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| author | nfenwick <nfenwick@pglaf.org> | 2025-02-27 16:02:48 -0800 |
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| committer | nfenwick <nfenwick@pglaf.org> | 2025-02-27 16:02:48 -0800 |
| commit | d075ec4122e886ea0cdb312aa513ab13e2ac3cf3 (patch) | |
| tree | 6d4d14c7ad478b861cbe8fa0f303ac370b6490ff /48469-h | |
| parent | 69f57ea581425ce33e812e7840ad6ac0ff779ea9 (diff) | |
Add 48469 from ibiblio
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diff --git a/48469-h/48469-h.htm b/48469-h/48469-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..8503f41 --- /dev/null +++ b/48469-h/48469-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,10302 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + The Indian Fairy Book, by Henry R. Schoolcraft + </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%;} + .indent5 { margin-left: 5%;} + .indent10 { margin-left: 10%;} + .indent15 { margin-left: 15%;} + .indent20 { margin-left: 20%;} + .indent30 { margin-left: 30%;} + 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 {position: absolute; right: 1%; font-size: 0.6em; + font-variant: normal; font-style: normal; + text-align: right; background-color: #FFFACD; + border: 1px solid; padding: 0.3em;text-indent: 0em;} + .side { float: left; font-size: 75%; width: 25%; padding-left: 0.8em; + border-left: dashed thin; text-align: left; + text-indent: 0; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; + font-weight: bold; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border: solid 1px;} + p.pfirst, p.noindent {text-indent: 0} + span.dropcap { float: left; margin: 0 0.1em 0 0; line-height: 0.8 } + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> +<body> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 48469 ***</div> + + <div style="height: 8em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + THE INDIAN FAIRY BOOK + </h1> + <h2> + By Henry R. Schoolcraft + </h2> + <h4> + From The Original Legends <br /> <br /> With Eight Illustrations In Color By + Florence Choate Elizabeth Curtis + </h4> + <h5> + Frederick A. Stokes Company Publishers <br /> <br /> 1916 + </h5> + <p> + <br /><br /><a name="linkimage-0001" id="linkimage-0001"> </a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:65%;"> + <img src="images/0008m.jpg" alt="0008m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0008.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + <br /><br /><a name="linkimage-0002" id="linkimage-0002"> </a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:65%;"> + <img src="images/0009m.jpg" alt="0009m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0009.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + <b>CONTENTS</b> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_FORE"> FOREWORD </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> <b>THE INDIAN FAIRY BOOK</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> I. THE BOY WHO SET A SNARE FOR THE SUN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0004"> II. MANABOZHO, THE MISCHIEF-MAKER </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0005"> III. THE RED SWAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0006"> IV. THE CELESTIAL SISTERS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0007"> V. GRAY EAGLE AND HIS FIVE BROTHERS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0008"> VI. HE OF THE LITTLE SHELL </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0009"> VII. OSSEOJ THE SON OF THE EVENING STAR </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0010"> VIII. THE WONDERFUL EXPLOITS OF GRASSHOPPER </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0011"> IX. THE TOAD-WOMAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0012"> X. THE ORIGIN OF THE ROBIN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0013"> XI. WHITE FEATHER AND THE SIX GIANTS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0014"> XII. SHEEM, THE FORSAKEN BOY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0015"> XIII. STRONG DESIRE AND THE RED SORCERER </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0016"> XIV. THE MAGIC PACKET </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0017"> XV. THE MAN WITH HIS LEG TIED UP </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0018"> XVI. LEELINAU, THE LOST DAUGHTER </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0019"> XVII. THE WINTER SPIRIT AND HIS VISITOR </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0020"> XVIII. THE ENCHANTED MOCCASINS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0021"> XIX. THE WEENDIGOES AND THE BONE-DWARF </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0022"> XX. THE FIRE-PLUME </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0023"> XXI. THE BIRD LOVER </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0024"> XXII. BOKWEWA, THE HUMPBACK </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0025"> XXIII. THE LITTLE BOY-MAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0026"> XXIV. WUNZH, THE FATHER OF INDIAN CORN </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_FORE" id="link2H_FORE"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + FOREWORD + </h2> + <p> + These Indian fairy tales are chosen from the many stories collected by Mr. + Henry R. Schoolcraft, the first man to study how the Indians lived and to + discover their legends. He lived among the Indians in the West and around + the Great Lakes for thirty years in the first part of the Nineteenth + Century and wrote many books about them. + </p> + <p> + When the story-tellers sat at the lodge fires in the long evenings to tell + of the manitoes and their magic, of how the little boy snared the sun, of + the old Toad Woman who stole the baby, and the other tales that had been + retold to generation after generation of red children, time out of mind, + Mr. Schoolcraft listened and wrote the stories down, just as he heard + them. + </p> + <p> + In 1856 this collection of his stories was published by Mason Brothers in + New York City. A small brown book with quaint engravings for pictures, it + is now only to be found here and there in families that have always + treasured its delightful contents. It is republished, with revisions and + with new illustrations in color, so that these stories may be passed on as + they deserve. