over and see what the old man was doing. He knocked at the door, and a + weak voice bade him enter. He noticed that the old man was cooking dinner. + </p> + <p> + “Hello Tunkasina (grandfather), you must have a nice time, living here + alone. I see that you have everything handy. You can get wood and water, + and that is all you have to do. How do you get your provisions?” + </p> + <p> + “The wolves bring my meat, the mice my rice and ground beans, and the + birds bring me the cherry leaves for my tea. Yet it is a hard life, as I + am all alone most of the time and have no one to talk to, and besides, I + am blind.” + </p> + <p> + “Say, grandfather,” said Rabbit, “let us change places. I think I would + like to live here.” + </p> + <p> + “If we exchange clothes,” said the other, “you will become old and blind, + while I will assume your youth and good looks.” (Now, this old man was + placed here for punishment by Rabbit’s brother. He had killed his wife, so + the genie made him old and blind, and he would remain so until some one + came who would exchange places with him). + </p> + <p> + “I don’t care for youth and good looks,” said Rabbit, “let us make the + change.” + </p> + <p> + They changed clothes, and Rabbit became old and blind, whilst the old man + became young and handsome. + </p> + <p> + “Well, I must go,” said the man. He went out and cutting the strings close + to the door, ran off laughing. “You will get enough of your living alone, + you crazy boy,” and saying this he ran into the woods. + </p> + <p> + Rabbit thought he would like to get some fresh water and try the string + paths so that he would get accustomed to it. He bumped around the room and + finally found the tripe water bucket. He took hold of the string and + started out. When he had gotten a short distance from the door he came to + the end of the string so suddenly, that he lost the end which he had in + his hand, and he wandered about, bumping against the trees, and tangling + himself up in plum bushes and thorns, scratching his face and hands so + badly that the blood ran from them. Then it was that he commenced again to + cry, “Cinye! Cinye!” (brother, brother). Soon his brother arrived, and + asked which way the old man had gone. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know,” said Rabbit, “I couldn’t see which path he took, as I was + blind.” + </p> + <p> + The genie called the birds, and they came flying from every direction. As + fast as they arrived the brother asked them if they had seen the man whom + he had placed here for punishment, but none had seen him. The owl came + last, and when asked if he had seen the man, he said “hoo-hoo.” “The man + who lived here,” said the brother. “Last night I was hunting mice in the + woods south of here and I saw a man sleeping beneath a plum tree. I + thought it was your brother, Rabbit, so I didn’t awaken him,” said the + owl. + </p> + <p> + “Good for you, owl,” said the brother, “for this good news, you shall + hereafter roam around only at night, and I will fix your eyes, so the + darker the night the better you will be able to see. You will always have + the fine cool nights to hunt your food. You other birds can hunt your food + during the hot daylight.” (Since then the owl has been the night bird). + </p> + <p> + The brother flew to the woods and brought the man back and cut the strings + short, and said to him: “Now you can get a taste of what you gave my + brother.” + </p> + <p> + To Rabbit he said: “I ought not to have helped you this time. Any one who + is so crazy as to change places with a blind man should be left without + help, so be careful, as I am getting tired of your foolishness, and will + not help you again if you do anything as foolish as you did this time.” + </p> + <p> + Rabbit started to return to his home. When he had nearly completed his + journey he came to a little creek, and being thirsty took a good long + drink. While he was drinking he heard a noise as though a wolf or cat was + scratching the earth. Looking up to a hill which overhung the creek, he + saw four wolves, with their tails intertwined, pulling with all their + might. As Rabbit came up to them one pulled loose, and Rabbit saw that his + tail was broken. + </p> + <p> + “Let me pull tails with you. My tail is long and strong,” said Rabbit, and + the wolves assenting, Rabbit interlocked his long tail with those of the + three wolves and commenced pulling and the wolves pulled so hard that they + pulled Rabbit’s tail off at the second joint. The wolves disappeared. + </p> + <p> + “Cinye! Cinye! (Brother, brother.) I have lost my tail,” cried Rabbit. The + genie came and seeing his brother Rabbit’s tail missing, said: “You look + better without a tail anyway.” + </p> + <p> + From that time on rabbits have had no tails. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0022" id="link2H_4_0022"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + UNKTOMI AND THE ARROWHEADS + </h2> + <p> + There were once upon a time two young men who were very great friends, and + were constantly together. One was a very thoughtful young man, the other + very impulsive, who never stopped to think before he committed an act. + </p> + <p> + One day these two friends were walking along, telling each other of their + experiences in love making. They ascended a high hill, and on reaching the + top, heard a ticking noise as if small stones or pebbles were being struck + together. + </p> + <p> + Looking around they discovered a large spider sitting in the midst of a + great many flint arrowheads. The spider was busily engaged making the + flint rocks into arrow heads. They looked at the spider, but he never + moved, but continued hammering away on a piece of flint which he had + nearly completed into another arrowhead. + </p> + <p> + “Let’s hit him,” said the thoughtless one. “No,” said the other, “he is + not harming any one; in fact, he is doing a great good, as he is making + the flint arrowheads which we use to point our arrows.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, you are afraid,” said the first young man. “He can’t harm you, just + watch me hit him.” So saying, he picked up an arrowhead and throwing it at + “Unktomi,” hit him on the side. As Unktomi rolled over on his side, got up + and stood looking at them, the young man laughed and said: “Well, let us + be going, as your grandfather, “Unktomi,” doesn’t seem to like our + company.” They started down the hill, when suddenly the one who had hit + Unktomi took a severe fit of coughing. He coughed and coughed, and finally + small particles of blood came from his mouth. The blood kept coming + thicker and in great gushes. Finally it came so thick and fast that the + man could not get his breath and fell upon the ground dead. + </p> + <p> + The thoughtful young man, seeing that his friend was no more, hurried to + the village and reported what had happened. The relatives and friends + hurried to the hill, and sure enough, there lay the thoughtless young man + still and cold in death. They held a council and sent for the chief of the + Unktomi tribe. When he heard what had happened, he told the council that + he could do nothing to his Unktomi, as it had only defended itself. + </p> + <p> + Said he: “My friends, seeing that your tribe was running short of + arrowheads, I set a great many of my tribe to work making flint arrowheads + for you. When my men are thus engaged they do not wish to be disturbed, + and your young man not only disturbed my man, but grossly insulted him by + striking him with one of the arrowheads which he had worked so hard to + make. My man could not sit and take this insult, so as the young man + walked away the Unktomi shot him with a very tiny arrowhead. This produced + a hemorrhage, which caused his death. So now, my friends, if you will fill + and pass the peace pipe, we will part good friends and my tribe shall + always furnish you with plenty of flint arrowheads.” So saying, Unktomi + Tanka finished his peace smoke and returned to his tribe. + </p> + <p> + Ever after that, when the Indians heard a ticking in the grass, they would + go out of their way to get around the sound, saying, Unktomi is making + arrowheads; we must not disturb him. + </p> + <p> + Thus it was that Unktomi Tanka (Big Spider) had the respect of this tribe, + and was never after disturbed in his work of making arrowheads. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0023" id="link2H_4_0023"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE BEAR AND THE RABBIT HUNT BUFFALO + </h2> + <p> + Once upon a time there lived as neighbors, a bear and a rabbit. The rabbit + was a good shot, and the bear being very clumsy could not use the arrow to + good advantage. The bear was very unkind to the rabbit. Every morning, the + bear would call over to the rabbit and say: “Take your bow and arrows and + come with me to the other side of the hill. A large herd of buffalo are + grazing there, and I want you to shoot some of them for me, as my children + are crying for meat.” + </p> + <p> + The rabbit, fearing to arouse the bear’s anger by refusing, consented, and + went with the bear, and shot enough buffalo to satisfy the hungry family. + Indeed, he shot and killed so many that there was lots of meat left after + the bear and his family had loaded themselves, and packed all they could + carry home. The bear being very gluttonous, and not wanting the rabbit to + get any of the meat, said: “Rabbit, you come along home with us and we + will return and get the remainder of the meat.” + </p> + <p> + The poor rabbit could not even taste the blood from the butchering, as the + bear would throw earth on the blood and dry it up. Poor Rabbit would have + to go home hungry after his hard day’s work. + </p> + <p> + The bear was the father of five children. The youngest boy was very kind + to the rabbit. The mother bear, knowing that her youngest was a very + hearty eater, always gave him an extra large piece of meat. What the baby + bear did not eat, he would take outside with him and pretend to play ball + with it, kicking it toward the rabbit’s house, and when he got close to + the door he would give the meat such a great kick, that it would fly into + the rabbit’s house, and in this way poor Rabbit would get his meal unknown + to the papa bear. + </p> + <p> + Baby bear never forgot his friend Rabbit. Papa bear often wondered why his + baby would go outside after each meal. He grew suspicious and asked the + baby where he had been. “Oh, I always play ball outside, around the house, + and when I get tired playing I eat up my meat ball and then come in.” + </p> + <p> + The baby bear was too cunning to let papa bear know that he was keeping + his friend rabbit from starving to death. Nevertheless, papa bear + suspected baby and said: “Baby, I think you go over to the rabbit’s after + every meal.” + </p> + <p> + The four older brothers were very handsome, but baby bear was a little + puny fellow, whose coat couldn’t keep out much cold, as it was short and + shaggy, and of a dirty brown color. The three older brothers were very + unkind to baby bear, but the fourth one always took baby’s part, and was + always kind to his baby brother. + </p> + <p> + Rabbit was getting tired of being ordered and bullied around by papa bear. + He puzzled his brain to scheme some way of getting even with Mr. Bear for + abusing him so much. He studied all night long, but no scheme worth trying + presented itself. Early one morning Mr. Bear presented himself at Rabbit’s + door. + </p> + <p> + “Say, Rabbit, my meat is all used up, and there is a fine herd of buffalo + grazing on the hillside. Get your bow and arrows and come with me. I want + you to shoot some of them for me.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well,” said Rabbit, and he went and killed six buffalo for Bear. + Bear got busy butchering and poor Rabbit, thinking he would get a chance + to lick up one mouthful of blood, stayed very close to the bear while he + was cutting up the meat. The bear was very watchful lest the rabbit get + something to eat. Despite bear’s watchfulness, a small clot of blood + rolled past and behind the bear’s feet. At once Rabbit seized the clot and + hid it in his bosom. By the time Rabbit got home, the blood clot was + hardened from the warmth of his body, so, being hungry, it put Mr. Rabbit + out of sorts to think that after all his trouble he could not eat the + blood. + </p> + <p> + Very badly disappointed, he lay down on his floor and gazed up into the + chimney hole. Disgusted with the way things had turned out, he grabbed up + the blood clot and threw it up through the hole. Scarcely had it hit the + ground when he heard the voice of a baby crying, “Ate! Ate!” (father, + father). He went outside and there he found a big baby boy. He took the + baby into his house and threw him out through the hole again. This time + the boy was large enough to say “Ate, Ate, he-cun-sin-lo.” (Father, + father, don’t do that). But nevertheless, he threw him up and out again. + On going out the third time, there stood a handsome youth smiling at him. + Rabbit at once adopted the youth and took him into his house, seating him + in the seat of honor (which is directly opposite the entrance), and + saying: “My son, I want you to be a good, honest, straightforward man. + Now, I have in my possession a fine outfit, and you, my son, shall wear + it.” + </p> + <p> + Suiting his action to his words, he drew out a bag from a hollow tree and + on opening it, drew out a fine buckskin shirt (tanned white as snow), + worked with porcupine quills. Also a pair of red leggings worked with + beads. Moccasins worked with colored hair. A fine otter skin robe. White + weasel skins to intertwine with his beautiful long black locks. A + magnificent center eagle feather. A rawhide covered bow, accompanied by a + quiver full of flint arrowheads. + </p> + <p> + The rabbit, having dressed his son in all the latest finery, sat back and + gazed long and lovingly at his handsome son. Instinctively Rabbit felt + that his son had been sent him for the purpose of being instrumental in + the downfall of Mr. Bear. Events will show. + </p> + <p> + The morning following the arrival of Rabbit’s son, Mr. Bear again presents + himself at the door, crying out: “You lazy, ugly rabbit, get up and come + out here. I want you to shoot some more buffalo for me.” + </p> + <p> + “Who is this, who speaks so insultingly to you, father?” asked the son. + </p> + <p> + “It is a bear who lives near here, and makes me kill buffalo for his + family, and he won’t let me take even one little drop of blood from the + killing, and consequently, my son, I have nothing in my house for you to + eat.” + </p> + <p> + The young man was anxious to meet Mr. Bear but Rabbit advised him to wait + a little until he and Bear had gone to the hunt. So the son obeyed, and + when he thought it time that the killing was done, he started out and + arrived on the scene just as Mr. Bear was about to proceed with his + butchering. + </p> + <p> + Seeing a strange shadow on the ground beside him, Mr. Bear looked up and + gazed into the fearless eyes of rabbit’s handsome son. + </p> + <p> + “Who is this?” asked Mr. Bear of poor little Rabbit. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know,” answered Rabbit. + </p> + <p> + “Who are you?” asked the bear of Rabbit’s son. “Where did you come from?” + </p> + <p> + The rabbit’s son not replying, the bear spoke thus to him: “Get out of + here, and get out quick, too.” + </p> + <p> + At this speech the rabbit’s son became angered, and fastened an arrow to + his bow and drove the arrow through the bear’s heart. Then he turned on + Mrs. Bear and served her likewise. During the melee, Rabbit shouted: “My + son, my son, don’t kill the two youngest. The baby has kept me from + starving and the other one is good and kind to his baby brother.” + </p> + <p> + So the three older brothers who were unkind to their baby brother met a + similar fate to that of their selfish parents. + </p> + <p> + This (the story goes) is the reason that bears travel only in pairs. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0024" id="link2H_4_0024"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE BRAVE WHO WENT ON THE WARPATH ALONE AND WON THE NAME OF THE LONE + WARRIOR + </h2> + <p> + There was once a young man whose parents were not overburdened with the + riches of this world, and consequently could not dress their only son in + as rich a costume as the other young men of the tribe, and on account of + not being so richly clad as they, he was looked down upon and shunned by + them. He was never invited to take part in any of their sports; nor was he + ever asked to join any of the war parties. + </p> + <p> + In the village lived an old man with an only daughter. Like the other + family, they were poor, but the daughter was the belle of the tribe. She + was the most sought after by the young men of the village, and warriors + from tribes far distant came to press their suit at winning her for their + bride. All to no purpose; she had the same answer for them as she had for + the young men of the village. + </p> + <p> + The poor young man was also very handsome despite his poor clothes, but + having never killed an enemy nor brought home any enemies’ horses he was + not (according to Indian rules) allowed to make love to any young or old + woman. He tried in vain to join some of the war parties, that he might get + the chance to win his spurs as a warrior. To all his pleadings, came the + same answer: “You are not fit to join a war party. You have no horses, and + if you should get killed our tribe would be laughed at and be made fun of + as you have such poor clothes, and we don’t want the enemy to know that we + have any one of our tribe who dresses so poorly as you do.” + </p> + <p> + Again, and again, he tried different parties, only to be made fun of and + insulted. + </p> + <p> + One night he sat in the poor tepee of his parents. He was in deep study + and had nothing to say. His father, noticing his melancholy mood, asked + him what had happened to cause him to be so quiet, as he was always of a + jolly disposition. The son answered and said: + </p> + <p> + “Father, I am going on the warpath alone. In vain I have tried to be a + member of one of the war parties. To all of my pleadings I have got + nothing but insults in return.” + </p> + <p> + “But my son, you have no gun nor ammunition. Where can you get any and how + can you get it? We have nothing to buy one for you with,” said the father. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t need any weapons. I am going to bring back some of the enemies’ + horses, and I don’t need a gun for that.” + </p> + <p> + Early the next morning (regardless of the old couple’s pleadings not to go + unarmed) the young man left the village and headed northwest, the + direction always taken by the war parties. + </p> + <p> + For ten days he traveled without seeing any signs of a camp. The evening + of the tenth day, he reached a very high butte, thickly wooded at the + summit. He ascended this butte, and as he sat there between two large + boulders, watching the beautiful rays of the setting sun, he was suddenly + startled to hear the neigh of a horse. Looking down into the beautiful + valley which was threaded by a beautiful creek fringed with timber, he + noticed close to the base of the butte upon which he sat, a large drove of + horses grazing peacefully and quietly. Looking closer, he noticed at a + little distance from the main drove, a horse with a saddle on his back. + This was the one that had neighed, as the drove drifted further away from + him. He was tied by a long lariat to a large sage bush. + </p> + <p> + Where could the rider be, he said to himself. As if in answer to his + question, there appeared not more than twenty paces from him a middle aged + man coming up through a deep ravine. The man was evidently in search of + some kind of game, as he held his gun in readiness for instant use, and + kept his eyes directed at every crevice and clump of bush. So intent was + he on locating the game he was trailing, that he never noticed the young + man who sat like a statue not twenty paces away. Slowly and cautiously the + man approached, and when he had advanced to within a few paces of the + young man he stopped and turning around, stood looking down into the + valley. This was the only chance that our brave young friend had. Being + unarmed, he would stand no show if the enemy ever got a glimpse of him. + Slowly and noiselessly he drew his hunting knife (which his father had + given him on his departure from home) and holding it securely in his right + hand, gathered himself and gave a leap which landed him upon the + unsuspecting enemy’s shoulders. The force with which he landed on the + enemy caused him (the enemy) to lose his hold on his gun, and it went + rattling down into the chasm, forty feet below. + </p> + <p> + Down they came together, the young man on top. No sooner had they struck + the ground than the enemy had out his knife, and then commenced a hand to + hand duel. The enemy, having more experience, was getting the best of our + young friend. Already our young friend had two ugly cuts, one across his + chest and the other through his forearm. + </p> + <p> + He was becoming weak from the loss of blood, and could not stand the + killing pace much longer. Summoning all his strength for one more trial to + overcome his antagonist, he rushed him toward the chasm, and in his hurry + to get away from this fierce attack, the enemy stepped back one step too + far, and down they both went into the chasm. Interlocked in each other’s + arms, the young man drove his knife into the enemy’s side and when they + struck the bottom the enemy relaxed his hold and straightened out stiff + and dead. + </p> + <p> + Securing his scalp and gun, the young man proceeded down to where the + horse was tied to the sage bush, and then gathering the drove of horses + proceeded on his return to his own village. Being wounded severely he had + to ride very slowly. All the long hours of the night he drove the horses + towards his home village. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime, those at the enemies’ camp wondered at the long absence + of the herder who was watching their drove of horses, and finally seven + young men went to search for the missing herder. All night long they + searched the hillsides for the horses and herder, and when it had grown + light enough in the morning they saw by the ground where there had been a + fierce struggle. + </p> + <p> + Following the tracks in the sand and leaves, they came to the chasm where + the combatants had fallen over, and there, lying on his back staring up at + them in death, was their herder. They hastened to the camp and told what + they had found. Immediately the warriors mounted their war ponies (these + ponies are never turned loose, but kept tied close to the tepee of the + owner), and striking the trail of the herd driven off by our young friend, + they urged forth their ponies and were soon far from their camp on the + trail of our young friend. All day long they traveled on his trail, and + just as the sun was sinking they caught sight of him driving the drove + ahead over a high hill. Again they urged forth their tired ponies. The + young man, looking back along the trail, saw some dark objects coming + along, and, catching a fresh horse, drove the rest ahead at a great rate. + Again all night he drove them, and when daylight came he looked back (from + a high butte) over his trail and saw coming over a distant raise, two + horsemen. These two undoubtedly rode the best ponies, as he saw nothing of + the others. Driving the horses into a thick belt of timber, he concealed + himself close to the trail made by the drove of horses, and lay in ambush + for the two daring horsemen who had followed him so far. Finally they + appeared on the butte from where he had looked back and saw them following + him. For a long time they sat there scouring the country before them in + hopes that they might see some signs of their stolen horses. Nothing could + they see. Had they but known, their horses were but a few hundred yards + from them, but the thick timber securely hid them from view. Finally one + of them arose and pointed to the timber. Then leaving his horse in charge + of his friend, he descended the butte and followed the trail of the drove + to where they had entered the timber. Little did he think that he was + standing on the brink of eternity. The young man hiding not more than a + hundred yards from him could have shot him there where he stood, but + wanting to play fair, he stepped into sight. When he did, the enemy took + quick aim and fired. He was too hasty. Had he taken more careful aim he + might have killed our young friend, but his bullet whizzed harmlessly over + the young man’s head and buried itself in a tree. The young man took good + aim and fired. The enemy threw up both hands and fell forward on his face. + The other one on the hill, seeing his friend killed, hastily mounted his + horse and leading his friend’s horse, made rapidly off down the butte in + the direction from whence he had come. Waiting for some time to be sure + the one who was alive did not come up and take a shot at him, he finally + advanced upon the fallen enemy and securing his gun, ammunition and scalp, + went to his horse and drove the herd on through the woods and crossing a + long flat prairie, ascended a long chain of hills and sat looking back + along his trail in search of any of the enemy who might continue to follow + him. + </p> + <p> + Thus he sat until the long shadows of the hills reminded him that it would + soon be sunset, and as he must get some sleep, he wanted to find some + creek bend where he could drive the bunch of ponies and feel safe as to + their not straying off during the night. He found a good place for the + herd, and catching a fresh horse, he picketed him close to where he was + going to sleep, and wrapping himself in his blanket, was soon fast asleep. + So tired and sleepy was he that a heavy rain which had come up, during the + night, soaked him through and through, but he never awakened until the sun + was high in the east. + </p> + <p> + He awoke and going to the place where he had left the herd, he was glad to + find them all there. He mounted his horse and started his herd homeward + again. For two days he drove them, and on the evening of the second day he + came in sight of the village. + </p> + <p> + The older warriors, hearing of the young man going on this trip alone and + unarmed, told the parents to go in mourning for their son, as he would + never come back alive. When the people of the village saw this large drove + of horses advancing towards them, they at first thought it was a war party + of the enemy, and so the head men called the young warriors together and + fully prepared for a great battle. They advanced upon the supposed enemy. + When they got close enough to discern a lone horseman driving this large + herd, they surrounded the horses and lone warrior, and brought him + triumphantly into camp. On arriving in the camp (or village) the horses + were counted and the number counted up to one hundred and ten head. + </p> + <p> + The chief and his criers (or heralds) announced through the whole village + that there would be a great war dance given in honor of the Lone Warrior. + </p> + <p> + The whole village turned out and had a great war dance that was kept up + three days and three nights. The two scalps which the young man had taken + were tied to a pole which was placed in the center of the dance circle. At + this dance, the Lone Warrior gave to each poor family five head of horses. + </p> + <p> + Being considered eligible now to pay his respects to any girl who took his + fancy, he at once went to the camp of the beautiful girl of the tribe, and + as he was always her choice, she at once consented to marry him. + </p> + <p> + The news spread through the village that Lone Warrior had won the belle of + the nation for his bride, and this with the great feat which he had + accomplished alone in killing two enemies and bringing home a great herd + of horses, raised him to the rank of chief, which he faithfully filled to + the end of his days. And many times he had to tell his grandchildren the + story of how he got the name of the Lone Warrior. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0025" id="link2H_4_0025"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE SIOUX WHO MARRIED THE CROW CHIEF’S DAUGHTER + </h2> + <p> + A war party of seven young men, seeing a lone tepee standing on the edge + of a heavy belt of timber, stopped and waited for darkness, in order to + send one of their scouts ahead to ascertain whether the camp which they + had seen was the camp of friend or enemy. + </p> + <p> + When darkness had settled down on them, and they felt secure in not being + detected, they chose one of their scouts to go on alone and find out what + would be the best direction for them to advance upon the camp, should it + prove to be an enemy. + </p> + <p> + Among the scouts was one who was noted for his bravery, and many were the + brave acts he had performed. His name was Big Eagle. This man they + selected to go to the lone camp and obtain the information for which they + were waiting. + </p> + <p> + Big Eagle was told to look carefully over the ground and select the best + direction from which they should make the attack. The other six would + await his return. He started on his mission, being careful not to make any + noise. He stealthily approached the camp. As he drew near to the tent he + was surprised to note the absence of any dogs, as these animals are always + kept by the Sioux to notify the owners by their barking of the approach of + anyone. He crawled up to the tepee door, and peeping through a small + aperture, he saw three persons sitting inside. An elderly man and woman + were sitting at the right of the fireplace, and a young woman at the seat + of honor, opposite the door. + </p> + <p> + Big Eagle had been married and his wife had died five winters previous to + the time of this episode. He had never thought of marrying again, but when + he looked upon this young woman he thought he was looking upon the face of + his dead wife. He removed his cartridge belts and knife, and placing them, + along with his rifle, at the side of the tent, he at once boldly stepped + inside the tepee, and going over to the man, extended his hand and shook + first the man’s hand, then the old woman’s, and lastly the young woman’s. + Then he seated himself by the side of the girl, and thus they sat, no one + speaking. + </p> + <p> + Finally, Big Eagle made signs to the man, explaining as well as possible + by signs, that his wife had died long ago, and when he saw the girl she so + strongly resembled his dead wife that he wished to marry her, and he would + go back to the enemy’s camp and live with them, if they would consent to + the marriage of their daughter. + </p> + <p> + The old man seemed to understand, and Big Eagle again made signs to him + that a party were lying in wait just a short distance from his camp. + Noiselessly they brought in the horses, and taking down the tent, they at + once moved off in the direction from whence they had come. The war party + waited all night, and when the first rays of dawn disclosed to them the + absence of the tepee, they at once concluded that Big Eagle had been + discovered and killed, so they hurriedly started on their trail for home. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime, the hunting party, for this it was that Big Eagle had + joined, made very good time in putting a good distance between themselves + and the war party. All day they traveled, and when evening came they + ascended a high hill, looking down into the valley on the other side. + There stretched for two miles, along the banks of a small stream, an + immense camp. The old man made signs for Big Eagle to remain with the two + women where he was, until he could go to the camp and prepare them to + receive an enemy into their village. + </p> + <p> + The old man rode through the camp and drew up at the largest tepee in the + village. Soon Big Eagle could see men gathering around the tepee. The + crowd grew larger and larger, until the whole village had assembled at the + large tepee. Finally they dispersed, and catching their horses, mounted + and advanced to the hill on which Big Eagle and the two women were + waiting. They formed a circle around them and slowly they returned to the + village, singing and riding in a circle around them. + </p> + <p> + When they arrived at the village they advanced to the large tepee, and + motioned Big Eagle to the seat of honor in the tepee. In the village was a + man who understood and spoke the Sioux language. He was sent for, and + through him the oath of allegiance to the Crow tribe was taken by Big + Eagle. This done he was presented with the girl to wife, and also with + many spotted ponies. + </p> + <p> + Big Eagle lived with his wife among her people for two years, and during + this time he joined in four different battles between his own people (the + Sioux) and the Crow people, to whom his wife belonged. + </p> + <p> + In no battle with his own people would he carry any weapons, only a long + willow coup-stick, with which he struck the fallen Sioux. + </p> + <p> + At the expiration of two years he concluded to pay a visit to his own + tribe, and his father-in-law, being a chief of high standing, at once had + it heralded through the village that his son-in-law would visit his own + people, and for them to show their good will and respect for him by + bringing ponies for his son-in-law to take back to his people. + </p> + <p> + Hearing this, the herds were all driven in and all day long horses were + brought to the tent of Big Eagle, and when he was ready to start on his + homeward trip, twenty young men were elected to accompany him to within a + safe distance of his village. The twenty young men drove the gift horses, + amounting to two hundred and twenty head, to within one day’s journey of + the village of Big Eagle, and fearing for their safety from his people, + Big Eagle sent them back to their own village. + </p> + <p> + On his arrival at his home village, they received him as one returned from + the dead, as they were sure he had been killed the night he had been sent + to reconnoiter the lone camp. There was great feasting and dancing in + honor of his return, and the horses were distributed among the needy ones + of the village. + </p> + <p> + Remaining at his home village for a year, he one day made up his mind to + return to his wife’s people. A great many fancy robes, dresses, war + bonnets, moccasins, and a great drove of horses were given him, and his + wife, and he bade farewell to his people for good, saying, “I will never + return to you again, as I have decided to live the remainder of my days + with my wife’s people.” + </p> + <p> + On his arrival at the village of the Crows, he found his father-in-law at + the point of death. A few days later the old man died, and Big Eagle was + appointed to fill the vacancy of chief made by the death of his + father-in-law. + </p> + <p> + Subsequently he took part in battles against his own people, and in the + third battle was killed on the field. Tenderly the Crow warriors bore him + back to their camp, and great was the mourning in the Crow village for the + brave man who always went into battle unarmed, save only the willow wand + which he carried. + </p> + <p> + Thus ended the career of one of the bravest of Sioux warriors who ever + took the scalp of an enemy, and who for the love of his dead wife, gave up + home, parents, and friends, to be killed on the field of battle by his own + tribe. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0026" id="link2H_4_0026"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE BOY AND THE TURTLES + </h2> + <p> + A boy went on a turtle hunt, and after following the different streams for + hours, finally came to the conclusion that the only place he would find + any turtles would be at the little lake, where the tribe always hunted + them. + </p> + <p> + So, leaving the stream he had been following, he cut across country to the + lake. On drawing near the lake he crawled on his hands and knees in order + not to be seen by the turtles, who were very watchful, as they had been + hunted so much. Peeping over the rock he saw a great many out on the shore + sunning themselves, so he very cautiously undressed, so he could leap into + the water and catch them before they secreted themselves. But on pulling + off his shirt one of his hands was held up so high that the turtles saw it + and jumped into the lake with a great splash. + </p> + <p> + The boy ran to the shore, but saw only bubbles coming up from the bottom. + Directly the boy saw something coming to the surface, and soon it came up + into sight. It was a little man, and soon others, by the hundreds, came up + and swam about, splashing the water up into the air to a great height. So + scared was the boy that he never stopped to gather up his clothes but ran + home naked and fell into his grandmother’s tent door. + </p> + <p> + “What is the trouble, grandchild,” cried the old woman. But the boy could + not answer. “Did you see anything unnatural?” He shook his head, “no.” He + made signs to the grandmother that his lungs were pressing so hard against + his sides that he could not talk. He kept beating his side with his + clenched hands. The grandmother got out her medicine bag, made a prayer to + the Great Spirit to drive out the evil spirit that had entered her + grandson’s body, and after she had applied the medicine, the prayer must + have been heard and answered, as the boy commenced telling her what he had + heard and seen. + </p> + <p> + The grandmother went to the chief’s tent and told what her grandson had + seen. The chief sent two brave warriors to the lake to ascertain whether + it was true or not. The two warriors crept to the little hill close to the + lake, and there, sure enough, the lake was swarming with little men + swimming about, splashing the water high up into the air. The warriors, + too, were scared and hurried home, and in the council called on their + return told what they had seen. The boy was brought to the council and + given the seat of honor (opposite the door), and was named “Wankan + Wanyanka” (sees holy). + </p> + <p> + The lake had formerly borne the name of Truth Lake, but from this time on + was called “Wicasa-bde”—Man Lake. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0027" id="link2H_4_0027"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE HERMIT, OR THE GIFT OF CORN + </h2> + <p> + In a deep forest, far from the villages of his people, lived a hermit. His + tent was made of buffalo skins, and his dress was made of deer skin. Far + from the haunts of any human being this old hermit was content to spend + his days. + </p> + <p> + All day long he would wander through the forest studying the different + plants of nature and collecting precious roots, which he used as medicine. + At long intervals some warrior would arrive at the tent of the old hermit + and get medicine roots from him for the tribe, the old hermit’s medicine + being considered far superior to all others. + </p> + <p> + After a long day’s ramble in the woods, the hermit came home late, and + being very tired, at once lay down on his bed and was just dozing off to + sleep, when he felt something rub against his foot. Awakening with a + start, he noticed a dark object and an arm was extended to him, holding in + its hand a flint pointed arrow. + </p> + <p> + The hermit thought, “This must be a spirit, as there is no human being + around here but myself!” A voice then said: “Hermit, I have come to invite + you to my home.” “How (yes), I will come,” said the old hermit. Wherewith + he arose, wrapped his robe about him and followed. + </p> + <p> + Outside the door he stopped and looked around, but could see no signs of + the dark object. + </p> + <p> + “Whoever you are, or whatever you be, wait for me, as I don’t know where + to go to find your house,” said the hermit. Not an answer did he receive, + nor could he hear any noises as though anyone was walking through the + brush. Re-entering his tent he retired and was soon fast asleep. The next + night the same thing occurred again, and the hermit followed the object + out, only to be left as before. + </p> + <p> + He was very angry to think that anyone should be trying to make sport of + him, and he determined to find out who this could be who was disturbing + his night’s rest. + </p> + <p> + The next evening he cut a hole in the tent large enough to stick an arrow + through, and stood by the door watching. Soon the dark object came and + stopped outside of the door, and said: “Grandfather, I came to—,” + but he never finished the sentence, for the old man let go his arrow, and + he heard the arrow strike something which produced a sound as though he + had shot into a sack of pebbles. He did not go out that night to see what + his arrow had struck, but early next morning he went out and looked at the + spot about where he thought the object had stood. There on the ground lay + a little heap of corn, and from this little heap a small line of corn lay + scattered along a path. This he followed far into the woods. When he came + to a very small knoll the trail ended. At the end of the trail was a large + circle, from which the grass had been scraped off clean. + </p> + <p> + “The corn trail stops at the edge of this circle,” said the old man, “so + this must be the home of whoever it was that invited me.” He took his bone + knife and hatchet and proceeded to dig down into the center of the circle. + When he had got down to the length of his arm, he came to a sack of dried + meat. Next he found a sack of Indian turnips, then a sack of dried + cherries; then a sack of corn, and last of all another sack, empty except + that there was about a cupful of corn in one corner of it, and that the + sack had a hole in the other corner where his arrow had pierced it. From + this hole in the sack the corn was scattered along the trail, which guided + the old man to the cache.* + </p> + <p> + From this the hermit taught the tribes how to keep their provisions when + traveling and were overloaded. He explained to them how they should dig a + pit and put their provisions into it and cover them with earth. By this + method the Indians used to keep provisions all summer, and when fall came + they would return to their cache, and on opening it would find everything + as fresh as the day they were placed there. + </p> + <p> + The old hermit was also thanked as the discoverer of corn, which had never + been known to the Indians until discovered by the old hermit. + </p> + <p> + *Hiding place. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0028" id="link2H_4_0028"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE MYSTERIOUS BUTTE + </h2> + <p> + A young man was once hunting and came to a steep hill. The east side of + the hill suddenly dropped off to a very steep bank. He stood on this bank, + and at the base he noticed a small opening. On going down to examine it + more closely, he found it was large enough to admit a horse or buffalo. On + either side of the door were figures of different animals engraved into + the wall. + </p> + <p> + He entered the opening and there, scattered about on the floor, lay many + bracelets, pipes and many other things of ornament, as though they had + been offerings to some great spirit. He passed through this first room and + on entering the second it was so dark that he could not see his hands + before his face, so becoming scared, he hurriedly left the place, and + returning home told what he had seen. + </p> + <p> + Upon hearing this the chief selected four of his most daring warriors to + go with this young man and investigate and ascertain whether the young man + was telling the truth or not. The five proceeded to the butte, and at the + entrance the young man refused to go inside, as the figures on either side + of the entrance had been changed. + </p> + <p> + The four entered and seeing that all in the first chamber was as the young + man had told, they went on to the next chamber and found it so dark that + they could not see anything. They continued on, however, feeling their way + along the walls. They finally found an entrance that was so narrow that + they had to squeeze into it sideways. They felt their way around the walls + and found another entrance, so low down that they had to crawl on their + hands and knees to go through into the next chamber. + </p> + <p> + On entering the last chamber they found a very sweet odor coming from the + opposite direction. Feeling around and crawling on their hands and knees, + they discovered a hole in the floor leading downward. From this hole came + up the sweet odor. They hurriedly held a council, and decided to go no + further, but return to the camp and report what they had found. On getting + to the first chamber one of the young men said: “I am going to take these + bracelets to show that we are telling the truth.” “No,” said the other + three, “this being the abode of some Great Spirit, you may have some + accident befall you for taking what is not yours.” “Ah! You fellows are + like old women,” said he, taking a fine bracelet and encircling his left + wrist with it. + </p> + <p> + When they reached the village they reported what they had seen. The young + man exhibited the bracelet to prove that it was the truth they had told. + </p> + <p> + Shortly after this, these four young men were out fixing up traps for + wolves. They would raise one end of a heavy log and place a stick under, + bracing up the log. A large piece of meat was placed about five feet away + from the log and this space covered with poles and willows. At the place + where the upright stick was put, a hole was left open, large enough to + admit the body of a wolf. The wolf, scenting the meat and unable to get at + it through the poles and willows, would crowd into the hole and working + his body forward, in order to get the meat, would push down the brace and + the log thus released would hold the wolf fast under its weight. + </p> + <p> + The young man with the bracelet was placing his bait under the log when he + released the log by knocking down the brace, and the log caught his wrist + on which he wore the bracelet. He could not release himself and called + loud and long for assistance. His friends, hearing his call, came to his + assistance, and on lifting the log found the young man’s wrist broken. + “Now,” said they, “you have been punished for taking the wristlet out of + the chamber of the mysterious butte.” + </p> + <p> + Some time after this a young man went to the butte and saw engraved on the + wall a woman holding in her hand a pole, with which she was holding up a + large amount of beef which had been laid across another pole, which had + broken in two from the weight of so much meat. + </p> + <p> + He returned to the camp and reported what he had seen. All around the + figure he saw marks of buffalo hoofs, also marked upon the wall. + </p> + <p> + The next day an enormous herd of buffalo came near to the village, and a + great many were killed. The women were busy cutting up and drying the + meat. At one camp was more meat than at any other. The woman was hanging + meat upon a long tent pole, when the pole broke in two and she was obliged + to hold the meat up with another pole, just as the young man saw on the + mysterious butte. + </p> + <p> + Ever after that the Indians paid weekly visits to this butte, and thereon + would read the signs that were to govern their plans. + </p> + <p> + This butte was always considered the prophet of the tribe. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0029" id="link2H_4_0029"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE WONDERFUL TURTLE + </h2> + <p> + Near to a Chippewa village lay a large lake, and in this lake there lived + an enormous turtle. This was no ordinary turtle, as he would often come + out of his home in the lake and visit with his Indian neighbors. He paid + the most of his visits to the head chief, and on these occasions would + stay for hours, smoking and talking with him. + </p> + <p> + The chief, seeing that the turtle was very smart and showed great wisdom + in his talk, took a great fancy to him, and whenever any puzzling subject + came up before the chief, he generally sent for Mr. Turtle to help him + decide. + </p> + <p> + One day there came a great misunderstanding between different parties of + the tribe, and so excited became both sides that it threatened to cause + bloodshed. The chief was unable to decide for either faction, so he said, + “I will call Mr. Turtle. He will judge for you.” + </p> + <p> + Sending for the turtle, the chief vacated his seat for the time being, + until the turtle should hear both sides, and decide which was in the + right. The turtle came, and taking the chief’s seat, listened very + attentively to both sides, and thought long before he gave his decision. + After thinking long and studying each side carefully, he came to the + conclusion to decide in favor of both. This would not cause any hard + feelings. So he gave them a lengthy speech and showed them where they were + both in the right, and wound up by saying: + </p> + <p> + “You are both in the right in some ways and wrong in others. Therefore, I + will say that you both are equally in the right.” + </p> + <p> + When they heard this decision, they saw that the turtle was right, and + gave him a long cheer for the wisdom displayed by him. The whole tribe saw + that had it not been for this wise decision there would have been a great + shedding of blood in the tribe. So they voted him as their judge, and the + chief, being so well pleased with him, gave to him his only daughter in + marriage. + </p> + <p> + The daughter of the chief was the most beautiful maiden of the Chippewa + nation, and young men from other tribes traveled hundreds of miles for an + opportunity to make love to her, and try to win her for a wife. It was all + to no purpose. She would accept no one, only him whom her father would + select for her. The turtle was very homely, but as he was prudent and + wise, the father chose him, and she accepted him. + </p> + <p> + The young men of the tribe were very jealous, but their jealousy was all + to no purpose. She married the turtle. The young men would make sport of + the chief’s son-in-law. They would say to him: “How did you come to have + so flat a stomach?” The turtle answered them, saying: + </p> + <p> + “My friends, had you been in my place, you too would have flat stomachs. I + came by my flat stomach in this way: The Chippewas and Sioux had a great + battle, and the Sioux, too numerous for the Chippewas, were killing them + off so fast that they had to run for their lives. I was on the Chippewa + side and some of the Sioux were pressing five of us, and were gaining on + us very fast. Coming to some high grass, I threw myself down flat on my + face, and pressed my stomach close to the ground, so the pursuers could + not see me. They passed me and killed the four I was with. After they had + gone back, I arose and lo! my stomach was as you see it now. So hard had I + pressed to the ground that it would not assume its original shape again.” + </p> + <p> + After he had explained the cause of his deformity to them, they said: “The + Turtle is brave. We will bother him no more.” Shortly after this the Sioux + made an attack upon the Chippewas, and every one deserted the village. The + Turtle could not travel as fast as the rest and was left behind. It being + an unusually hot day in the fall, the Turtle grew very thirsty and sleepy. + Finally scenting water, he crawled towards the point from whence the scent + came, and coming to a large lake jumped in and had a bath, after which he + swam towards the center and dived down, and finding some fine large rocks + at the bottom, he crawled in among them and fell asleep. He had his sleep + out and arose to the top. + </p> + <p> + Swimming to shore he found it was summer. He had slept all winter. The + birds were singing, and the green grass and leaves gave forth a sweet + odor. + </p> + <p> + He crawled out and started out looking for the Chippewa camp. He came upon + the camp several days after he had left his winter quarters, and going + around in search of his wife, found her at the extreme edge of the + village. She was nursing her baby, and as he asked to see it, she showed + it to him. When he saw that it was a lovely baby and did not resemble him + in any respect, he got angry and went off to a large lake, where he + contented himself with catching flies and insects and living on seaweed + the remainder of his life. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0030" id="link2H_4_0030"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE MAN AND THE OAK + </h2> + <p> + There once lived a Sioux couple who had two children, a boy and a girl. + Every fall this family would move away from the main camp and take up + their winter quarters in a grove of timber some distance from the + principal village. The reason they did this was that he was a great hunter + and where a village was located for the winter the game was usually very + scarce. Therefore, he always camped by himself in order to have an + abundance of game adjacent to his camp. + </p> + <p> + All summer he had roamed around following the tribe to wherever their + fancy might take them. During their travels this particular year there + came to the village a strange girl who had no relatives there. No one + seemed very anxious to take her into their family, so the great hunter’s + daughter, taking a fancy to the poor girl, took her to their home and kept + her. She addressed her as sister, and the parents, on account of their + daughter, addressed her as daughter. + </p> + <p> + This strange girl became desperately in love with the young man of the + family, but being addressed as daughter by the parents, she could not + openly show her feelings as the young man was considered her brother. + </p> + <p> + In the fall when the main village moved into a large belt of timber for + their winter quarters, the hunter moved on to another place two days’ + travel from the main winter camp, where he would not be disturbed by any + other hunters. + </p> + <p> + The young man had a tent by himself, and it was always kept nice and clean + by his sister, who was very much attached to him. After a long day’s hunt + in the woods, he would go into his tent and lie down to rest, and when his + supper was ready his sister would say, “My brother is so tired. I will + carry his supper to him.” + </p> + <p> + Her friend, whom she addressed as sister, would never go into the young + man’s tent. Along towards spring there came one night into the young man’s + tent a woman. She sat down by the door and kept her face covered so that + it was hidden from view. She sat there a long time and finally arose and + went away. The young man could not imagine who this could be. He knew that + it was a long distance from the village and could not make out where the + woman could have come from. The next night the woman came again and this + time she came a little nearer to where the young man lay. She sat down and + kept her face covered as before. Neither spoke a word. She sat there for a + long time and then arose and departed. He was very much puzzled over the + actions of this woman and decided to ascertain on her next visit who she + was. + </p> + <p> + He kindled a small fire in his tent and had some ash wood laid on it so as + to keep fire a long time, as ash burns very slowly and holds fire a long + time. + </p> + <p> + The third night the woman came again and sat down still nearer his bed. + She held her blanket open just a trifle, and he, catching up one of the + embers, flashed it in her face; jumping up she ran hurriedly out of the + tent. The next morning he noticed that his adopted sister kept her face + hidden with her blanket. She chanced to drop her blanket while in the act + of pouring out some soup, and when she did so he noticed a large burned + spot on her cheek. + </p> + <p> + He felt so sorry for what he had done that he could eat no breakfast, but + went outside and lay down under an oak tree. All day long he lay there + gazing up into the tree, and when he was called for supper he refused, + saying that he was not hungry, and for them not to bother him, as he would + soon get up and go to bed. Far into the night he lay thus, and when he + tried to arise he could not, as a small oak tree grew through the center + of his body and held him fast to the ground. + </p> + <p> + In the morning when the family awoke they found the girl had disappeared, + and on going outside the sister discovered her brother held fast to the + earth by an oak tree which grew very rapidly. In vain were the best + medicine men of the tribe sent for. Their medicine was of no avail. They + said: “If the tree is cut down the young man will die.” + </p> + <p> + The sister was wild with grief, and extending her hands to the sun, she + cried: “Great Spirit, relieve my suffering brother. Any one who releases + him I will marry, be he young, old, homely or deformed.” + </p> + <p> + Several days after the young man had met with the mishap, there came to + the tent a very tall man, who had a bright light encircling his body. + “Where is the girl who promised to marry any one who would release her + brother?” “I am the one,” said the young man’s sister. “I am the + all-powerful lightning and thunder. I see all things and can kill at one + stroke a whole tribe. When I make my voice heard the rocks shake loose and + go rattling down the hillsides. The brave warriors cower shivering under + some shelter at the sound of my voice. The girl whom you had adopted as + your sister was a sorceress. She bewitched your brother because he would + not let her make love to him. On my way here I met her traveling towards + the west, and knowing what she had done, I struck her with one of my + blazing swords, and she lies there now a heap of ashes. I will now release + your brother.” + </p> + <p> + So saying he placed his hand on the tree and instantly it crumbled to + ashes. The young man arose, and thanked his deliverer. + </p> + <p> + Then they saw a great black cloud approaching, and the man said: “Make + ready, we shall go home on that cloud.” As the cloud approached near to + the man who stood with his bride, it suddenly lowered and enveloped them + and with a great roar and amidst flashes of lightning and loud peals of + thunder the girl ascended and disappeared into the west with her Thunder + and Lightning husband. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0031" id="link2H_4_0031"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + STORY OF THE TWO YOUNG FRIENDS + </h2> + <p> + There were once in a very large Indian camp two little boys who were fast + friends. One of the boys, “Chaske” (meaning first born), was the son of a + very rich family, and was always dressed in the finest of clothes of + Indian costume. The other boy, “Hake” (meaning last born), was an orphan + and lived with his old grandmother, who was very destitute, and + consequently could not dress the boy in fine raiment. So poorly was the + boy dressed that the boys who had good clothes always tormented him and + would not play in his company. + </p> + <p> + Chaske did not look at the clothes of any boy whom he chose as a friend, + but mingled with all boys regardless of how they were clad, and would + study their dispositions. The well dressed he found were vain and + conceited. The fairly well dressed he found selfish and spiteful. The + poorly clad he found to be generous and truthful, and from all of them he + chose “Hake” for his “Koda” (friend). As Chaske was the son of the leading + war chief he was very much sought after by the rest of the boys, each one + trying to gain the honor of being chosen for the friend and companion of + the great chief’s son; but, as I have before said, Chaske carefully + studied them all and finally chose the orphan Hake. + </p> + <p> + It was a lucky day for Hake when he was chosen for the friend and + companion of Chaske. The orphan boy was taken to the lodge of his friend’s + parents and dressed up in fine clothes and moccasins. (When the Indians’ + sons claim any one as their friend, the friend thus chosen is adopted into + the family as their own son). + </p> + <p> + Chaske and Hake were inseparable. Where one was seen the other was not far + distant. They played, hunted, trapped, ate and slept together. They would + spend most of the long summer days hunting in the forests. + </p> + <p> + Time went on and these two fast friends grew up to be fine specimens of + their tribe. When they became the age to select a sweetheart they would go + together and make love to a girl. Each helping the other to win the + affection of the one of his choice. Chaske loved a girl who was the + daughter of an old medicine man. She was very much courted by the other + young men of the tribe, and many a horse loaded with robes and fine + porcupine work was tied at the medicine man’s tepee in offering for the + hand of his daughter, but the horses, laden as when tied there, were + turned loose, signifying that the offer was not accepted. + </p> + <p> + The girl’s choice was Chaske’s friend Hake. Although he had never made + love to her for himself, he had always used honeyed words to her and was + always loud in his praises for his friend Chaske. One night the two + friends had been to see the girl, and on their return Chaske was very + quiet, having nothing to say and seemingly in deep study. Always of a + bright, jolly and amiable disposition, his silence and moody spell grieved + his friend very much, and he finally spoke to Chaske, saying: “Koda, what + has come over you? You who were always so jolly and full of fun? Your + silence makes me grieve for you and I do not know what you are feeling so + downhearted about. Has the girl said anything to you to make you feel + thus?” + </p> + <p> + “Wait, friend,” said Chaske, “until morning, and then I will know how to + answer your inquiry. Don’t ask me anything more tonight, as my heart is + having a great battle with my brain.” + </p> + <p> + Hake bothered his friend no more that night, but he could not sleep. He + kept wondering what “Pretty Feather” (the girl whom his friend loved) + could have said to Chaske to bring such a change over him. Hake never + suspected that he himself was the cause of his friend’s sorrow, for never + did he have a thought that it was himself that Pretty Feather loved. + </p> + <p> + The next morning after they had eaten breakfast, Chaske proposed that they + should go out on the prairies, and see if they would have the good luck to + kill an antelope. Hake went out and got the band of horses, of which there + were over a hundred. They selected the fleetest two in the herd, and + taking their bows and arrows, mounted and rode away towards the south. + </p> + <p> + Hake was overjoyed to note the change in his friend. His oldtime jollity + had returned. They rode out about five miles, and scaring up a drove of + antelope they started in hot pursuit, and as their horses were very fleet + of foot soon caught up to the drove, and each singling out his choice + quickly dispatched him with an arrow. They could easily have killed more + of the antelope, but did not want to kill them just for sport, but for + food, and knowing that they had now all that their horses could pack home, + they dismounted and proceeded to dress their kill. + </p> + <p> + After each had finished packing the kill on his horse, Chaske said: “Let + us sit down and have a smoke before we start back. Besides, I have + something to tell you which I can tell better sitting still than I can + riding along.” Hake came and sat down opposite his friend, and while they + smoked Chaske said: + </p> + <p> + “My friend, we have been together for the last twenty years and I have yet + the first time to deceive you in any way, and I know I can truthfully say + the same of you. Never have I known you to deceive me nor tell me an + untruth. I have no brothers or sisters. The only brother’s love I know is + yours. The only sister’s love I will know will be Pretty Feather’s, for + brother, last night she told me she loved none but you and would marry you + and you only. So, brother, I am going to take my antelope to my + sister-in-law’s tent and deposit it at her door. Then she will know that + her wish will be fulfilled. I thought at first that you had been playing + traitor to me and had been making love to her for yourself, but when she + explained it all to me and begged me to intercede for her to you, I then + knew that I had judged you wrongfully, and that, together with my lost + love, made me so quiet and sorrowful last night. So now, brother, take the + flower of the nation for your wife, and I will be content to continue + through life a lonely bachelor, as never again can I give any woman the + place which Pretty Feather had in my heart.” + </p> + <p> + Their pipes being smoked out they mounted their ponies and Chaske started + up in a clear, deep voice the beautiful love song of Pretty Feather and + his friend Hake. + </p> + <p> + Such is the love between two friends, who claim to be as brothers among + the Indians. Chaske gave up his love of a beautiful woman for a man who + was in fact no relation to him. + </p> + <p> + Hake said, “I will do as you say, my friend, but before I can marry the + medicine man’s daughter, I will have to go on the warpath and do some + brave deed, and will start in ten days.” They rode towards home, planning + which direction they would travel, and as it was to be their first + experience on the warpath, they would seek advice from the old warriors of + the tribe. + </p> + <p> + On their arrival at the village Hake took his kill to their own tent, + while Chaske took his to the tent of the Medicine Man, and deposited it at + the door and rode off towards home. + </p> + <p> + The mother of Pretty Feather did not know whether to take the offering or + not, but Pretty Feather, seeing by this offering that her most cherished + wish was to be granted, told her mother to take the meat and cook it and + invite the old women of the camp to a feast in honor of the son-in-law who + was soon to keep them furnished with plenty of meat. Hake and his friend + sought out all of the old warriors and gained all the information they + desired. Every evening Hake visited his intended wife and many happy + evenings they spent together. + </p> + <p> + The morning of the tenth day the two friends left the village and turned + their faces toward the west where the camps of the enemy are more numerous + than in any other direction. They were not mounted and therefore traveled + slowly, so it took about ten days of walking before they saw any signs of + the enemy. The old warriors had told them of a thickly wooded creek within + the enemies’ bounds. The old men said, “That creek looks the ideal place + to camp, but don’t camp there by any means, because there is a ghost who + haunts that creek, and any one who camps there is