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + THE INDIAN FAIRY BOOK + </h1> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + I. THE BOY WHO SET A SNARE FOR THE SUN + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"> + <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">T</span>he boy came home + unsuccessful. Then his sister told him that he must not despair, but try + again the next day. + </p> + <p> + She accordingly left him again at the gathering-place of the wood and + returned to the lodge. Toward nightfall she heard his little footsteps + crackling through the snow, and he hurried in and threw down, with an air + of triumph, one of the birds which he had killed. + </p> + <p> + "My sister," said he, "I wish you to skin it and stretch the skin, and + when I have killed more, I will have a coat made out of the skins." + </p> + <p> + "But what shall we do with the body?" said she; for they had always up to + that time lived upon greens and berries. + </p> + <p> + "Cut it in two," he answered, "and season our pottage with one half of it + at a time." + </p> + <p> + It was their first dish of game, and they relished it greatly. + </p> + <p> + The boy kept on in his efforts, and in the course of time he killed ten + birds-out of the skins of which his sister made him a little coat. Being + very small, he had a very pretty coat, and a bird-skin to spare. + </p> + <p> + "Sister," said he one day, as he paraded up and down before the lodge, + enjoying his new coat and fancying himself the greatest little fellow in + the world—as he was, for there was no other besides him—"My + sister, are we really alone in the world, or are we playing at it? Is + there nobody else living? And tell me, was all this great broad earth and + this huge big sky made for a little boy and girl like you and me?" + </p> + <p> + "Ah, no," answered the sister, "there are many others, but not harmless as + you and I are. They live in a certain other quarter of the earth, and if + we would not endanger our lives we must keep away from there. They have + killed off all our kinsfolk and will kill us, too, if we go near where + they are." + </p> + <p> + To this the boy was silent; but his sister's words only served to inflame + his curiosity the more, and soon after he took his how and arrows and went + in the forbidden direction. + </p> + <p> + After walking a long time and meeting no one, he became tired and + stretched himself upon a high green knoll where the day's warmth had + melted off the snow. It was a charming place to lie, and he soon fell + asleep. While he slept, the sun heat upon him. It not only singed his + bird-skin coat, but so shrivelled and shrunk and tightened it on the + little boy's body as to wake him up. And then when he felt how the sun had + seared the coat he was so proud of, and saw the mischief its fiery beams + had played, he flew into a great passion. He vowed fearful things, and + berated the sun in a terrible way for a little boy no higher than a man's + knee. + </p> + <p> + "Do not think you are too high," said he; "I shall revenge myself. Oh, + sun! I will have you for a plaything yet." + </p> + <p> + On coming home he gave an account of his misfortune to his sister, and + bitterly bewailed the spoiling of his new coat. He would not eat—not + so much as a single berry. He lay down as one that fasts; nor did he move + or change his manner of lying for ten full days, though his sister strove + to prevail on him to rise. At the end of ten days he turned over, and then + he lay full ten days on the other side. + </p> + <p> + When he got up he was very pale, but very resolute too. He bade his sister + make a snare. + </p> + <p> + "For," said he, "I mean to catch the sun." + </p> + <p> + "I have nothing strong to make a snare of," objected the sister. But on + his insisting, she brought forward a deer's sinew which their father had + left, and soon made it into a string suitable for a noose. But the brother + was not pleased with it; he told her that it would not do and directed her + to find something else. She said she had nothing—nothing at all; but + at last she thought of the bird-skin that was left over when the coat was + made, and she wrought this into a string. And now the little boy was more + vexed than before. + </p> + <p> + "The sun has had enough of my bird-skins," he said; "find something else." + </p> + <p> + She went out of the lodge, saying to herself, "Was there ever so obstinate + a boy?" She did not dare to answer this time that she had nothing. Then + luckily she thought of her own beautiful hair, and pulling some of it from + among her locks, she quickly braided it into a cord, and, returning, + handed it to her brother. The moment his eye fell upon the jet black braid + he was delighted. + </p> + <p> + "This will do," he said, and he immediately began to run it back and forth + through his hands as swiftly as he could; and as he drew it forth, he + tried its strength. He said again, "This will do," and winding it in a + glossy coil about his shoulders, he set out a little after midnight. + </p> + <p> + His object was to catch the sun before it rose. He fixed his snare firmly + on a spot just where the sun must strike the land as it rose above the + earth; and sure enough, he caught the sun, so that it was held fast in the + cord and did not rise. + </p> + <p> + The animals who ruled the earth were immediately put into great commotion. + They had no light; and they ran to and fro, calling out to one another and + inquiring what had happened. They summoned a council to debate upon the + matter, and an old dormouse, suspecting where the trouble lay, proposed + that some one should be appointed to go and cut the cord. This was a bold + thing to undertake, as the rays of the sun could not fail to burn whoever + should venture so near to them. + </p> + <p> + At last the venerable dormouse himself undertook it, for the very good + reason that no one else would. But all were glad to accept his offer, so + he hastened to the spot where the sun lay ensnared. + </p> + <p> + Now at this time the dormouse was the largest animal in the world. When he + stood up he looked like a mountain, and when he walked the earth trembled. + His courage was great in proportion, but as he came nearer and nearer to + the sun his back began to smoke and burn with the heat, and soon the whole + top of his huge bulk was turned to enormous heaps of ashes. He succeeded, + however, in cutting the cord with his teeth, and the sun, free, as round + and beautiful as ever, rolled up again into the wide blue sky. But the + dormouse—or blind woman as it is called—was shrunk away to a + very small size; and that is the reason why it is now one of the tiniest + creatures upon the earth. + </p> + <p> + The little boy returned home when he discovered that the sun had escaped + his snare, and devoted himself entirely to hunting. + </p> + <p> + "If the beautiful hair of my sister would not hold the sun fast, nothing + in the world could," he said. "I was not born, a little fellow like + myself, to look after the sun. It requires one greater and wiser than I to + regulate that." + </p> + <p> + So he went out and shot ten more snow-birds; for in this business he was + very expert; and he had a new bird-skin coat made, which was prettier than + the one he had worn before. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><a name="linkimage-0003" id="linkimage-0003"> </a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:20%;"> + <img src="images/5022.jpg" alt="5022 " width="100%" /><br /><a + href="images/5022.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0004" id="link2H_4_0004"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + II. MANABOZHO, THE MISCHIEF-MAKER + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"> + <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">T</span>HERE was never in + the whole world a more mischievous busy-body than that notorious giant + Manabozho. He was everywhere, in season and out of season, running about + and putting his hand in whatever was going forward. To carry on his game, + he could take almost any shape he pleased; he could be very foolish or + very wise; very weak or very strong; very poor or very rich—just as + happened to suit his humor best. Whatever any one else could do, he would + attempt without a moment's reflection. He was a match for any man he met, + and there were few mani-toes that could get the better of him. By turns he + would be very kind, or very cruel; an animal or a bird; a man or a spirit. + And yet, in spite of all these gifts, Manabozho was always getting himself + involved in all sorts of troubles; and more than once, in the course of + his busy adventures, was this great maker of mischief driven to his wits' + ends to come off with his life. + </p> + <p> + To begin at the beginning, Manabozho, while yet a youngster, was living + with his grandmother near the edge of a wide prairie. It was on this + prairie that he first saw animals and birds of every kind; he also there + made first acquaintance with thunder and lightning; he would sit by the + hour watching the clouds as they rolled, and musing on the shades of light + and darkness as the day rose and fell. + </p> + <p> + For a stripling, Manabozho was uncommonly wideawake. Every new sight he + beheld in the heavens was a subject of remark; every new animal or bird, + an object of deep interest; and every sound that came from the bosom of + nature was like a new lesson which he was expected to learn. He often + trembled at what he heard and saw. + </p> + <p> + To the scene of the wide open prairie his grandmother sent him at an early + age to watch. The first sound he heard was that of the owl, at which he + was greatly terrified. Quickly descending the tree he had climbed, he ran + with alarm to the lodge. + </p> + <p> + "Noko! noko! grandmother!" he cried. "I have heard a monedo." + </p> + <p> + She laughed at his fears and asked him what kind of noise his reverence + made. He answered: + </p> + <p> + "It makes a noise like this: Ko-ko-ko-ho." + </p> + <p> + His grandmother told him he was young and foolish; that what he heard was + only a bird which derived its name from the peculiar noise it made. + </p> + <p> + He returned to the prairie and continued his watch. As he stood there + looking at the clouds, he thought thus to himself: + </p> + <p> + "It is singular that I am so simple and my grandmother so wise; and that I + have neither father nor mother. I have never heard a word about them. I + must ask and find out." + </p> + <p> + He went home and sat down, silent and dejected. Finding that this did not + attract the notice of his grandmother, he began a loud lamentation, which + he kept increasing, louder and louder, till it shook the lodge and nearly + deafened the old grandmother. She at length said: + </p> + <p> + "Manabozho, what is the matter with you? You are making a great deal of + noise." + </p> + <p> + Manabozho started off again with his doleful hubbub; but succeeded in + jerking out between his big sobs, "I haven't got any father or mother; I + haven't," and he set out again lamenting more boisterously than ever. + </p> + <p> + Knowing that he was of a wicked and revengeful temper, his grandmother + dreaded to tell him the story of his parentage; as she knew he would make + trouble of it. + </p> + <p> + Manabozho renewed his cries and managed to throw out, for a third or + fourth time, his sorrowful lament that he was a poor unfortunate, who had + no parents and no relations. Finally his grandmother said: + </p> + <p> + "Yes, you have a father and three brothers living. Your mother is dead. + She was taken for a wife by your father, the West, without