disturbed all through + the night, and besides they never return, because the ghost is Wakan + (holy), and the enemies conquer the travelers every time.” The friends had + extra moccasins with them and one extra blanket, as it was late in the + fall and the nights were very cold. + </p> + <p> + They broke camp early one morning and walked all day. Along towards + evening, the clouds which had been threatening all day, hurriedly opened + their doors and down came the snowflakes thick and fast. Just before it + started snowing the friends had noticed a dark line about two miles in + advance of them. Chaske spoke to his friend and said: “If this storm + continues we will be obliged to stay overnight at Ghost Creek, as I + noticed it not far ahead of us, just before the storm set in.” “I noticed + it also,” said Hake. “We might as well entertain a ghost all night as to + lie out on these open prairies and freeze to death.” So they decided to + run the risk and stay in the sheltering woods of Ghost Creek. When they + got to the creek it seemed as if they had stepped inside a big tepee, so + thick was the brush and timber that the wind could not be felt at all. + They hunted and found a place where the brush was very thick and the grass + very tall. They quickly pulled the tops of the nearest willows together + and by intertwining the ends made them fast, and throwing their tent robe + over this, soon had a cosy tepee in which to sleep. They started their + fire and cooked some dried buffalo meat and buffalo tallow, and were just + about to eat their supper when a figure of a man came slowly in through + the door and sat down near where he had entered. Hake, being the one who + was doing the cooking, poured out some tea into his own cup, and putting a + piece of pounded meat and marrow into a small plate, placed it before the + stranger, saying: “Eat, my friend, we are on the warpath and do not carry + much of a variety of food with us, but I give you the best we have.” + </p> + <p> + The stranger drew the plate towards him, and commenced eating ravenously. + He soon finished his meal and handed the dish and cup back. He had not + uttered a word so far. Chaske filled the pipe and handed it to him. He + smoked for a few minutes, took one last draw from the pipe and handed it + back to Chaske, and then he said: “Now, my friends, I am not a living man, + but the wandering spirit of a once great warrior, who was killed in these + woods by the enemy whom you two brave young men are now seeking to make + war upon. For years I have been roaming these woods in hopes that I might + find some one brave enough to stop and listen to me, but all who have + camped here in the past have run away at my approach or fired guns or shot + arrows at me. For such cowards as these I have always found a grave. They + never returned to their homes. Now I have found two brave men whom I can + tell what I want done, and if you accomplish what I tell you to do, you + will return home with many horses and some scalps dangling from your + belts. Just over this range of hills north of us, a large village is + encamped for the winter. In that camp is the man who laid in ambush and + shot me, killing me before I could get a chance to defend myself. I want + that man’s scalp, because he has been the cause of my wanderings for a + great many years. Had he killed me on the battlefield my spirit would have + at once joined my brothers in the happy hunting grounds, but being killed + by a coward, my spirit is doomed to roam until I can find some brave man + who will kill this coward and bring me his scalp. This is why I have tried + every party who have camped here to listen to me, but as I have said + before, they were all cowards. Now, I ask you two brave young men, will + you do this for me?” + </p> + <p> + “We will,” said the friends in one voice. “Thank you, my boys. Now, I know + why you came here, and that one of you came to earn his feathers by + killing an enemy, before he would marry; the girl he is to marry is my + granddaughter, as I am the father of the great Medicine Man. In the + morning there will pass by in plain sight of here a large party. They will + chase the buffalo over on that flat. After they have passed an old man + leading a black horse and riding a white one will come by on the trail + left by the hunting party. He will be driving about a hundred horses, + which he will leave over in the next ravine. He will then proceed to the + hunting grounds and get meat from the different hunters. After the hunters + have all gone home he will come last, singing the praises of the ones who + gave him the meat. This man you must kill and scalp, as he is the one I + want killed. Then take the white and black horse and each mount and go to + the hunting grounds. There you will see two of the enemy riding about + picking up empty shells. Kill and scalp these two and each take a scalp + and come over to the high knoll and I will show you where the horses are, + and as soon as you hand me the old man’s scalp I will disappear and you + will see me no more. As soon as I disappear, it will start in snowing. + Don’t be afraid as the snow will cover your trail, but nevertheless, don’t + stop traveling for three days and nights, as these people will suspect + that some of your tribe have done this, and they will follow you until you + cross your own boundary lines.” + </p> + <p> + When morning came, the two friends sat in the thick brush and watched a + large party pass by their hiding place. So near were they that the friends + could hear them laughing and talking. After the hunting party had passed, + as the spirit had told them, along came the old man, driving a large band + of horses and leading a fine looking coal black horse. The horse the old + man was riding was as white as snow. The friends crawled to a little brush + covered hill and watched the chase after the shooting had ceased. The + friends knew it would not be long before the return of the party, so they + crawled back to their camp and hurriedly ate some pounded meat and drank + some cherry tea. Then they took down their robe and rolled it up and got + everything in readiness for a hurried flight with the horses. Scarcely had + they got everything in readiness when the party came by, singing their + song of the chase. When they had all gone the friends crawled down to the + trail and lay waiting for the old man. Soon they heard him singing. Nearer + and nearer came the sounds of the song until at last at a bend in the + road, the old man came into view. The two friends arose and advanced to + meet him. On he came still singing. No doubt he mistook them for some of + his own people. When he was very close to them they each stepped to either + side of him and before he could make an outcry they pierced his cowardly + old heart with two arrows. He had hardly touched the ground when they both + struck him with their bows, winning first and second honors by striking an + enemy after he has fallen. Chaske having won first honors, asked his + friend to perform the scalping deed, which he did. And wanting to be sure + that the spirit would get full revenge, took the whole scalp, ears and + all, and tied it to his belt. The buffalo beef which the old man had + packed upon the black horse, they threw on the top of the old man. Quickly + mounting the two horses, they hastened out across the long flat towards + the hunting grounds. When they came in sight of the grounds there they saw + two men riding about from place to place. Chaske took after the one on the + right, Hake the one on the left. When the two men saw these two strange + men riding like the wind towards them, they turned their horses to retreat + towards the hills, but the white and the black were the swiftest of the + tribe’s horses, and quickly overtook the two fleeing men. When they came + close to the enemy they strung their arrows onto the bowstring and drove + them through the two fleeing hunters. As they were falling they tried to + shoot, but being greatly exhausted, their bullets whistled harmlessly over + the heads of the two friends. They scalped the two enemies and took their + guns and ammunition, also secured the two horses and started for the high + knoll. When they arrived at the place, there stood the spirit. Hake + presented him with the old man’s scalp and then the spirit showed them the + large band of horses, and saying, “Ride hard and long,” disappeared and + was seen no more by any war parties, as he was thus enabled to join his + forefathers in the happy hunting grounds. + </p> + <p> + The friends did as the spirit had told them. For three days and three + nights they rode steadily. On the fourth morning they came into their own + boundary. From there on they rode more slowly, and let the band of horses + rest and crop the tops of long grass. They would stop occasionally, and + while one slept the other kept watch. Thus they got fairly well rested + before they came in sight of where their camp had stood when they had + left. All that they could see of the once large village was the lone tent + of the great Medicine Man. They rode up on to a high hill and farther on + towards the east they saw smoke from a great many tepees. They then knew + that something had happened and that the village had moved away. + </p> + <p> + “My friend,” said Chaske, “I am afraid something has happened to the + Medicine Man’s lodge, and rather than have you go there, I will go alone + and you follow the trail of our party and go on ahead with the horses. I + will take the black and the white horses with me and I will follow on + later, after I have seen what the trouble is.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well, my friend, I will do as you say, but I am afraid something has + happened to Pretty Feather.” Hake started on with the horses, driving them + along the broad trail left by the hundreds of travois. Chaske made slowly + towards the tepee, and stopping outside, stood and listened. Not a sound + could he hear. The only living thing he saw was Pretty Feather’s spotted + horse tied to the side of the tent. Then he knew that she must be dead. He + rode off into the thick brush and tied his two horses securely. Then he + came back and entered the tepee. There on a bed of robes lay some one + apparently dead. The body was wrapped in blankets and robes and bound + around and around with parfleche ropes. These he carefully untied and + unwound. Then he unwrapped the robes and blankets and when he uncovered + the face, he saw, as he had expected to, the face of his lost love, Pretty + Feather. As he sat gazing on her beautiful young face, his heart ached for + his poor friend. He himself had loved and lost this beautiful maiden, and + now his friend who had won her would have to suffer the untold grief which + he had suffered. + </p> + <p> + What was that? Could it have been a slight quivering of the nostrils that + he had seen, or was it mad fancy playing a trick on him? Closer he drew to + her face, watching intently for another sign. There it was again, only + this time it was a long, deep drawn breath. He arose, got some water and + taking a small stick slowly forced open her mouth and poured some into it. + Then he took some sage, dipped it into the water and sprinkled a little on + her head and face. There were many parfleche bags piled around the tepee, + and thinking he might find some kind of medicine roots which he could use + to revive her he started opening them one after the other. He had opened + three and was just opening the fourth, when a voice behind him asked: + “What are you looking for?” Turning quickly, he saw Pretty Feather looking + at him. Overjoyed, he cried, “What can I do so that you can get up and + ride to the village with me? My friend and I just returned with a large + band of horses and two scalps. We saw this tent and recognized it. My + friend wanted to come, but I would not let him, as I feared if he found + anything had happened to you he would do harm to himself, but now he will + be anxious for my return, so if you will tell me what you need in order to + revive you, I will get it, and we can then go to my friend in the + village.” “At the foot of my bed you will find a piece of eagle fat. Build + a fire and melt it for me. I will drink it and then we can go.” + </p> + <p> + Chaske quickly started a fire, got out the piece of fat and melted it. She + drank it at one draught, and was about to arise when she suddenly said: + “Roll me up quick and take the buffalo hair rope and tie it about my + spotted horse’s neck; tie his tail in a knot and tie him to the door. Then + run and hide behind the trees. There are two of the enemy coming this + way.” + </p> + <p> + Chaske hurriedly obeyed her orders, and had barely concealed himself + behind the trees, when there came into view two of the enemy. They saw the + horse tied to the door of the deserted tent, and knew that some dead + person occupied the tepee, so through respect for the dead, they turned + out and started to go through the brush and trees, so as not to pass the + door. (The Indians consider it a bad omen to pass by the door of a tepee + occupied by a dead body, that is, while in the enemy’s country). So by + making this detour they traveled directly towards where Chaske was + concealed behind the tree. Knowing that he would be discovered, and there + being two of them, he knew the only chance he had was for him to kill one + of them before they discovered him, then he stood a better chance at an + even combat. On they came, little thinking that one of them would in a few + minutes be with his forefathers. + </p> + <p> + Chaske noiselessly slipped a cartridge into the chamber of his gun, threw + it into action and took deliberate aim at the smaller one’s breast. A loud + report rang out and the one he had aimed at threw up his arms and fell + heavily forward, shot through the heart. + </p> + <p> + Reloading quickly Chaske stepped out from behind the tree. He could easily + have killed the other from his concealed position, but, being a brave + young man, he wanted to give his opponent a fair chance. The other had + unslung his gun and a duel was then fought between the two lone + combatants. They would spring from side to side like two great cats. Then + advance one or two steps and fire. Retreat a few steps, spring to one side + and fire again. The bullets whistled past their heads, tore up the earth + beneath their feet, and occasionally one would hit its mark, only to cause + a flesh wound. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly the enemy aimed his gun and threw it upon the ground. His + ammunition was exhausted, and slowly folding his arms he stood facing his + opponent, with a fearless smile upon his face, expecting the next moment + to fall dead from a bullet from the rifle of Chaske. Not so. Chaske was + too honorable and noble to kill an unarmed man, and especially one who had + put up such a brave fight as had this man. Chaske advanced and picked up + the empty gun. The Toka (enemy) drew from a scabbard at his belt a long + bowie knife, and taking it by the point handed it, handle first, to + Chaske. This signified surrender. Chaske scalped the dead Toka and + motioned for his prisoner to follow him. In the meantime Pretty Feather + had gotten up and stood looking at the duel. When she heard the first shot + she jumped up and cut a small slit in the tent from which she saw the + whole proceedings. Knowing that one or both of them must be wounded, she + hurriedly got water and medicine roots, and when they came to the tent she + was prepared to dress their wounds. + </p> + <p> + Chaske had a bullet through his shoulder and one through his hand. They + were very painful but not dangerous. The prisoner had a bullet through his + leg, also one through the muscle of his left arm. Pretty Feather washed + and dressed their wounds, and Chaske went and brought the black and white + horses and mounting Pretty Feather upon the white horse, and the prisoner + on her spotted one, the three soon rode into the village, and there was a + great cry of joy when it was known that Pretty Feather had come back to + them again. + </p> + <p> + Hake, who was in his tent grieving, was told that his friend had returned + and with him Pretty Feather. Hearing this good news he at once went to the + Medicine Man’s tent and found the Medicine Man busily dressing the wounds + of his friend and a stranger. The old Medicine Man turned to Hake and + said: + </p> + <p> + “Son-in-law, take your wife home with you. It was from grief at your + absence that she went into a trance, and we, thinking she was dead, left + her for such. Hadn’t it been for your friend here, she would surely have + been a corpse now. So take her and keep her with you always, and take as a + present from me fifty of my best horses.” + </p> + <p> + Hake and his beautiful bride went home, where his adopted mother had a + fine large tent put up for them. Presents of cooking utensils, horses, + robes and finely worked shawls and moccasins came from every direction, + and last of all Chaske gave as a present to his friend the Toka man whom + he had taken as prisoner. On presenting him with this gift, Chaske spoke + thus: + </p> + <p> + “My friend, I present to you, that you may have him as a servant to look + after your large band of horses, this man with whom I fought a two hours’ + duel, and had his ammunition lasted he would probably have conquered me, + and who gave me the second hardest fight of my life. The hardest fight of + my life was when I gave up Pretty Feather. You have them both. To the Toka + (enemy) be kind, and he will do all your biddings. To Pretty Feather be a + good husband.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, Chaske left them, and true to his word, lived the remainder of + his days a confirmed bachelor. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0032" id="link2H_4_0032"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE STORY OF THE PET CROW + </h2> + <p> + Once upon a time there came to a large village a plague of crows. So thick + were they that the poor women were sorely tried keeping them out of their + tepees and driving them away from their lines of jerked buffalo meat. + Indeed they got so numerous and were such a great nuisance that the Chief + finally gave orders to his camp criers or heralds to go out among the + different camps and announce the orders of their Chief, that war should be + made upon the crows to extermination; that their nests were to be + destroyed and all eggs broken. The war of extermination was to continue + until not a crow remained, except the youngest found was to be brought to + him alive. + </p> + <p> + For a week the war on the crows continued. Thousands of dead crows were + brought in daily, and at the end of the week not a bird of that species + could be seen in the neighborhood. Those that escaped the deadly arrow of + the warriors, flew away, never to return to those parts again. + </p> + <p> + At the end of the war made upon the crows, there was brought to the + Chief’s tepee the youngest found. Indeed, so young was the bird that it + was only the great medicine of the Chief that kept him alive until he + could hop about and find his own food. The Chief spent most of his time in + his lodge teaching the young crow to understand and talk the language of + the tribe. After the crow had mastered this, the Chief then taught him the + languages of the neighboring tribes. When the crow had mastered these + different languages the chief would send him on long journeys to ascertain + the location of the camps of the different enemies. + </p> + <p> + When the crow would find a large Indian camp he would alight and hop + about, pretending to be picking up scraps, but really keeping his ears + open for anything he might hear. He would hang around all day, and at + night when they would all gather in the large council tent (which always + stood in the center of the village) to determine upon their next raid, and + plan for a horse stealing trip, Mr. Crow was always nearby to hear all + their plans discussed. He would then fly away to his master (the Chief) + and tell him all that he had learned. + </p> + <p> + The Chief would then send a band of his warriors to lie in ambush for the + raiding party, and, as the enemy would not suspect anything they would go + blindly into the pitfall of death thus set for them. Thus the crow was the + scout of this chief, whose reputation as a Wakan (Holy man) soon reached + all of the different tribes. The Chief’s warriors would intercept, ambush + and annihilate every war party headed for his camp. + </p> + <p> + So, finally learning that they could not make war on this chief’s people + unbeknown to them, they gave up making war on this particular band. When + meat was running low in the camp this chief would send the crow out to + look for buffalo. When he discovered a herd he would return and report to + his master; then the chief would order out the hunters and they would + return laden with meat. Thus the crow kept the camp all the time informed + of everything that would be of benefit to them. + </p> + <p> + One day the crow disappeared, over which there was great grief among the + tribe. A week had passed away, when Mr. Crow reappeared. There was great + rejoicing upon his return, but the crow was downcast and would not speak, + but sat with a drooping head perched at the top of the chief’s tepee, and + refused all food that was offered to him. + </p> + <p> + In vain did the chief try to get the crow to tell him the cause of his + silence and seeming grief. The crow would not speak until the chief said: + “Well, I will take a few of my warriors and go out and try to ascertain + what has happened to cause you to act as you do.” + </p> + <p> + Upon hearing this, the crow said: “Don’t go. I dreaded to tell you what I + know to be a fact, as I have heard it from some great medicine men. I was + traveling over the mountains west of here, when I spied three old men + sitting at the top of the highest peak. I very cautiously dropped down + behind a rock and listened to their talk. I heard your name mentioned by + one of them, then your brother’s name was mentioned. Then the third, who + was the oldest, said: ‘in three days from today the lightning will kill + those two brothers whom all the nations fear.’” + </p> + <p> + Upon hearing what the crow stated the tribe became grief stricken. On the + morning of the third day the chief ordered a nice tepee placed upon the + highest point, far enough away from the village, so that the peals of + thunder would not alarm the babies of the camp. + </p> + <p> + A great feast was given, and after the feasting was over there came in six + young maidens leading the war horses of the two brothers. The horses were + painted and decorated as if for a charge on the enemy. One maiden walked + ahead of the chief’s horse bearing in her hands the bow and arrows of the + great warrior. Next came two maidens, one on either side of the prancing + war steed, each holding a rein. Behind the chief’s horse came the fourth + maiden. Like the first, she bore in her hands the bow and arrows of the + chief’s brother. Then the fifth and sixth maidens each holding a rein, + walked on either side of the prancing horse of the chief’s brother. They + advanced and circled the large gathering and finally stopped directly in + front of the two brothers, who immediately arose and taking their bows and + arrows vaulted lightly upon their war steeds, and singing their death + song, galloped off amid a great cry of grief from the people who loved + them most dearly. + </p> + <p> + Heading straight for the tepee that had been placed upon the highest + point, adjacent to the village, they soon arrived at their destination + and, dismounting from their horses, turned, waved their hands to their + band, and disappeared within the tepee. Scarcely had they entered the + lodge when the rumblings of distant thunder could be heard. Nearer, and + nearer, came the sound, until at last the storm overspread the locality in + all its fury. Flash upon flash of lightning burst forth from the heavens. + Deafening peals of thunder followed each flash. Finally, one flash + brighter than any of the others, one peal more deafening than those + preceding it, and the storm had passed. + </p> + <p> + Sadly the warriors gathered together, mounted their horses and slowly rode + to the tepee on the high point. Arriving there they looked inside the + lodge and saw the two brothers lying cold and still in death, each holding + the lariat of his favorite war horse. The horses also lay dead side by + side in front of the tent. (From this came the custom of killing the + favorite horse of a dead warrior at the burial of the owner). + </p> + <p> + As the Indians sadly left the hill to return home, they heard a noise at + the top of the tepee, and looking up they saw the crow sitting on one of + the splintered tepee poles. He was crying most pitifully, and as they rode + off he flew up high in the air and his pitiful “caw” became fainter and + fainter till at last they heard it no more. And from that day, the story + goes, no crow ever goes near the village of that band of Indians. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0033" id="link2H_4_0033"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE “WASNA” (PEMMICAN) MAN AND THE UNKTOMI (SPIDER) + </h2> + <p> + Once upon a time there appeared from out of a large belt of timber a man + attired in the fat of the buffalo. On his head he wore the honeycomb part + of the stomach. To this was attached small pieces of fat. The fat which + covered the stomach he wore as a cloak. The large intestines he wore as + leggings, and the kidney fat as his moccasins. + </p> + <p> + As he appeared he had the misfortune to meet “Unktomi” (spider) with his + hundreds of starving children. Upon seeing the fat, Unktomi and his large + family at once attacked the man, who, in order to save his life, started + to run away, but so closely did Unktomi and his family pursue him that in + order to make better time and also get a little better start, he threw off + his head covering, which the Unktomi family hastily devoured, and were + again closing in upon him. He then threw off his cloak and they devoured + that, and were close upon him again, when he threw off his leggings. These + were hastily eaten up, and, as they drew near to a lake, the man threw off + the kidney fat, and, running to the edge of the lake, dived down into the + water and kept beneath the surface, swimming to the opposite shore. After + the Unktomi family had eaten the kidney fat they came to the water’s edge, + and the grease was floating on the surface of the water which they lapped + up, until there was not a grease spot left floating on the surface. + </p> + <p> + The small morsels had only sharpened their appetites, and as they saw the + man sitting on the opposite shore, Unktomi and his family proceeded around + the lake and came upon two men sitting on the shore. Unktomi saw that the + other man was “Wakapapi” (pounded beef). The family surrounded the two and + Unktomi ordered them to fight. Fearing Unktomi and his large family, they + at once commenced to fight and Pounded Meat was soon killed. The hungry + family at once fell to eating him. So busy were they that none noticed the + fat man sneak off and disappear. + </p> + <p> + When they had finished the pounded beef man they looked around to fall + upon the fat man, but nowhere could he be seen. Unktomi said, “I will + track him and when I find him, I will return for you, so stay here and + await my return.” + </p> + <p> + He followed the fat man’s tracks until farther east on the shore of the + lake he found the fat man in the act of skinning a deer, which he had + killed. (He had held on to his bow and arrows when he jumped into the + lake). “My,” said Unktomi, “this will make a fine meal for my hungry + children. I will go after them, so hurry and cut the meat up into small + pieces so they each can have a piece.” + </p> + <p> + “All right, go ahead and get your family,” said Fat Man. During Unktomi’s + absence, the fat man hurriedly cut the meat up into small pieces and + carried them up into a tree that stood near to the shore. When he had + carried it all up he threw sand and dirt upon the blood, and so left no + trace of the deer. + </p> + <p> + On the arrival of Unktomi and his family, no signs of the fat man or the + deer could be found. They wandered about the spot looking for tracks which + might lead them to where the fat man had cached the meat, as Unktomi said + he could not have carried it very far. Now the fat man was up in the tree + and sat watching them. The reflection of the tree was in the water, and + some of the children going close to the shore, discovered it as they + looked at the reflection. The fat man cut a piece of meat and extending it + towards them, drew back his hand and put the meat into his mouth. + </p> + <p> + “Come quick, father, here he is eating the meat,” said the children. + Unktomi came and seeing the reflection, thought the fat man was down in + the lake. “Wait, I will bring him up for you.” So saying, he dived down, + but soon arose without anything. Again and again he tried, but could not + reach the bottom. He told the children to gather rock for him. These he + tied around his neck and body, and dived down for the last time. The last + the children saw of their father was the bubbles which arose to the + surface of the lake. The rocks being too heavy for him, held him fast to + the bottom, and some hungry fish soon made a feast out of the body of poor + “Unktomi.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0034" id="link2H_4_0034"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE RESUSCITATION OF THE ONLY DAUGHTER + </h2> + <p> + There once lived an old couple who had an only daughter. She was a + beautiful girl, and was very much courted by the young men of the tribe, + but she said that she preferred single life, and to all their + heart-touching tales of deep affection for her she always had one answer. + That was “No.” + </p> + <p> + One day this maiden fell ill and day after day grew worse. All the best + medicine men were called in, but their medicines were of no avail, and in + two weeks from the day that she was taken ill she lay a corpse. Of course + there was great mourning in the camp. They took her body several miles + from camp and rolled it in fine robes and blankets, then they laid her on + a scaffold which they had erected. (This was the custom of burial among + the Indians). They placed four forked posts into the ground and then + lashed strong poles lengthwise and across the ends and made a bed of + willows and stout ash brush. This scaffold was from five to seven feet + from the ground. After the funeral the parents gave away all of their + horses, fine robes and blankets and all of the belongings of the dead + girl. Then they cut their hair off close to their heads, and attired + themselves in the poorest apparel they could secure. + </p> + <p> + When a year had passed the friends and relatives of the old couple tried + in vain to have them set aside their mourning. “You have mourned long + enough,” they would say. “Put aside your mourning and try and enjoy a few + more pleasures of this life while you live. You are both growing old and + can’t live very many more years, so make the best of your time.” The old + couple would listen to their advice and then shake their heads and answer: + “We have nothing to live for. Nothing we could join in would be any + amusement to us, since we have lost the light of our lives.” + </p> + <p> + So the old couple continued their mourning for their lost idol. Two years + had passed since the death of the beautiful girl, when one evening a + hunter and his wife passed by the scaffold which held the dead girl. They + were on their return trip and were heavily loaded down with game, and + therefore could not travel very fast. About half a mile from the scaffold + a clear spring burst forth from the side of a bank, and from this trickled + a small stream of water, moistening the roots of the vegetation bordering + its banks, and causing a growth of sweet green grass. At this spring the + hunter camped and tethering his horses, at once set about helping his wife + to erect the small tepee which they carried for convenience in traveling. + </p> + <p> + When it became quite dark, the hunter’s dogs set up a great barking and + growling. “Look out and see what the dogs are barking at,” said the hunter + to his wife. She looked out through the door and then drew back saying: + “There is the figure of a woman advancing from the direction of the girl’s + scaffold.” “I expect it is the dead girl; let her come, and don’t act as + if you were afraid,” said the hunter. Soon they heard footsteps advancing + and the steps ceased at the door. Looking down at the lower part of the + door the hunter noticed a pair of small moccasins, and knowing that it was + the visitor, said: “Whoever you are, come in and have something to eat.” + </p> + <p> + At this invitation the figure came slowly in and sat down by the door with + head covered and with a fine robe drawn tightly over the face. The woman + dished up a fine supper and placing it before the visitor, said: “Eat, my + friend, you must be hungry.” The figure never moved, nor would it uncover + to eat. “Let us turn our back towards the door and our visitor may eat the + food,” said the hunter. So his wife turned her back towards the visitor + and made herself very busy cleaning the small pieces of meat that were + hanging to the back sinews of the deer which had been killed. (This the + Indians use as thread.) The hunter, filling his pipe, turned away and + smoked in silence. Finally the dish was pushed back to the woman, who took + it and after washing it, put it away. The figure still sat at the door, + not a sound coming from it, neither was it breathing. The hunter at last + said: “Are you the girl that was placed upon that scaffold two years ago?” + It bowed its head two or three times in assent. “Are you going to sleep + here tonight; if you are, my wife will make down a bed for you.” The + figure shook its head. “Are you going to come again tomorrow night to us?” + It nodded assent. + </p> + <p> + For three nights in succession the figure visited the hunter’s camp. The + third night the hunter noticed that the figure was breathing. He saw one + of the hands protruding from the robe. The skin was perfectly black and + was stuck fast to the bones of the hand. On seeing this the hunter arose + and going over to his medicine sack which hung on a pole, took down the + sack and, opening it, took out some roots and mixing them with skunk oil + and vermillion, said to the figure: + </p> + <p> + “If you will let us rub your face and hands with this medicine it will put + new life into the skin and you will assume your complexion again and it + will put flesh on you.” The figure assented and the hunter rubbed the + medicine on her hands and face. Then she arose and walked back to the + scaffold. The next day the hunter moved camp towards the home village. + That night he camped within a few miles of the village. When night came, + the dogs, as usual, set up a great barking, and looking out, the wife saw + the girl approaching. + </p> + <p> + When the girl had entered and sat down, the hunter noticed that the girl + did not keep her robe so closely together over her face. When the wife + gave her something to eat, the girl reached out and took the dish, thus + exposing her hands, which they at once noticed were again natural. After + she had finished her meal, the hunter said: “Did my medicine help you?” + She nodded assent. “Do you want my medicine rubbed all over your body?” + Again she nodded. “I will mix enough to rub your entire body, and I will + go outside and let my wife rub it on for you.” He mixed a good supply and + going out left his wife to rub the girl. When his wife had completed the + task she called to her husband to come in, and when he came in he sat down + and said to the girl: “Tomorrow we will reach the village. Do you want to + go with us?” She shook her head. “Will you come again to our camp tomorrow + night after we have camped in the village?” She nodded her head in assent. + “Then do you want to see your parents?” She nodded again, and arose and + disappeared into the darkness. + </p> + <p> + Early the next morning the hunter broke camp and traveled far into the + afternoon, when he arrived at the village. He instructed his wife to go at + once and inform the old couple of what had happened. The wife did so and + at sunset the old couple came to the hunter’s tepee. They were invited to + enter and a fine supper was served them. Soon after they had finished + their supper the dogs of the camp set up a great barking. “Now she is + coming, so be brave and you will soon see your lost daughter,” said the + hunter. Hardly had he finished speaking when she entered the tent as + natural as ever she was in life. Her parents clung to her and smothered + her with kisses. + </p> + <p> + They wanted her to return home with them, but she would stay with the + hunter who had brought her back to life, and she married him, becoming his + second wife. A short time after taking the girl for his wife, the hunter + joined a war party and never returned, as he was killed on the + battlefield. + </p> + <p> + A year after her husband’s death she married again. This husband was also + killed by a band of enemies whom the warriors were pursuing for stealing + some of their horses. The third husband also met a similar fate to the + first. He was killed on the field of battle. + </p> + <p> + She was still a handsome woman at the time of the third husband’s death, + but never again married, as the men feared her, saying she was holy, and + that any one who married her would be sure to be killed by the enemy. + </p> + <p> + So she took to doctoring the sick and gained the reputation of being the + most skilled doctor in the nation. She lived to a ripe old age and when + she felt death approaching she had them take her to where she had rested + once before, and crawling to the top of the newly erected scaffold, + wrapped her blankets and robes about her, covered her face carefully, and + fell into that sleep from which there is no more awakening. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0035" id="link2H_4_0035"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE STORY OF THE PET CRANE + </h2> + <p> + There was once upon a time a man who did not care to live with his tribe + in a crowded village, but preferred a secluded spot in the deep forest, + there to live with his wife and family of five children. The oldest of the + children (a boy) was twelve years of age, and being the son of a + distinguished hunter, soon took to roaming through the forest in search of + small game. + </p> + <p> + One day during his ramblings, he discovered a crane’s nest, with only one + young crane occupying it. No doubt some fox or traveling weasel had eaten + the rest of the crane’s brothers and sisters. The boy said to himself, “I + will take this poor little crane home and will raise him as a pet for our + baby. If I leave him here some hungry fox will be sure to eat the poor + little fellow.” He carried the young crane home and it grew to be nearly + as tall as the boy’s five-year-old sister. + </p> + <p> + Being brought up in a human circle, it soon grew to understand all the + family said. Although it could not speak it took part in all the games + played by the children. The father of the family was, as I have before + mentioned, a great hunter. He always had a plentiful supply of deer, + antelope, buffalo and beaver meats on hand, but there came a change. The + game migrated to some other locality, where no deadly shot like “Kutesan” + (Never Miss) would be around to annihilate their fast decreasing droves. + The hunter started out early one morning in hopes of discovering some of + the game which had disappeared as suddenly as though the earth had + swallowed them. The hunter traveled the whole day, all to no purpose. It + was late in the evening when he staggered into camp. He was nearly dead + with fatigue. Hastily swallowing a cup of cherry bark tea (the only + article of food they had in store), he at once retired and was soon in the + sweet land of dreams. The children soon joined their father and the poor + woman sat thinking how they could save their dear children from + starvation. Suddenly out upon the night air rang the cry of a crane. + Instantly the pet crane awoke, stepped outside and answered the call. The + crane which had given the cry was the father of the pet crane, and + learning from Mr. Fox of the starving condition of his son and his + friends, he flew to the hunting grounds of the tribe, and as there had + been a good kill that day, the crane found no trouble in securing a great + quantity of fat. This he carried to the tent of the hunter and, hovering + over the tent he suddenly let the fat drop to the earth and at once the + pet crane picked it up and carried it to the woman. + </p> + <p> + Wishing to surprise the family on their awakening in the morning she got a + good stick for a light, heaped up sticks on the dying embers, and started + up a rousing fire and proceeded to melt or try out the fat, as melted fat + is considered a favorite dish. Although busily occupied she kept her ears + open for any strange noises coming out of the forest, there being usually + some enemies lurking around. She held her pan in such a position that + after the fat started to melt and quite a lot of the hot grease + accumulated in the pan, she could plainly see the tent door reflected in + the hot grease, as though she used a mirror. + </p> + <p> + When she had nearly completed her task, she heard a noise as though some + footsteps were approaching. Instantly her heart began to beat a tattoo on + her ribs, but she sat perfectly quiet, calling all her self-control into + play to keep from making an outcry. This smart woman had already studied + out a way in which to best this enemy, in case an enemy it should be. The + footsteps, or noise, continued to advance, until at last the woman saw + reflected in the pan of grease a hand slowly protruding through the tent + door, and the finger pointed, as if counting, to the sleeping father, then + to each one of the sleeping children, then to her who sat at the fire. + Little did Mr. Enemy suppose that the brave woman who sat so composed at + her fire, was watching every motion he was making. The hand slowly + withdrew, and as the footsteps slowly died away, there rang out on the + still night air the deep fierce howl of the prairie wolf. (This imitation + of a prairie wolf is the signal to the war party that an enemy has been + discovered by the scout whom they have sent out in advance). At once she + aroused her husband and children. Annoyed at being so unceremoniously + disturbed from his deep sleep, the husband crossly asked why she had + awakened him so roughly. The wife explained what she had seen and heard. + She at once pinned an old blanket around the crane’s shoulders and an old + piece of buffalo hide on his head for a hat or head covering. Heaping + piles of wood onto the fire she instructed him to run around outside of + the hut until the family returned, as they were going to see if they could + find some roots to mix up with the fat. Hurriedly she tied her blanket + around her middle, put her baby inside of it, and then grabbed her three + year old son and packed him on her back. The father also hurriedly packed + the next two and the older boy took care of himself. + </p> + <p> + Immediately upon leaving the tent they took three different directions, to + meet again on the high hill west of their home. The reflection from the + fire in the tent disclosed to them the poor pet crane running around the + tent. It looked exactly like a child with its blanket and hat on. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly there rang out a score of shots and war whoops of the dreaded + Crow Indians. Finding the tent deserted they disgustedly filed off and + were swallowed up in the darkness of the deep forest. + </p> + <p> + The next morning the family returned to see what had become of their pet + crane. There, riddled to pieces, lay the poor bird who had given up his + life to save his dear friends. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0036" id="link2H_4_0036"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + WHITE PLUME + </h2> + <p> + There once lived a young couple who were very happy. The young man was + noted throughout the whole nation for his accuracy with the bow and arrow, + and was given the title of “Dead Shot,” or “He who never misses his mark,” + and the young woman, noted for her beauty, was named Beautiful Dove. + </p> + <p> + One day a stork paid this happy couple a visit and left them a fine big + boy. The boy cried “Ina, ina” (mother, mother). “Listen to our son,” said + the mother, “he can speak, and hasn’t he a sweet voice?” “Yes,” said the + father, “it will not be long before he will be able to walk.” He set to + work making some arrows, and a fine hickory bow for his son. One of the + arrows he painted red, one blue, and another yellow. The rest he left the + natural color of the wood. When he had completed them, the mother placed + them in a fine quiver, all worked in porcupine quills, and hung them up + over where the boy slept in his fine hammock of painted moose hide. + </p> + <p> + At times when the mother would be nursing her son, she would look up at + the bow and arrows and talk to her baby, saying: “My son, hurry up and + grow fast so you can use your bow and arrows. You will grow up to be as + fine a marksman as your father.” The baby would coo and stretch his little + arms up towards the bright colored quiver as though he understood every + word his mother had uttered. Time passed and the boy grew up to a good + size, when one day his father said: “Wife, give our son the bow and arrows + so that he may learn how to use them.” The father taught his son how to + string and unstring the bow, and also how to attach the arrow to the + string. The red, blue and yellow arrows, he told the boy, were to be used + only whenever there was any extra good shooting to be done, so the boy + never used these three until he became a master of the art. Then he would + practice on eagles and hawks, and never an eagle or hawk continued his + flight when the boy shot one of the arrows after him. + </p> + <p> + One day the boy came running into the tent, exclaiming: “Mother, mother, I + have shot and killed the most beautiful bird I ever saw.” “Bring it in, my + son, and let me look at it.” He brought the bird and upon examining it she + pronounced it a different type of bird from any she had ever seen. Its + feathers were of variegated colors and on its head was a topknot of pure + white feathers. The father, returning, asked the boy with which arrow he + had killed the bird. “With the red one,” answered the boy. “I was so + anxious to secure the pretty bird that, although I know I could have + killed it with one of my common arrows, I wanted to be certain, so I used + the red one.” “That is right, my son,” said the father. “When you have the + least doubt of your aim, always use one of the painted arrows, and you + will never miss your mark.” + </p> + <p> + The parents decided to give a big feast in honor of their son killing the + strange, beautiful bird. So a great many elderly women were called to the + tent of Pretty Dove to assist her in making ready for the big feast. For + ten days these women cooked and pounded beef and cherries, and got ready + the choicest dishes known to the Indians. Of buffalo, beaver, deer, + antelope, moose, bear, quail, grouse, duck of all kinds, geese and plover + meats there was an abundance. Fish of all kinds, and every kind of wild + fruit were cooked, and when all was in readiness, the heralds went through + the different villages, crying out: “Ho-po, ho-po” (now all, now all), + “Dead Shot and his wife, Beautiful Dove, invite all of you, young and old, + to their tepee to partake of a great feast, given by them in honor of a + great bird which their son has killed, and also to select for their son + some good name which he will bear through life. So all bring your cups and + wooden dishes along with your horn spoons, as there will be plenty to eat. + Come, all you council men and chiefs, as they have also a great tent + erected for you in which you hold your council.” + </p> + <p> + Thus crying, the heralds made the circle of the village. The guests soon + arrived. In front of the tent was a pole stuck in the ground and painted + red, and at the top of the pole was fastened the bird of variegated + colors; its wings stretched out to their full length and the beautiful + white waving so beautifully from its topknot, it was the center of + attraction. Half way up the pole was tied the bow and arrow of the young + marksman. Long streamers of fine bead and porcupine work waved from the + pole and presented a very striking appearance. The bird was faced towards + the setting sun. The great chief and medicine men pronounced the bird + “Wakan” (something holy). + </p> + <p> + When the people had finished eating they all fell in line and marched in + single file beneath the bird, in order to get a close view of it. By the + time this vast crowd had fully viewed the wonderful bird, the sun was just + setting clear in the west, when directly over the rays of the sun appeared + a cloud in the shape of a bird of variegated colors. The councilmen were + called out to look at the cloud, and the head medicine man said that it + was a sign that the boy would grow up to be a great chief and hunter, and + would have a great many friends and followers. + </p> + <p> + This ended the feast, but before dispersing, the chief and councilmen + bestowed upon the boy the title of White Plume. + </p> + <p> + One day a stranger came to the village, who was very thin and nearly + starved. So weak was he that he could not speak, but made signs for + something to eat. Luckily the stranger came to Dead Shot’s tent, and as + there was always a plentiful supply in his lodge, the stranger soon had a + good meal served him. After he had eaten and rested he told his story. + </p> + <p> + “I came from a very great distance,” said he. “The nations where I came + from are in a starving condition. No place can they find any buffalo, deer + nor antelope. A witch or evil spirit in the shape of a white buffalo has + driven all the large game out of the country. Every day this white buffalo + comes circling the village, and any one caught outside of their tent is + carried away on its horns. In vain have the best marksmen of the tribe + tried to shoot it. Their arrows fly wide off the mark, and they have given + up trying to kill it as it bears a charmed life. Another evil spirit in + the form of a red eagle has driven all the birds of the air out of our + country. Every day this eagle circles above the village, and so powerful + is it that anyone being caught outside of his tent is descended upon and + his skull split open to the brain by the sharp breastbone of the Eagle. + Many a marksman has tried his skill on this bird, all to no purpose. + </p> + <p> + “Another evil spirit in the form of a white rabbit has driven out all the + animals which inhabit the ground, and destroyed the fields of corn and + turnips, so the nation is starving, as the arrows of the marksmen have + also failed to touch the white rabbit. Any one who can kill these three + witches will receive as his reward, the choice of two of the most + beautiful maidens of our nation. The younger one is the handsomer of the + two and has also the sweetest disposition. Many young, and even old men, + hearing of this (our chief’s) offer, have traveled many miles to try their + arrows on the witches, but all to no purpose. Our chief, hearing of your + great marksmanship, sent me to try and secure your services to have you + come and rid us of these three witches.” + </p> + <p> + Thus spoke the stranger to the hunter. The hunter gazed long and + thoughtfully into the dying embers of the camp fire. Then slowly his eyes + raised and looked lovingly on his wife who sat opposite to him. Gazing on + her beautiful features for a full minute he slowly dropped his gaze back + to the dying embers and thus answered his visitor: + </p> + <p> + “My friend, I feel very much honored by your chief having sent such a + great distance for me, and also for the kind offer of his lovely daughter + in marriage, if I should succeed, but I must reject the great offer, as I + can spare none of my affections to any other woman than to my queen whom + you see sitting there.” + </p> + <p> + White Plume had been listening to the conversation and when his father had + finished speaking, said: “Father, I am a child no more. I have arrived at + manhood. I am not so good a marksman as you, but I will go to this + suffering tribe and try to rid them of their three enemies. If this man + will rest for a few days and return to his village and inform them of my + coming, I will travel along slowly on his trail and arrive at the village + a day or two after he reaches there.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well, my son,” said the father, “I am sure you will succeed, as you + fear nothing, and as to your marksmanship, it is far superior to mine, as + your sight is much clearer and aim quicker than mine.” + </p> + <p> + The man rested a few days and one morning started off, after having + instructed White Plume as to the trail. White Plume got together what he + would need on the trip and was ready for an early start the next morning. + That night Dead Shot and his wife sat up away into the night instructing + their son how to travel and warning him as to the different kinds of + people he must avoid in order to keep out of trouble. “Above all,” said + the father, “keep a good look out for Unktomi (spider); he is the most + tricky of all, and will get you into trouble if you associate with him.” + </p> + <p> + White Plume left early, his father accompanying him for several miles. On + parting, the father’s last words were: “Look out for Unktomi, my son, he + is deceitful and treacherous.” “I’ll look out for him, father;” so saying + he disappeared over a hill. On the way he tried his skill on several hawks + and eagles and he did not need to use his painted arrows to kill them, but + so skillful was he with the bow and arrows that he could bring down + anything that flew with his common arrows. He was drawing near to the end + of his destination when he had a large tract of timber to pass through. + When he had nearly gotten through the timber he saw an old man sitting on + a log, looking wistfully up into a big tree, where sat a number of prairie + chickens. + </p> + <p> + “Hello, grandfather, why are you sitting there looking so downhearted?” + asked White Plume. “I am nearly starved, and was just wishing some one + would shoot one of those chickens for me, so I could make a good meal on + it,” said the old man. “I will shoot one for you,” said the young man. He + strung his bow, placed an arrow on the string, simply seemed to raise the + arrow in the direction of the chicken (taking no aim). Twang went out the + bow, zip went the arrow and a chicken fell off the limb, only to get + caught on another in its descent. “There is your chicken, grandfather.” + “Oh, my grandson, I am too weak to climb up and get it. Can’t you climb up + and get it for me?” The young man, pitying the old fellow, proceeded to + climb the tree, when the old man stopped him, saying: “Grandson, you have + on such fine clothes, it is a pity to spoil them; you had better take them + off so as not to spoil the fine porcupine work on them.” The young man + took off his fine clothes and climbed up into the tree, and securing the + chicken, threw it down to the old man. As the young man was scaling down + the tree, the old man said: “Iyashkapa, iyashkapa,” (stick fast, stick + fast). Hearing him say something, he asked, “What did you say, old man?” + He answered, “I was only talking to myself.” The young man proceeded to + descend, but he could not move. His body was stuck fast to the bark of the + tree. In vain did he beg the old man to release him. The old Unktomi, for + he it was, only laughed and said: “I will go now and kill the evil + spirits, I have your wonderful bow and arrows and I cannot miss them. I + will marry the chief’s daughter, and you can stay up in that tree and die + there.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, he put on White Plume’s fine clothes, took his bow and arrows + and went to the village. As White Plume was expected at any minute, the + whole village was watching for him, and when Unktomi came into sight the + young men ran to him with a painted robe, sat him down on it and slowly + raising him up they carried him to the tent of the chief. So certain were + they that he would kill the evil spirits that the chief told him to choose + one of the daughters at once for his wife. (Before the arrival of White + Plume, hearing of him being so handsome, the two girls had quarreled over + which should marry him, but upon seeing him the younger was not anxious to + become his wife.) So Unktomi chose the older one of the sisters, and was + given a large tent in which to live. The younger sister went to her + mother’s tent to live, and the older was very proud, as she was married to + the man who would save the nation from starvation. The next morning there + was a great commotion in camp, and there came the cry that the white + buffalo was coming. “Get ready, son-in-law, and kill the buffalo,” said + the chief. + </p> + <p> + Unktomi took the bow and arrows and shot as the buffalo passed, but the + arrow went wide off its mark. Next came the eagle, and again he shot and + missed. Then came the rabbit, and again he missed. + </p> + <p> + “Wait until tomorrow, I will kill them all. My blanket caught in my bow + and spoiled my aim.” The people were very much disappointed, and the + chief, suspecting that all was not right, sent for the young man who had + visited Dead Shot’s tepee. When the young man arrived, the chief asked: + “Did you see White Plume when you went to Dead Shot’s camp?” “Yes, I did, + and ate with him many times. I stayed at his father’s tepee all the time I + was there,” said the young man. “Would you recognize him if you saw him + again?” asked the chief. “Any one who had but one glimpse of White Plume + would surely recognize him when he saw him again, as he is the most + handsome man I ever saw,” said the young man. + </p> + <p> + “Come with me to the tent of my son-in-law and take a good look at him, + but don’t say what you think until we come away.” The two went to the tent + of Unktomi, and when the young man saw him he knew it was not White Plume, + although it was White Plume’s bow and arrows that hung at the head of the + bed, and he also recognized the clothes as belonging to White Plume. When + they had returned to the chief’s tent, the young man told what he knew and + what he thought. “I think this is some Unktomi who has played some trick + on White Plume and has taken his bow and arrows and also his clothes, and + hearing of your offer, is here impersonating White Plume. Had White Plume + drawn the bow on the buffalo, eagle and rabbit today, we would have been + rid of them, so I think we had better scare this Unktomi into telling us + where White Plume is,” said the young man. + </p> + <p> + “Wait until he tries to kill the witches again tomorrow,” said the chief. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime the younger daughter had taken an axe and gone into the + woods in search of dry wood. She went quite a little distance into the + wood and was chopping a dry log. Stopping to rest a little she heard some + one saying: “Whoever you are, come over here and chop this tree down so + that I may get loose.” Going to where the big tree stood, she saw a man + stuck onto the side of the tree. “If I chop it down the fall will kill + you,” said the girl. “No, chop it on the opposite side from me, and the + tree will fall that way. If the fall kills me, it will be better than + hanging up here and starving to death,” said White Plume, for it was he. + </p> + <p> + The girl chopped the tree down and when she saw that it had not killed the + man, she said: “What shall I do now?” “Loosen the bark from the tree and + then get some stones and heat them. Get some water and sage and put your + blanket over me.” She did as told and when the steam arose from the water + being poured upon the heated rocks, the bark loosened from his body and he + arose. When he stood up, she saw how handsome he was. “You have saved my + life,” said he. “Will you be my wife?” “I will,” said she. He then told + her how the old man had fooled him into this trap and took his bow and + arrows, also his fine porcupine worked clothes, and had gone off, leaving + him to die. She, in turn, told him all that had happened in camp since a + man, calling himself White Plume, came there and married her sister before + he shot at the witches, and when he came to shoot at them, missed every + shot. “Let us make haste, as the bad Unktomi may ruin my arrows.” They + approached the camp and whilst White Plume waited outside, his promised + wife entered Unktomi’s tent and said: “Unktomi, White Plume is standing + outside and he wants his clothes and bow and arrows.” “Oh, yes, I borrowed + them and forgot to return them; make haste and give them to him.” + </p> + <p> + Upon receiving his clothes, he was very much provoked to find his fine + clothes wrinkled and his bow twisted, while the arrows were twisted out of + shape. He laid the clothes down, also the bows and arrows, and passing his + hand over them, they assumed their right shapes again. The daughter took + White Plume to her father’s tent and upon hearing the story he at once + sent for his warriors and had them form a circle around Unktomi’s tent, + and if he attempted to escape to catch him and tie him to a tree, as he + (the chief) had determined to settle accounts with him for his treatment + of White Plume, and the deception employed in winning the chief’s eldest + daughter. About midnight the guard noticed something crawling along close + to the ground, and seizing him found it was Unktomi trying to make his + escape before daylight, whereupon they tied him to a tree. “Why do you + treat me thus,” cried Unktomi, “I was just going out in search of medicine + to rub on my arrows, so I can kill the witches.” “You will need medicine + to rub on yourself when the chief gets through with you,” said the young + man who had discovered that Unktomi was impersonating White Plume. + </p> + <p> + In the morning the herald announced that the real White Plume had arrived, + and the chief desired the whole nation to witness his marksmanship. Then + came the cry: “The White Buffalo comes.” Taking his red arrow, White Plume + stood ready. When the buffalo got about opposite him, he let his arrow + fly. The buffalo bounded high in the air and came down with all four feet + drawn together under its body, the red arrow having passed clear through + the animal, piercing the buffalo’s heart. A loud cheer went up from the + village. + </p> + <p> + “You shall use the hide for your bed,” said the chief to White Plume. Next + came a cry, “the eagle, the eagle.” From the north came an enormous red + eagle. So strong was he, that as he soared through the air his wings made + a humming sound as the rumble of distant thunder. On he came, and just as + he circled the tent of the chief, White Plume bent his bow, with all his + strength drew the arrow back to the flint point, and sent the blue arrow + on its mission of death. So swiftly had the arrow passed through the + eagle’s body that, thinking White Plume had missed, a great wail went up + from the crowd, but when they saw the eagle stop in his flight, give a few + flaps of his wings, and then fall with a heavy thud into the center of the + village, there was a greater cheer than before. “The red eagle shall be + used to decorate the seat of honor in your tepee,” said the chief to White + Plume. Last came the white rabbit. “Aim good, aim good, son-in-law,” said + the chief. “If you kill him you will have his skin for a rug.” Along came + the white rabbit, and White Plume sent his arrow in search of rabbit’s + heart, which it found, and stopped Mr. Rabbit’s tricks forever. + </p> + <p> + The chief then called all of the people together and before them all took + a hundred willows and broke them one at a time over Unktomi’s back. Then + he turned him loose. Unktomi, being so ashamed, ran off into the woods and + hid in the deepest and darkest corner he could find. This is why Unktomis + (spiders) are always found in dark corners, and anyone who is deceitful or + untruthful is called a descendant of the Unktomi tribe. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0037" id="link2H_4_0037"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + STORY OF PRETTY FEATHERED FOREHEAD + </h2> + <p> + There was once a baby boy who came into the world with a small cluster of + different colored feathers grown fast to his forehead. From this he + derived his name, “Pretty Feathered Forehead.” He was a very pleasant boy + as well as handsome, and he had the respect of the whole tribe. When he + had grown up to be a young man, he never, like other young men, made love + to any of the tribe’s beauties. Although they were madly in love with him, + he never noticed any of them. There were many handsome girls in the + different camps, but he passed them by. + </p> + <p> + One day he said: “Father, I am going on a visit to the Buffalo nation.” + The father gave his consent, and away went the son. The father and mother + suspected the object of their son’s visit to the Buffalo nation, and + forthwith commenced preparing a fine reception for their intended + daughter-in-law. The mother sewed together ten buffalo hides and painted + the brave deeds of her husband on them. This she made into a commodious + tent, and had work bags and fine robes and blankets put inside. This was + to be the tent of their son and daughter-in-law. In a few weeks the son + returned, bringing with him a beautiful Buffalo girl. The parents of the + boy gave a big feast in honor of the occasion, and the son and his wife + lived very happily together. + </p> + <p> + In the course of time a son came to the young couple, and the father was + very proud of his boy. When the boy became a year old, the father said to + his wife: “I am going for a visit to the Elk nation.” The mother was very + sad, as she knew her husband was going after another wife. He returned, + bringing with him a very beautiful elk girl. When the Buffalo woman saw + the elk girl she was very downcast and sad, but the husband said: “Don’t + be sad; she will do all the heavy work for you.” + </p> + <p> + They lived quite happily together for a long time. The Elk girl also + became the mother of a fine boy. The two boys had grown up large enough to + play around. One day the Elk woman was tanning hides outside and the two + boys were playing around near their mothers, when all at once the buffalo + boy ran across the robe, leaving his tracks on the white robe which his + step-mother had nearly completed. This provoked the elk woman and she gave + vent to her feelings by scolding the boy: “You clumsy flat mouth, why + couldn’t you run around my work, instead of across it?” The buffalo cow + standing in the door, heard every word that the elk woman had said, and + when she heard her son called flat mouth it made her very angry, although + she did not say a word to any one. She hurriedly gathered some of her + belongings and, calling her son, she started off in a westerly direction. + </p> + <p> + The husband being absent on a hunting expedition did not return until late + in the afternoon. Upon his return his oldest boy always ran out to meet + him, but this time as the boy did not put in an appearance, the father + feared that something had happened to the boy. So hurriedly going to his + tent he looked around, but failing to see the boy or his mother, he asked + his elk wife, where the boy and his mother were. The elk wife answered: + “She took her boy on her back and started off in that direction,” + (pointing towards the west). “How long has she been gone?” “Since early + morning.” The husband hurriedly caught a fresh horse and, without eating + anything, rode off in the direction taken by his buffalo wife and boy. + Near dark he ascended a high hill and noticed a small tent down in the + valley. It was a long distance down to the tent, so it was very late when + he arrived there. He tethered his horse and went into the tent and found + the boy and his mother fast asleep. Upon lying down beside them the boy + awoke, and upon seeing his father, motioned to him to go outside with him. + </p> + <p> + On going outside the boy told his father that it would be useless for him + to try and coax his mother to return, as she was too highly insulted by + the elk wife to ever return. Then the boy told about what the elk wife had + said and that she had called him flat mouth. “My mother is determined to + return to her people, but if you want to follow us you may, and perhaps, + after she has visited with her relatives a little while, you may induce + her to return with you. In the morning we are going to start very early, + and as the country we will travel through is very hard soil, I will stamp + my feet hard so as to leave my tracks imprinted in the softest places, + then you will be able to follow the direction we will take.” + </p> + <p> + The two went into the tent and were soon fast asleep. The father, being + very much fatigued, slept very soundly, and when he awoke the sun was + beating down upon him. The mother and boy were nowhere to be seen. The + tent had been taken down from over him so carefully that he had not been + awakened. Getting his horse, he mounted and rode after the two who had + left him sleeping. He had no trouble in following the trail, as the boy + had stamped his feet hard and left his little tracks in the soft places. + </p> + <p> + That evening he spied the little tent again and on getting to it found + them both asleep. The boy awoke and motioned for his father to go outside. + He again told his father that the next day’s travel would be the hardest + of all. “We will cross a great plain, but before we get there we will + cross a sandy hollow. When you get to the hollow, look at my tracks; they + will be deep into the sand, and in each track you will see little pools of + water. Drink as much as you can, as this is the only chance you will get + to have a drink, there being no water from there to the big ridge, and it + will be dark by the time you get to the ridge. The relations of my mother + live at that ridge and I will come and talk to you once more, before I + leave you to join my mother’s people.” + </p> + <p> + Next morning, as before, he awoke to find himself alone. They had left him + and proceeded on their journey. He mounted again and when he arrived at + the sandy hollow, sure enough, there, deep in the sand, were the tracks of + his son filled to the top with water. He drank and drank until he had + drained the last one. Then he arose and continued on the trail, and near + sundown he came in sight of their little tent away up on the side of the + ridge. His horse suddenly staggered and fell forward dead, having died of + thirst. + </p> + <p> + From there he proceeded on foot. When he got to where the tent stood he + entered, only to find it empty. “I guess my son intends to come here and + have his last talk with me,” thought the father. He had eaten nothing for + three days, and was nearly famished. He lay down, but the pangs of hunger + kept sleep away. He heard footsteps outside and lay in readiness, thinking + it might be an enemy. Slowly opening the covering of the door, his son + looked in and seeing his father lying awake, drew back and ran off up the + ridge, but soon returned bringing a small parcel with him. When he entered + he gave the parcel to his father and said: “Eat, father; I stole this food + for you, so I could not get very much.” The father soon ate what his son + had brought. When he had finished, the son said: “Tomorrow morning the + relatives of my mother will come over here and take you down to the + village. My mother has three sisters who have their work bags made + identically the same as mother’s. Were they to mix them up they could not + each pick out her own without looking inside so as to identify them by + what they have in them. You will be asked to pick out mother’s work bag, + and if you fail they will trample you to death. Next they will tell you to + pick out my mother from among her sisters, and you will be unable to + distinguish her from the other three, and if you fail they will bury you + alive. The last they will try you on, in case you meet the first and + second tests successfully, will be to require you to pick me out from my + three cousins, who are as much like me as my reflection in the water. The + bags you can tell by a little pebble I will place on my mother’s. You can + pick my mother out by a small piece of grass which I will put in her hair, + and you can pick me out from my cousins, for when we commence to dance, I + will shake my head, flop my ears and switch my tail. You must choose + quickly, as they will be very angry at your success, and if you lose any + time they will make the excuse that you did not know, that they may have + an excuse to trample you to death.” + </p> + <p> + The boy then left, after admonishing his father to remember all that he + had told him. Early next morning the father heard a great rumbling noise, + and going outside, he saw the whole hillside covered with buffalo. When he + appeared they set up a loud bellowing and circled around him. One old bull + came up and giving a loud snort, passed on by, looking back every few + steps. The man, thinking he was to follow this one, did so, and the whole + herd, forming a half circle around him, escorted him down the west side of + the range out on to a large plain, where there stood a lone tree. To this + tree the old bull led him and stopped when he reached the tree. A large + rock at the foot of the tree served as a seat for the man. As soon as he + was seated there came four female buffaloes, each bearing a large work + box. They set the boxes down in a row in front of the man, and the herd + crowded around closer in order to get a good view. The old bull came to + the front and stood close to the bags, which had been taken out of the + four boxes. + </p> + <p> + The man stood up, and looking at the bags, noticed a small pebble resting + on the one next to the left end. Stepping over he pulled the bag towards + him and secretly pushed the little pebble off the bag, so that no one + would notice it. When they saw that he had selected the right one, they + set up a terrific bellow. + </p> + <p> + Then came the four sisters and stood in a line before the man. Glancing + along from the one on the right to the last one on the left, he stepped + forward and placed his hand on the one next to the right. Thanks to his + boy, if he hadn’t put that little stem of grass on his mother’s hair, the + father could never have picked out his wife, as the four looked as much + alike as four peas. Next came the four boy calves, and as they advanced + they commenced dancing, and his son was shaking his head and flopping his + ears and switching his tail. The father was going to pick out his boy, + when a fainting spell took him, and as he sank to the ground the old bull + sprang forward on top of him, and instantly they rushed upon him and he + was soon trampled to a jelly. The herd then moved to other parts. + </p> + <p> + The elk wife concluded that something had happened to her husband and + determined upon going in search of him. As she was very fleet of foot it + did not take her long to arrive at the lone tree. She noticed the blood + splashed on the base of the tree, and small pieces of flesh stamped into + the earth. Looking closer, she noticed something white in the dust. + Stooping and picking it out of the dust, she drew forth the cluster of + different colored feathers which had been fastened to her husband’s + forehead. She at once took the cluster of feathers, and going to the east + side of the ridge, heated stones and erected a wickieup, placed the + feathers inside, and getting water, she sprinkled the stones, and this + caused a thick vapor in the wickieup. She continued this for a long time, + when she heard something moving inside the wickieup. Then a voice spoke + up, saying: “Whoever you are, pour some more water on and I will be all + right.” So the woman got more water and poured it on the rocks. “That will + do now, I want to dry off.” She plucked a pile of sage and in handing it + in to him, he recognized his elk wife’s hand. + </p> + <p> + They went back home and shortly after the buffalo, hearing about him + coming back to life, decided to make war on him and kill him and his wife, + she being the one who brought him back to life. The woman, hearing of + this, had posts set in the ground and a strong platform placed on top. + When the buffalo came, her husband, her son and herself, were seated upon + the bough platform, and the buffalo could not reach them. She flouted her + red blanket in their faces, which made the buffalo wild with rage. The + hunter’s friends came to his rescue, and so fast were they killing the + buffalo that they took flight and rushed away, never more to bother Pretty + Feather Forehead. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0038" id="link2H_4_0038"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE FOUR BROTHERS OR INYANHOKSILA (STONE BOY) + </h2> + <p> + Alone and apart from their tribe dwelt four orphan brothers. They had + erected a very comfortable hut, although the materials used were only + willows, hay, birch bark, and adobe mud. After the completion of their + hut, the oldest brother laid out the different kinds of work to be done by + the four of them. He and the second and third brothers were to do all the + hunting, and the youngest brother was to do the house work, cook the + meals, and keep plenty of wood on hand at all times. + </p> + <p> + As his older brothers would leave for their hunting very early every + morning, and would not return till late at night, the little fellow always + found plenty of spare time to gather into little piles fine dry wood for + their winter use. + </p> + <p> + Thus the four brothers lived happily for a long time. One day while out + gathering and piling up wood, the boy heard a rustling in the leaves and + looking around he saw a young woman standing in the cherry bushes, smiling + at him. + </p> + <p> + “Who are you, and where did you come from?” asked the boy, in surprise. “I + am an orphan girl and have no relatives living. I came from the village + west of here. I learned from rabbit that there were four orphan brothers + living here all alone, and that the youngest was keeping house for his + older brothers, so I thought I would come over and see if I couldn’t have + them adopt me as their sister, so that I might keep house for them, as I + am very poor and have no relations, neither have I a home.” + </p> + <p> + She looked so pitiful and sad that the boy thought to himself, “I will + take her home with me, poor girl, no matter what my brothers think or + say.” Then he said to her: “Come on, tanke (sister). You may go home with + me; I am sure my older brothers will be glad to have you for our sister.” + </p> + <p> + When they arrived at the hut, the girl hustled about and cooked up a fine + hot supper, and when the brothers returned they were surprised to see a + girl sitting by the fire in their hut. After they had entered the youngest + brother got up and walked outside, and a short time after the oldest + brother followed him out. “Who is that girl, and where did she come from?” + he asked his brother. Whereupon the brother told him the whole story. Upon + hearing this the oldest brother felt very sorry for the poor orphan girl + and going back into the hut he spoke to the girl, saying: “Sister, you are + an orphan, the same as we; you have no relatives, no home. We will be your + brothers, and our poor hut shall be your home. Henceforth call us + brothers, and you will be our sister.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, how happy I am now that you take me as your sister. I will be to you + all as though we were of the same father and mother,” said the girl. And + true to her word, she looked after everything of her brothers and kept the + house in such fine shape that the brothers blessed the day that she came + to their poor little hut. She always had an extra buckskin suit and two + pairs of moccasins hanging at the head of each one’s bed. Buffalo, deer, + antelope, bear, wolf, wildcat, mountain lion and beaver skins she tanned + by the dozen, and piled nicely in one corner of the hut. + </p> + <p> + When the Indians have walked a great distance and are very tired, they + have great faith in painting their feet, claiming that paint eases the + pain and rests their feet. + </p> + <p> + After their return from a long day’s journey, when they would be lying + down resting, the sister would get her paint and mix it with the deer + tallow and rub the paint on her brother’s feet, painting them up to their + ankles. The gentle touch of her hands, and the soothing qualities of the + tallow and paint soon put them into a deep, dreamless steep. + </p> + <p> + Many such kind actions on her part won the hearts of the brothers, and + never was a full blood sister loved more than was this poor orphan girl, + who had been taken as their adopted sister. In the morning when they + arose, the sister always combed their long black silken scalp locks and + painted the circle around the scalp lock a bright vermillion. + </p> + <p> + When the hunters would return with a goodly supply of beef, the sister + would hurry and relieve them of their packs, hanging each one high enough + from the ground so the prowling dogs and coyotes could not reach them. The + hunters each had a post on which to hang his bow and flint head arrows. + (Good hunters never laid their arrows on the ground, as it was considered + unlucky to the hunter who let his arrows touch the earth after they had + been out of the quiver). They were all perfectly happy, until one day the + older brother surprised them all by saying: “We have a plentiful supply of + meat on hand at present to last us for a week or so. I am going for a + visit to the village west of us, so you boys all stay at home and help + sister. Also gather as much wood as you can and I will be back again in + four days. On my return we will resume our hunting and commence getting + our year’s supply of meat.” + </p> + <p> + He left the next morning, and the last they saw of him was while he stood + at the top of the long range of hills west of their home. Four days had + come and gone and no sign of the oldest brother. + </p> + <p> + “I am afraid that our brother has met with some accident,” said the + sister. “I am afraid so, too,” said the next oldest. “I must go and search + for him; he may be in some trouble where a little help would get him out.” + The second brother followed the direction his brother had taken, and when + he came to the top of the long range of hills he sat down and gazed long + and steadily down into the long valley with a beautiful creek winding + through it. Across the valley was a long plain stretching for miles beyond + and finally ending at the foot of another range of hills, the counterpart + of the one upon which he sat. + </p> + <p> + After noting the different landmarks carefully, he arose and slowly + started down the slope and soon came to the creek he had seen from the top + of the range. Great was his surprise on arriving at the creek to find what + a difference there was in the appearance of it from the range and where he + stood. From the range it appeared to be a quiet, harmless, laughing + stream. Now he saw it to be a muddy, boiling, bubbling torrent, with high + perpendicular banks. For a long time he stood, thinking which way to go, + up or down stream. He had just decided to go down stream, when, on + chancing to look up, he noticed a thin column of smoke slowly ascending + from a little knoll. He approached the place cautiously and noticed a door + placed into the creek bank on the opposite side of the stream. As he stood + looking at the door, wondering who could be living in a place like that, + it suddenly opened and a very old appearing woman came out and stood + looking around her. Soon she spied the young man, and said to him: “My + grandchild, where did you come from and whither are you bound?” The young + man answered: “I came from east of this ridge and am in search of my + oldest brother, who came over in this direction five days ago and who has + not yet returned.” + </p> + <p> + “Your brother stopped here and ate his dinner with me, and then left, + traveling towards the west,” said the old witch, for such she was. “Now, + grandson, come across on that little log bridge up the stream there and + have your dinner with me. I have it all cooked now and just stepped + outside to see if there might not be some hungry traveler about, whom I + could invite in to eat dinner with me.” The young man went up the stream a + little distance and found a couple of small logs which had been placed + across the stream to serve as a bridge. He crossed over and went down to + the old woman’s dugout hut. “Come in grandson, and eat. I know you must be + hungry.” + </p> + <p> + The young man sat down and ate a real hearty meal. On finishing he arose + and said: “Grandmother, I thank you for your meal and kindness to me. I + would stay and visit with you awhile, as I know it must be very lonely + here for you, but I am very anxious to find my brother, so I must be + going. On my return I will stop with my brother and we will pay you a + little visit.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well, grandson, but before you go, I wish you would do me a little + favor. Your brother did it for me before he left, and cured me, but it has + come back on me again. I am subject to very severe pains along the left + side of my backbone, all the way from my shoulder blade down to where my + ribs attach to my backbone, and the only way I get any relief from the + pain is to have some one kick me along the side.” (She was a witch, and + concealed in her robe a long sharp steel spike. It was placed so that the + last kick they would give her, their foot would hit the spike and they + would instantly drop off into a swoon, as if dead.) + </p> + <p> + “If I won’t hurt you too much, grandmother, I certainly will be glad to do + it for you,” said the young man, little thinking he would be the one to + get hurt. + </p> + <p> + “No, grandson, don’t be afraid of hurting me; the harder you kick the + longer the pain stays away.” She laid down on the floor and rolled over on + to her right side, so he could get a good chance to kick the left side + where she said the pain was located. + </p> + <p> + As he moved back to give the first kick, he glanced along the floor and he + noticed a long object wrapped in a blanket, lying against the opposite + wall. He thought it looked strange and was going to stop and investigate, + but just then the witch cried out as if in pain. “Hurry up, grandson, I am + going to die if you don’t hurry and start in kicking.” “I can investigate + after I get through with her,” thought he, so he started in kicking and + every kick he would give her she would cry: “Harder, kick harder.” He had + to kick seven times before he would get to the end of the pain, so he let + out as hard as he could drive, and when he came to the last kick he hit + the spike, and driving it through his foot, fell down in a dead swoon, and + was rolled up in a blanket by the witch and placed beside his brother at + the opposite side of the room. + </p> + <p> + When the second brother failed to return, the third went in search of the + two missing ones. He fared no better than the second one, as he met the + old witch who served him in a similar manner as she had his two brothers. + </p> + <p> + “Ha! Ha!” she laughed, when she caught the third, “I have only one more of + them to catch, and when I get them I will keep them all here a year, and + then I will turn them into horses and sell them back to their sister. I + hate her, for I was going to try and keep house for them and marry the + oldest one, but she got ahead of me and became their sister, so now I will + get my revenge on her. Next year she will be riding and driving her + brothers and she won’t know it.” + </p> + <p> + When the third brother failed to return, the sister cried and begged the + last one not to venture out in search of them. But go he must, and go he + did, only to do as his three brothers had done. + </p> + <p> + Now the poor sister was nearly distracted. Day and night she wandered over + hills and through woods in hopes she might find or hear of some trace of + them. Her wanderings were in vain. The hawks had not seen them after they + had crossed the little stream. The wolves and coyotes told her that they + had seen nothing of her brothers out on the broad plains, and she had + given them up for dead. + </p> + <p> + One day, as she was sitting by the little stream that flowed past their + hut, throwing pebbles into the water and wondering what she should do, she + picked up a pure white pebble, smooth and