the consent of + her parents. Your brothers are the North, East, and South; and being older + than yourself, your father has given them great power with the winds, + according to their names. You are the youngest of his children. I have + nursed you from your infancy; for your mother, owing to the ill-treatment + of your father, died when you were born. I have no relations beside you. + Your mother was my only child, and you are my only hope." + </p> + <p> + "I am glad my father is living," said Manabozho. "I shall set out in the + morning to visit him." + </p> + <p> + His grandmother would have discouraged him, saying it was a long distance + to the place where his father, Ningabiun, or the West, lived. + </p> + <p> + This information seemed rather to please than to disconcert Manabozho; for + by this time he had grown to such a size and strength that he had been + compelled to leave the narrow shelter of his grandmother's lodge and to + live out of doors. He was so tall that, as he stood up, he could have + snapped off the heads of the birds roosting in the topmost branches of the + highest trees, without being at the trouble to climb. And if he had at any + time taken a fancy to one of the same trees for a walking-stick, he would + have had no more to do than to pluck it up with his thumb and finger and + strip down the leaves and twigs with the palm of his hand. + </p> + <p> + Bidding good-bye to his venerable old grandmother, who pulled a very long + face over his departure, Manabozho set out at great headway, for he was + able to stride from one side of a prairie to the other at a single step. + </p> + <p> + He found his father on a high mountain-ground, far in the west. His father + espied his approach at a great distance and bounded down the mountain-side + several miles to give him welcome; and, side-by-side, apparently delighted + with each other, they reached in two or three of their giant paces the + lodge of the West, which stood high up near the clouds. + </p> + <p> + They spent some days in talking with each other—for these two great + persons did nothing on a small scale, and a whole day to deliver a single + sentence was quite an ordinary affair, such was the immensity of their + discourse. + </p> + <p> + One evening Manabozho asked his father what he was most afraid of on + earth. + </p> + <p> + He replied—"Nothing." + </p> + <p> + "But is there nothing you dread, here—nothing that would hurt you if + you took too much of it? Come, tell me." + </p> + <p> + Manabozho was very urgent, and at last his father said: + </p> + <p> + "Yes, there is a black stone to be found a couple of hundred miles from + here, over that way," pointing as he spoke. "It is the only thing earthly + that I am afraid of, for if it should happen to hit me on any part of my + body it would hurt me very much." + </p> + <p> + The West made this important circumstance known to Manabozho in the + strictest confidence. + </p> + <p> + "Now you will not tell any one, Manabozho, that the black stone is bad + medicine for your father, will you?" he added. "You are a good son, and I + know you will keep it to yourself. Now tell me, my darling boy, is there + not something that you don't like?" + </p> + <p> + Manabozho answered promptly—"Nothing." + </p> + <p> + His father, who was of a very steady and persevering temper, put the same + question to him seventeen times, and each time Manabozho made the same + answer—"Nothing." + </p> + <p> + But the West insisted—"There must be something you are afraid of." + </p> + <p> + "Well, I will tell you," said Manabozho, "what it is." + </p> + <p> + He made an effort to speak, but it seemed to be too much for him. + </p> + <p> + "Out with it," said Ningabiun, or the West, fetching Manabozho such a blow + on the back as shook the mountain with its echo. + </p> + <p> + "Je-ee, je-ee—it is—" said Manabozho, apparently in great + pain. "Yeo, yeo! I cannot name it, I tremble so." + </p> + <p> + The West told him to banish his fears and to speak up; no one would hurt + him. + </p> + <p> + Manabozho began again, and he would have gone over the same make-believe + of anguish, had not his father, whose strength he knew was more than a + match for his own, threatened to pitch him into a river about five miles + off. At last he cried out: + </p> + <p> + "Father, since you will know, it is the root of the bulrush." + </p> + <p> + He who could with perfect ease spin a sentence a whole day long, seemed to + be exhausted by the effort of pronouncing that one word, "bulrush." + </p> + <p> + Some time after, Manabozho observed: + </p> + <p> + "I will get some of the black rock, merely to see how it looks." + </p> + <p> + "Well," said the father, "I will also get a little of the bulrush-root, to + learn how it tastes." + </p> + <p> + They were both double-dealing with each other, and in their hearts getting + ready for some desperate work. + </p> + <p> + They had no sooner separated for the evening than Manabozho was striding + off the couple of hundred miles necessary to bring him to the place where + the black rock was to be procured, while down the other side of the + mountain hurried Ningabiun. + </p> + <p> + At the break of day they each appeared at the great level on the + mountain-top, Manabozho with twenty loads, at least, of the black stone, + on one side, and on the other the West, with a whole meadow of bulrush in + his arms. + </p> + <p> + Manabozho was the first to strike—hurling a great piece of the black + rock, which struck the West directly between the eyes. The West returned + the favor with a blow of bulrush that rung over the shoulders of + Manabozho, far and wide, like the whip-thong of the lightning among the + clouds. + </p> + <p> + And now both rallied, and Manabozho poured in a tempest of black rock, + while Ningabiun discharged a shower of bulrush. Blow upon blow, thwack + upon thwack—they fought hand to hand until black rock and bulrush + were all gone. Then they betook themselves to hurling crags at each other, + cudgeling with huge oak-trees, and defying each other from one + mountain-top to another. At times they shot enormous boulders of granite + across at each other's heads, as though they had been mere jack-stones. + The battle, which had commenced on the mountains, had extended far west. + The West was forced to give ground. Manabozho pressing on, drove him + across rivers and mountains, ridges and lakes, till at last he got him to + the very brink of the world. + </p> + <p> + "Hold!" cried the West. "My son, you know my power, and although I allow + that I am now fairly out of breath, it is impossible to kill me. Stop + where you are, and I will also portion you out with as much power as your + brothers. The four quarters of the globe are already occupied, but you can + go and do a great deal of good to the people of the earth. They are beset + with serpents, beasts and monsters, who make great havoc of human life. Go + and do good, and if you put forth half the strength you have to-day, you + will acquire a name that will last forever. When you have finished your + work I will have a place provided for you. You will then go and sit with + your brother, Kabinocca, in the North." + </p> + <p> + Manabozho gave his father his hand upon this agreement. And parting from + him, he returned to his own grounds, where he lay for some time sore of + his wounds. + </p> + <p> + These being, however, greatly allayed and soon after cured by his + grandmother's skill in medicines, Manabozho, as big and sturdy as ever, + was ripe for new adventures. He set his thoughts immediately upon a war + excursion against the Pearl Feather, a wicked old manito, who had killed + his grandfather. Pearl Feather lived on the other side of the great lake, + but that was nothing to Manabozho. He began his preparations by making + huge bows and arrows without number; but he had no heads for his shafts. + At last Noko told him that an old man, whom she knew, could furnish him + with such as he needed. He sent her to get some. She soon returned with + her wrapper full. Manabozho told her that he had not enough and sent her + again. She came back with as many more. He thought to himself, "I must + find out the way of making these heads." + </p> + <p> + Instead of directly asking how it was done, he preferred—it was just + like Manabozho—to deceive his grandmother and come at the knowledge + he desired by a trick. + </p> + <p> + "Noko," said he, "while I take my drum and rattle, and sing my war-songs, + do you go and try to get me some larger heads, for these you have brought + me are all of the same size. Go and see whether the old man is not willing + to make some a little larger." + </p> + <p> + As she went he followed at a distance, having left his drum at the lodge, + with a great bird tied at the top, whose fluttering should keep up the + drum-beat the same as if he were tarrying at home. He saw the old workman + busy and learned how he prepared the heads; he also beheld the old man's + daughter, who was very beautiful. Manabozlio now discovered for the first + time that he had a heart of his own, and the sigh he heaved passed through + the arrow-maker's lodge like a gale of wind. + </p> + <p> + "How it blows!" said the old man. + </p> + <p> + "It must be from the south," said the daughter; "for it is very fragrant." + </p> + <p> + Manabozho slipped away, and in two strides he was at home, shouting forth + his songs as though he had never left the lodge. He had just time to free + the bird which had been beating the drum, when his grandmother came in and + delivered to him the big arrowheads. + </p> + <p> + In the evening the grandmother said, "My son, you ought to fast before you + go to war, as your brothers do, to find out whether you will be successful + or not." + </p> + <p> + He said he had no objection; and privately stored away, in a shady place + in the forest two or three dozen juicy bears, a moose, and twenty strings + of the tender-est birds. The place of his fast had been chosen by Noko, + and she had told him it must be so far as to be beyond the sound of her + voice or it would be unlucky. So Manabozho would retire from the lodge so + far as to be entirely out of view of his grandmother, fall to and enjoy + himself heartily, and at nightfall, having just despatched a dozen birds + and half a bear or so, he would return tottering and woe-begone, as if + quite famished, so as to move deeply the sympathies of his wise old + granddame. + </p> + <p> + But after a time Manabozho, who was always spying out mischief, said to + himself, "I must find out why my grandmother is so anxious to have me fast + at this spot." + </p> + <p> + The next day he went but a short distance. She cried out, "A little + farther off;" but he came nearer to the lodge, the rogue that he was, and + cried out in a low, counterfeited voice, to make it appear that he was + going away instead of approaching. He had now got so near that he could + see all that passed in the lodge. + </p> + <p> + He had not been long in ambush when an old magician crept into the lodge. + This old magician had very long hair, which hung across his shoulders and + down his back like a bush or foot-mat. Noko welcomed him kindly and they + commenced talking earnestly. In doing so, they put their two old heads so + very close together that Manabozho was satisfied they were kissing each + other. He was indignant that any one should take such a liberty with his + venerable grandmother, and to mark his sense of the outrage, he touched + the bushy hair of the old magician with a live coal which he had blown + upon. The old magician felt the flame; he jumped out into the air, making + his hair burn only the fiercer, and ran, blazing like a fire-ball, across + the prairie. + </p> + <p> + Manabozho who had, meanwhile, stolen off to his fasting-place, cried out + in a heart-broken tone and as if on the very point of starvation, "Noko! + Noko! is it time for me to come home?