round, and after looking at it + for a long time, threw it into the water. No sooner had it hit the water + than she saw it grow larger. She took it out and looked at it and threw it + in again. This time it had assumed the form of a baby. She took it out and + threw it in the third time and the form took life and began to cry: “Ina, + ina” (mother, mother). She took the baby home and fed it soup, and it + being an unnatural baby, quickly grew up to a good sized boy. At the end + of three months he was a good big, stout youth. One day he said: “Mother, + why are you living here alone? To whom do all these fine clothes and + moccasins belong?” She then told him the story of her lost brothers. “Oh, + I know now where they are. You make me lots of arrows. I am going to find + my uncles.” She tried to dissuade him from going, but he was determined + and said: “My father sent me to you so that I could find my uncles for + you, and nothing can harm me, because I am stone and my name is ‘Stone + Boy’.” + </p> + <p> + The mother, seeing that he was determined to go, made a whole quiver full + of arrows for him, and off he started. When he came to the old witch’s + hut, she was nowhere to be seen, so he pushed the door in and entered. The + witch was busily engaged cooking dinner. + </p> + <p> + “Why, my dear grandchild, you are just in time for dinner. Sit down and we + will eat before you continue your journey.” Stone boy sat down and ate + dinner with the old witch. She watched him very closely, but when she + would be drinking her soup he would glance hastily around the room. + Finally he saw the four bundles on the opposite side of the room, and he + guessed at once that there lay his four uncles. When he had finished + eating he took out his little pipe and filled it with “kini-kinic,” and + commenced to smoke, wondering how the old woman had managed to fool his + smart uncles. He couldn’t study it out, so when he had finished his smoke + he arose to pretend to go. When the old woman saw him preparing to leave, + she said: “Grandson, will you kick me on the left side of my backbone. I + am nearly dead with pain and if you kick me good and hard it will cure + me.” “All right, grandma,” said the boy. The old witch lay down on the + floor and the boy started in to kick. At the first kick he barely touched + her. “Kick as hard as you can, grandson; don’t be afraid you will hurt me, + because you can’t.” With that Stone Boy let drive and broke two ribs. She + commenced to yell and beg him to stop, but he kept on kicking until he had + kicked both sides of her ribs loose from the backbone. Then he jumped on + her backbone and broke it and killed the old witch. + </p> + <p> + He built a big fire outside and dragged her body to it, and threw her into + the fire. Thus ended the old woman who was going to turn his uncles into + horses. + </p> + <p> + Next he cut willows and stuck them into the ground in a circle. The tops + he pulled together, making a wickieup. He then took the old woman’s robes + and blankets and covered the wickieup so that no air could get inside. He + then gathered sage brush and covered the floor with a good thick bed of + sage; got nice round stones and got them red hot in the fire, and placed + them in the wickieup and proceeded to carry his uncles out of the hut and + lay them down on the soft bed of sage. Having completed carrying and + depositing them around the pile of rocks, he got a bucket of water and + poured it on the hot rocks, which caused a great vapor in the little + wickieup. He waited a little while and then listened and heard some + breathing inside, so he got another bucket and poured that on also. After + awhile he could hear noises inside as though some one were moving about. + He went again and got the third bucket and after he had poured that on the + rocks, one of the men inside said: “Whoever you are, good friend, don’t + bring us to life only to scald us to death again.” Stone boy then said: + “Are all of you alive?” “Yes,” said the voice. “Well, come out,” said the + boy. And with that he threw off the robes and blankets, and a great cloud + of vapor arose and settled around the top of the highest peak on the long + range, and from that did Smoky Range derive its name. + </p> + <p> + The uncles, when they heard who the boy was, were very happy, and they all + returned together to the anxiously waiting sister. As soon as they got + home, the brothers worked hard to gather enough wood to last them all + winter. Game they could get at all times of the year, but the heavy fall + of snow covered most of the dry wood and also made it very difficult to + drag wood through the deep snow. So they took advantage of the nice fall + weather and by the time the snow commenced falling they had enough wood + gathered to last them throughout the winter. After the snow fell a party + of boys swiftly coasted down the big hill west of the brothers’ hut. The + Stone boy used to stand and watch them for hours at a time. His youngest + uncle said: “Why don’t you go up and coast with them?” The boy said: “They + may be afraid of me, but I guess I will try once, anyway.” So the next + morning when the crowd came coasting, Stone boy started for the hill. When + he had nearly reached the bottom of the coasting hill all of the boys ran + off excepting two little fellows who had a large coaster painted in + different colors and had little bells tied around the edges, so when the + coaster was in motion the bells made a cheerful tinkling sound. As Stone + boy started up the hill the two little fellows started down and went past + him as though shot from a hickory bow. + </p> + <p> + When they got to the end of their slide, they got off and started back up + the hill. It being pretty steep, Stone boy waited for them, so as to lend + a hand to pull the big coaster up the hill. As the two little fellows came + up with him he knew at once that they were twins, as they looked so much + alike that the only way one could be distinguished from the other was by + the scarfs they wore. One wore red, the other black. He at once offered to + help them drag their coaster to the top of the hill. When they got to the + top the twins offered their coaster to him to try a ride. At first he + refused, but they insisted on his taking it, as they said they would + sooner rest until he came back. So he got on the coaster and flew down the + hill, only he was such an expert he made a zigzag course going down and + also jumped the coaster off a bank about four feet high, which none of the + other coasters dared to tackle. Being very heavy, however, he nearly + smashed the coaster. Upon seeing this wonderful jump, and the zigzag + course he had taken going down, the twins went wild with excitement and + decided that they would have him take them down when he got back. So upon + his arrival at the starting point, they both asked him at once to give + them the pleasure of the same kind of a ride he had taken. He refused, + saying: “We will break your coaster. I alone nearly smashed it, and if we + all get on and make the same kind of a jump, I am afraid you will have to + go home without your coaster.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, take us down anyway, and if we break it our father will make us + another one.” So he finally consented. When they were all seated ready to + start, he told them that when the coaster made the jump they must look + straight ahead. “By no means look down, because if you do we will go over + the cut bank and land in a heap at the bottom of the gulch.” + </p> + <p> + They said they would obey what he said, so off they started swifter than + ever, on account of the extra weight, and so swiftly did the sleigh glide + over the packed, frozen snow, that it nearly took the twins’ breath away. + Like an arrow they approached the jump. The twins began to get a little + nervous. “Sit steady and look straight ahead,” yelled Stone boy. The twin + next to Stone boy, who was steering behind, sat upright and looked far + ahead, but the one in front crouched down and looked into the coulee. Of + course, Stone boy, being behind, fell on top of the twins, and being so + heavy, killed both of them instantly, crushing them to a jelly. + </p> + <p> + The rest of the boys, seeing what had happened, hastened to the edge of + the bank, and looking down, saw the twins laying dead, and Stone boy + himself knocked senseless, lying quite a little distance from the twins. + The boys, thinking that all three were killed, and that Stone boy had + purposely steered the sleigh over the bank in such a way that it would tip + and kill the twins, returned to the village with this report. Now, these + twins were the sons of the head chief of the Buffalo Nation. So at once + the chief and his scouts went over to the hill to see if the boys had told + the truth. + </p> + <p> + When they arrived at the bank they saw the twins lying dead, but where was + Stone boy? They looked high and low through the gulch, but not a sign of + him could they find. Tenderly they picked up the dead twins and carried + them home, then held a big council and put away the bodies of the dead in + Buffalo custom. + </p> + <p> + A few days after this the uncles were returning from a long journey. When + they drew near their home they noticed large droves of buffalo gathered on + their side of the range. Hardly any buffalo ever ranged on this east side + of the range before, and the brothers thought it strange that so many + should so suddenly appear there now. + </p> + <p> + When they arrived at home their sister told them what had happened to the + chief’s twins, as her son had told her the whole story upon his arrival at + home after the accident. + </p> + <p> + “Well, probably all the buffalo we saw were here for the council and + funeral,” said the older brother. “But where is my nephew?” (Stone boy) he + asked his sister. “He said he had noticed a great many buffalo around + lately and he was going to learn, if possible, what their object was,” + said the sister. “Well, we will wait until his return.” + </p> + <p> + When Stone boy left on his trip that morning, before the return of his + uncles, he was determined to ascertain what might be the meaning of so + many buffalo so near the home of himself and uncles. He approached several + bunches of young buffalo, but upon seeing him approaching they would + scamper over the hills. Thus he wandered from bunch to bunch, scattering + them all. Finally he grew tired of their cowardice and started for home. + When he had come to within a half mile or so of home he saw an old shaggy + buffalo standing by a large boulder, rubbing on it first one horn and then + the other. On coming up close to him, the boy saw that the bull was so old + he could hardly see, and his horns so blunt that he could have rubbed them + for a year on that boulder and not sharpened them so as to hurt anyone. + </p> + <p> + “What are you doing here, grandfather?” asked the boy. + </p> + <p> + “I am sharpening my horns for the war,” said the bull. + </p> + <p> + “What war?” asked the boy. + </p> + <p> + “Haven’t you heard,” said the old bull, who was so near sighted he did not + recognize Stone boy. “The chief’s twins were killed by Stone boy, who ran + them over a cut bank purposely, and the chief has ordered all of his + buffalo to gather here, and when they arrive we are going to kill Stone + boy and his mother and his uncles.” + </p> + <p> + “Is that so? When is the war to commence?” + </p> + <p> + “In five days from now we will march upon the uncles and trample and gore + them all to death.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, grandfather, I thank you for your information, and in return will + do you a favor that will save you so much hard work on your blunt horns.” + So saying he drew a long arrow from his quiver and strung his bow, + attached the arrow to the string and drew the arrow half way back. The old + bull, not seeing what was going on, and half expecting some kind of + assistance in his horn sharpening process, stood perfectly still. Thus + spoke Stone boy: + </p> + <p> + “Grandfather, you are too old to join in a war now, and besides if you got + mixed up in that big war party you might step in a hole or stumble and + fall and be trampled to death. That would be a horrible death, so I will + save you all that suffering by just giving you this.” At this word he + pulled the arrow back to the flint head and let it fly. True to his aim, + the arrow went in behind the old bull’s foreleg, and with such force was + it sent that it went clear through the bull and stuck into a tree two + hundred feet away. + </p> + <p> + Walking over to the tree, he pulled out his arrow. Coolly straightening + his arrow between his teeth and sighting it for accuracy, he shoved it + back into the quiver with its brothers, exclaiming: “I guess, grandpa, you + won’t need to sharpen your horns for Stone boy and his uncles.” + </p> + <p> + Upon his arrival home he told his uncles to get to work building three + stockades with ditches between and make the ditches wide and deep so they + will hold plenty of buffalo. “The fourth fence I will build myself,” he + said. + </p> + <p> + The brothers got to work early and worked until very late at night. They + built three corrals and dug three ditches around the hut, and it took them + three days to complete the work. Stone boy hadn’t done a thing towards + building his fence yet, and there were only two days more left before the + charge of the buffalo would commence. Still the boy didn’t seem to bother + himself about the fence. Instead he had his mother continually cutting + arrow sticks, and as fast as she could bring them he would shape them, + feather and head them. So by the time his uncles had their fences and + corrals finished he had a thousand arrows finished for each of his uncles. + The last two days they had to wait, the uncles joined him and they + finished several thousand more arrows. The evening before the fifth day he + told his uncles to put up four posts, so they could use them as seats from + which to shoot. + </p> + <p> + While they were doing this, Stone boy went out to scout and see how things + looked. At daylight he came hurriedly in saying, “You had better get to + the first corral; they are coming.” “You haven’t built your fence, + nephew.” Whereupon Stone boy said: “I will build it in time; don’t worry, + uncle.” The dust on the hillsides rose as great clouds of smoke from a + forest fire. Soon the leaders of the charge came in sight, and upon seeing + the timber stockade they gave forth a great snort or roar that fairly + shook the earth. Thousands upon thousands of mad buffalo charged upon the + little fort. The leaders hit the first stockade and it soon gave way. The + maddened buffalo pushed forward by the thousands behind them; plunged + forward, only to fall into the first ditch and be trampled to death by + those behind them. The brothers were not slow in using their arrows, and + many a noble beast went down before their deadly aim with a little flint + pointed arrow buried deep in his heart. + </p> + <p> + The second stockade stood their charge a little longer than did the first, + but finally this gave way, and the leaders pushed on through, only to fall + into the second ditch and meet a similar fate to those in the first. The + brothers commenced to look anxiously towards their nephew, as there was + only one more stockade left, and the second ditch was nearly bridged over + with dead buffalo, with the now thrice maddened buffalo attacking the last + stockade more furiously than before, as they could see the little hut + through the openings in the corral. + </p> + <p> + “Come in, uncles,” shouted Stone boy. They obeyed him, and stepping to the + center he said: “Watch me build my fence.” Suiting the words, he took from + his belt an arrow with a white stone fastened to the point and fastening + it to his bow, he shot it high in the air. Straight up into the air it + went, for two or three thousand feet, then seemed to stop suddenly and + turned with point down and descended as swiftly as it had ascended. Upon + striking the ground a high stone wall arose, enclosing the hut and all who + were inside. Just then the buffalo broke the last stockade only to fill + the last ditch up again. In vain did the leaders butt the stone wall. They + hurt themselves, broke their horns and mashed their snouts, but could not + even scar the wall. + </p> + <p> + The uncles and Stone boy in the meantime rained arrows of death into their + ranks. + </p> + <p> + When the buffalo chief saw what they had to contend with, he ordered the + fight off. The crier or herald sang out: “Come away, come away, Stone boy + and his uncles will kill all of us.” + </p> + <p> + So the buffalo withdrew, leaving over two thousand of their dead and + wounded on the field, only to be skinned and put away for the feasts of + Stone boy and his uncles, who lived to be great chiefs of their own tribe, + and whose many relations soon joined them on the banks of Stone Boy Creek. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0039" id="link2H_4_0039"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE UNKTOMI (SPIDER), TWO WIDOWS, AND THE RED PLUMS + </h2> + <p> + There once lived, in a remote part of a great forest, two widowed sisters, + with their little babies. One day there came to their tent a visitor who + was called Unktomi (spider). He had found some nice red plums during his + wanderings in the forest, and he said to himself, “I will keep these plums + and fool the two widows with them.” After the widows had bidden him be + seated, he presented them with the plums. + </p> + <p> + On seeing them they exclaimed “hi nu, hi nu (an exclamation of surprise), + where did you get those fine plums?” Unktomi arose and pointing to a + crimson tipped cloud, said: “You see that red cloud? Directly underneath + it is a patch of plums. So large is the patch and so red and beautiful are + the plums that it is the reflection of them on the cloud that you see.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, how we wish some one would take care of our babies, while we go over + there and pick some,” said the sisters. “Why, I am not in any particular + hurry, so if you want to go I will take care of my little nephews until + you return.” (Unktomi always claimed relationship with everyone he met). + “Well brother,” said the older widow, “take good care of them and we will + be back as soon as possible.” + </p> + <p> + The two then took a sack in which to gather the plums, and started off + towards the cloud with the crimson lining. Scarcely had they gone from + Unktomi’s sight when he took the babies out of their swinging hammocks and + cut off first one head and then the other. He then took some old blankets + and rolled them in the shape of a baby body and laid one in each hammock. + Then he took the heads and put them in place in their different hammocks. + The bodies he cut up and threw into a large kettle. This he placed over a + rousing fire. Then he mixed Indian turnips and arikara squash with the + baby meat and soon had a kettle of soup. Just about the time the soup was + ready to serve the widows returned. They were tired and hungry and not a + plum had they. Unktomi, hearing the approach of the two, hurriedly dished + out the baby soup in two wooden dishes and then seated himself near the + door so that he could get out easily. Upon the entrance of the widows, + Unktomi exclaimed: “Sisters, I had brought some meat with me and I cooked + some turnips and squash with it and made a pot of fine soup. The babies + have just fallen asleep, so don’t waken them until you have finished + eating, for I know that you are nearly starved.” The two fell to at once + and after they had somewhat appeased their appetites, one of them arose + and went over to see how her baby was resting. Noting an unnatural color + on her baby’s face, she raised him up only to have his head roll off from + the bundle of blankets. “‘My son! my son!” she cried out. At once the + other hastened to her baby and grabbed it up, only to have the same thing + happen. At once they surmised who had done this, and caught up sticks from + the fire with which to beat Unktomi to death. He, expecting something like + this to happen, lost very little time in getting outside and down into a + hole at the roots of a large tree. The two widows not being able to follow + Unktomi down into the hole, had to give up trying to get him out, and + passed the rest of the day and night crying for their beloved babies. In + the meantime Unktomi had gotten out by another opening, and fixing himself + up in an entirely different style, and painting his face in a manner that + they would not recognize him, he cautiously approached the weeping women + and inquired the cause of their tears. + </p> + <p> + Thus they answered him: “Unktomi came here and fooled us about some plums, + and while we were absent killed our babies and made soup out of their + bodies. Then he gave us the soup to eat, which we did, and when we found + out what he had done we tried to kill him, but he crawled down into that + hole and we could not get him out.” + </p> + <p> + “I will get him out,” said the mock stranger, and with that he crawled + down into the hole and scratched his own face all over to make the widows + believe he had been fighting with Unktomi. “I have killed him, and that + you may see him I have enlarged the hole so you can crawl in and see for + yourselves, also to take some revenge on his dead body.” The two foolish + widows, believing him, crawled into the hole, only to be blocked up by + Unktomi, who at once gathered great piles of wood and stuffing it into the + hole, set it on fire, and thus ended the last of the family who were + foolish enough to let Unktomi tempt them with a few red plums. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + Transcriber’s Note: I have made the following changes to the text: + PAGE PARA. LINE ORIGINALLY CHANGED TO + 12 3 3 one? one?” + 23 2 1 men man + 26 11 4 me, me,” + 42 7 5 earth. earth.” + 117 1 12 scorceress. sorceress. + 130 2 8 horse tide horse tied + 130 2 14 parflesh parfleche + 131 1 10 parflesh parfleche + 154 12 party than an party that an + 177 1 13 wickie-up wickieup + 177 1 15 wickee-up wickieup + 178 2 wickee-up wickieup +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Myths and Legends of the Sioux, by +Marie L. 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