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes," she cried. And when he came in she asked him, "Did you see + anything?" + </p> + <p> + "Nothing," he answered, with an air of childish candor; looking as much + like a big simpleton as he could. The grandmother looked at him very + closely and said no more. + </p> + <p> + Manabozho finished his term of fasting, in the course of which he slyly + despatched twenty fat bears, six dozen birds, and two fine moose. Then he + sang his war-song and embarked in his canoe, fully prepared for war. + Besides weapons of battle, he had stowed in a large supply of oil. + </p> + <p> + He traveled rapidly night and day, for he had only to will or speak, and + the canoe went. At length he arrived at a place guarded by many fiery + serpents. He paused to view them, observing that they were some distance + apart, and that the flames which they constantly belched forth reached + across the pass. He gave them a good morning and began talking with them + in a very friendly way; but they answered: + </p> + <p> + "We know you, Manabozho; you cannot pass." + </p> + <p> + He was not, however, to be put off so easily. Turning his canoe as if + about to go back, he suddenly cried out with a loud and terrified voice: + </p> + <p> + "What is that behind you?" + </p> + <p> + The serpents, thrown off their guard, instantly turned their heads, and he + glided past them in a moment. + </p> + <p> + "Well," said he quietly, after he had got by, "how do you like my + movement?" + </p> + <p> + He then took up his bow and arrows, and with deliberate aim shot every one + of them, easily, for the serpents were fixed to one spot and could not + even turn around. They were of an enormous length, and a bright color. + </p> + <p> + Having thus escaped the sentinel serpents, Mana-bozho pushed on in his + canoe until he came to a part of the lake called Pitch-water, as whatever + touched it was sure to stick fast. But Manabozho was prepared with his + oil, and rubbing his canoe freely from end to end, he slipped through with + ease, the first person who had ever succeeded in passing through the + Pitch-water. + </p> + <p> + "There is nothing like a little oil to help one through pitch-water," said + Manabozho to himself. + </p> + <p> + Now in view of land, he could see the lodge of Pearl Feather, the Shining + Manito, high upon a distant hill. + </p> + <p> + Putting his clubs and arrows in order, Manabozho began his attack, yelling + and shouting, heating his drum, and calling out in triple voices: + </p> + <p> + "Surround him! surround him! run up! run up!" making it appear that he had + many followers. He advanced, shouting aloud: + </p> + <p> + "It was you that killed my grandfather," and shot off a whole forest of + arrows. + </p> + <p> + The Pearl Feather appeared on the height, blazing like the sun, and paid + back the discharges of Mana-bozho with a tempest of bolts, which rattled + like the hail. + </p> + <p> + All day long the fight was kept up, and Manabozho had fired all of his + arrows but three, without effect; for the Shining Manito was clothed in + pure wampum. It was only by immense leaps to right and left that Manabozho + could save his head from the sturdy blows which fell about him on every + side, like pine-trees, from the hands of the Manito. He was badly bruised + and at his very wits' end, when a large woodpecker flew past and lit on a + tree. It was a bird he had known on the prairie, near his grandmother's + lodge. + </p> + <p> + "Manabozho," called out the woodpecker, "your enemy has a weak point; + shoot at the lock of hair on the crown of his head." + </p> + <p> + He shot his first arrow and only drew blood in a few drops. The Manito + made one or two unsteady steps, then recovered himself. He began to + parley, but Manabozho, knowing that he had discovered a way to reach him, + was in no humor to trifle, and let slip another arrow, which brought the + Shining Manito to his knees. And now, having the crown of his head within + good range, Manabozho sent in his third arrow, which laid the Manito out + upon the ground, stark dead. + </p> + <p> + Manabozho lifted up a huge war-cry, beat his drum, and took the scalp of + the Manito as his trophy. Then calling the woodpecker to come and receive + a reward for the timely hint he had given him, he rubbed the blood of the + Shining Manito on the woodpecker's head, the feathers of which are red to + this day. Full of his victory, Manabozho returned home, beating his + war-drum furiously and shouting aloud his songs of triumph. His + grandmother was on the shore ready to welcome him with the war-dance, + which she performed with wonderful skill for one so far advanced in years. + </p> + <p> + The heart of Manabozho swelled within him. He was fairly on fire and an + unconquerable desire for further adventures seized upon him. He had + destroyed the powerful Pearl Feather, killed his serpents, and escaped all + his wiles and charms. He had prevailed in a great land fight, his next + trophy should be from the water. + </p> + <p> + He tried his prowess as a fisherman, and with such success that he + captured a fish monstrous in size and so rich in fat that with the oil + Manabozho was able to form a small lake. To this, being generously + disposed and having a cunning purpose of his own to answer, he invited all + the birds and beasts of his acquaintance; and he made the order in which + they partook of the banquet the measure of their fatness for all time to + come. As fast as they arrived he told them to plunge in and help + themselves. + </p> + <p> + The first to make his appearance was the bear, who took a long and steady + draught; then came the deer, the opossum, and such others of the family as + are noted for their comfortable case. The moose and bison were slack in + their cups, and the partridge, always lean in flesh, looked on till the + supply was nearly gone. There was not a drop left by the time the hare and + the martin appeared on the shore of the lake, and they are, in + consequence, the slenderest of all creatures. + </p> + <p> + When this ceremony was over, Manabozho suggested to his friends, the + assembled birds and animals, that the occasion was proper for a little + merry-making; and taking up his drum, he cried out: + </p> + <p> + "New songs from the South! Come, brothers, dance!" + </p> + <p> + In order to make the sport more mirthful, he directed that they should + shut their eyes and pass around him in a circle. Again he beat his drum + and cried out: + </p> + <p> + "New songs from the South! Come, brothers, dance!" + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><a name="linkimage-0004" id="linkimage-0004"> </a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:65%;"> + <img src="images/0039m.jpg" alt="0039m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0039.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + They all fell in and commenced their rounds. Whenever Manabozho, as he + stood in the circle, saw pass by him a fat fowl which he fancied, he + adroitly wrung its neck and slipped it in his girdle, at the same time + beating his drum and singing at the top of his lungs to drown the noise of + the fluttering. And he all the time called out in tones of admiration: + </p> + <p> + "That's the way, my brothers; that's the way!" + </p> + <p> + At last a small duck, of the diver family, thinking there was something + wrong, opened one eye and saw what Manabozho was doing. + </p> + <p> + "Ha-ha-a! Manabozho is killing us!" he cried, giving a spring and making + for the water. + </p> + <p> + Manabozho, quite vexed that the creature should have played the spy upon + his house-keeping, followed him; and just as the duck was diving into the + water, he gave him a kick, which is the reason that the diver's + tail-feathers are few, his back flattened, and his legs straightened out, + so that when he gets on land he makes a poor figure in walking. + </p> + <p> + Meantime, the other birds, having no ambition to be thrust in Manabozho's + girdle, flew off, and the animals scampered into the woods. + </p> + <p> + Manabozho, stretching himself at ease in the shade along the side of the + prairie, thought what he should do next. He concluded that he would travel + and see new countries; and having once made up his mind, such was his + length of limb and the immensity of his stride, that in less than three + days he had walked over the entire continent and looked into every lodge + by the way—and with such nicety of observation that he was able to + inform his good old grandmother what each family had for a dinner at a + given hour. + </p> + <p> + By way of relief to these grand doings, Manabozho was disposed to vary his + experiences by bestowing a little time upon the sports of the woods. He + had heard reported great feats in hunting, and he had a desire to try his + power in that way. Besides that, it was a slight consideration that he had + devoured all the game within reach of the lodge. And so, one evening, + while walking along the shore of the great lake, weary and hungry, he was + quite delighted to encounter a great magician in the form of an old wolf, + with six young ones. + </p> + <p> + The wolf no sooner caught sight of him than he told his whelps, who were + close about his side, to keep out of the way of Manabozho. "For I know," + he said, "that it is that mischievous fellow whom we see yonder." + </p> + <p> + The young wolves were in the act of running off, when Manabozho cried out: + </p> + <p> + "My grandchildren, where are you going? Stop and I will go with you. I + wish to have a little chat with your excellent father." + </p> + <p> + Saying which he advanced and greeted the old wolf, expressing himself + pleased at seeing him looking so well. + </p> + <p> + "Whither do you journey?" he asked. + </p> + <p> + "We are looking for a good hunting-ground to pass the winter," the old + wolf answered. "What brings you here?" + </p> + <p> + "I was looking for you," said Manabozho. "For I have a passion for the + chase, brother. I always admired your family; are you willing to change me + into a wolf?" + </p> + <p> + The wolf gave him a favorable answer, and he was forthwith changed into a + wolf. + </p> + <p> + "Well, that will do," said Manabozho; then looking at his tail, he added, + "Oh! could you oblige me by making my tail just a little longer and more + bushy, please?" + </p> + <p> + "Certainly," said the old wolf; and he gave Mana-bozho such a length and + spread of tail that it was constantly getting between his legs, and it was + so heavy that it was as much as he could do to find strength to carry it. + But having asked for it, he was ashamed to say a word; and they all + started off in company, dashing up a ravine. + </p> + <p> + After getting into the woods for some distance, they fell in with the + tracks of moose. The young ones scampered off in pursuit, the old wolf and + Manabozho following at their leisure. + </p> + <p> + "Well," said the old wolf, by way of opening discourse, "who do you think + is the fastest of the boys? Can you tell by the jumps they take?" + </p> + <p> + "Why," Manabozho replied, "that one that takes such long jumps, he is the + fastest, to be sure!" + </p> + <p> + "Ha! ha! you are mistaken," said the old wolf. "He makes a good start, but + he will be the first to tire out; this one, who appears to be behind, will + be the one to kill the game." + </p> + <p> + By this time they had come to the spot where the boys had started in + chase. One had dropped what seemed to be a small medicine-sack, which he + carried for the use of the hunting-party. + </p> + <p> + "Take that, Manabozho," said the old wolf. + </p> + <p> + "Esa," he replied, "what will I do with a dirty dogskin?" + </p> + <p> + The old wolf took it up; it was a beautiful robe. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I will carry it now," cried Manabozho. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, no," said the old wolf, who had exerted his magical powers, "it is a + robe of pearls. Come along!" + </p> + <p> + And away sped the old wolf at a great rate of speed. + </p> + <p> + "Not so fast," called Manabozho after him; and then he added to himself as + he panted after, "Oh, this tail!" + </p> + <p> + Coming to a place where the moose had lain down, they saw that the young + wolves had made a fresh start after their prey. + </p> + <p> + "Why," said the old wolf, "this moose is poor. I know by the tracks; in + that way I can always tell whether they are fat or not." + </p> + <p> + A little farther on, one of the young wolves, in dashing at the moose, had + broken a tooth on a tree. + </p> + <p> + "Manabozho," said the old wolf, "one of your grandchildren has shot at the + game. Take his arrow; there it is." + </p> + <p> + "No," replied Manabozho; "what will I do with a dirty dog's tooth?" + </p> + <p> + The old wolf took it up, and behold it was a beautiful silver arrow. + </p> + <p> + When they at last overtook them, they found that the youngsters had killed + a very fat moose. Manabozho was exceedingly hungry; but the old wolf just + then again exerted his magical powers, and Manabozho saw nothing but the + bones picked quite clean. He thought to himself, "Just as I expected! + Dirty, greedy fellows! If it had not been for this log at my back, I + should have been in time to have got a mouthful;" and he cursed the bushy + tail which he carried, to the bottom of his heart. He, however, sat down + without saying a word. + </p> + <p> + At length the old wolf spoke to one of the young ones, saying: + </p> + <p> + "Give some meat to your grandfather." + </p> + <p> + One of them obeyed, and coming near to Manabozho, he presented him the + other end of his own bushy tail, which was nicely seasoned with burrs + gathered in the course of the hunt. + </p> + <p> + Manabozho jumped up and called out: + </p> + <p> + "You dog, now that your stomach is full, do you think I am going to eat + you to get at my dinner? Get you gone into some other place." + </p> + <p> + Saying which, Manabozho, in his anger, walked off by himself. + </p> + <p> + "Come back, brother," cried the wolf. "You are losing your eyes." + </p> + <p> + Manabozho turned back. + </p> + <p> + "You do the child injustice. Look there!" and behold, a heap of fresh, + ruddy meat was lying on the spot, already prepared. + </p> + <p> + Manabozho, at the view of so much good provision, put on a smiling face. + </p> + <p> + "Amazement!" he said; "how fine the meat is!" + </p> + <p> + "Yes," replied the old wolf, "it is always so with us; we know our work + and always get the best. It is not a long tail that makes the hunter." + </p> + <p> + Manabozho hit his lip. + </p> + <p> + They now fixed their winter quarters. The youngsters went out in search of + game, and they soon brought in a large supply. One day, during the absence + of the young hunters, the old wolf amused himself in cracking the large + bones of a moose. + </p> + <p> + "Manabozho," said he, "cover your head with the robe, and do not look at + me while I am busy with these bones, for a piece may fly in your eye." + </p> + <p> + Manabozho did as he was bid; but looking through a rent in the robe, he + saw what the other was about. Just at that moment a piece flew off and hit + him on the eye. He cried out: + </p> + <p> + "Tyau, why do you strike me, you old dog?" + </p> + <p> + The wolf answered—"You must have been looking at me." + </p> + <p> + "No, no," retorted Manabozho, "why should I want to look at you?" + </p> + <p> + "Manabozho," said the old wolf, "you must have been looking or you would + not have got hurt." + </p> + <p> + "No, no," he replied again, "I was not." But he thought to himself, "I + will repay the saucy wolf this mischief." + </p> + <p> + So the next day, taking up a bone to obtain the marrow, he said to the + wolf: + </p> + <p> + "Brother, cover your head and do not look at me, for I very much fear a + piece may fly in your eye." + </p> + <p> + The wolf did so; and Manabozho, taking the large leg-bone of the moose, + first looking to see if the wolf was well covered, hit him a blow with all + his might. The wolf jumped up, cried out, and fell prostrate from the + effects of the blow. + </p> + <p> + "Why," said he, when he came to a little and was able to sit up, "why did + you strike me so?" + </p> + <p> + "Strike you?" said Manabozho, with well-feigned surprise. "No; you must + have been looking at me." + </p> + <p> + "No," answered the wolf, "I say I have not." + </p> + <p> + But Manabozho insisted, and as the old wolf was no great master of tricky + argument, he was obliged to give it up. + </p> + <p> + Shortly after this the old wolf suggested to Manabozho that he should go + out and try his luck in hunting by himself. + </p> + <p> + When he chose to put his mind upon it Manabozho was quite expert, and this + time he succeeded in killing a fine fat moose, which he thought he would + take aside slyly and devour alone, having prepared to tell the old wolf a + pretty story on his return, to account for his failure to bring anything + with him. + </p> + <p> + He was very hungry, and he sat down to eat; but as he never could go to + work in a straightforward way, he immediately fell into great doubts as to + the proper point at which to begin. + </p> + <p> + "Well," said he, "I do not know where to commence. At the head? No. People + will laugh, and say—'He ate him backward.'" + </p> + <p> + He went to the side. "No," said he, "they will say I ate him sideways." + </p> + <p> + He then went to the hind-quarter. "No, that will not do, either; they will + say I ate him forward. I will begin here, say what they will." + </p> + <p> + He took a delicate piece from the small of the back and was just on the + point of putting it to his mouth, when a tree close by made a creaking + noise. He seemed vexed at the sound. He raised the morsel to his mouth the + second time, when the tree creaked again. + </p> + <p> + "Why," he exclaimed, "I cannot eat when I hear such a noise. Stop, stop!" + he said to the tree. He put the meat down, exclaiming—"I cannot eat + with such a noise"; and starting away he climbed the tree, and was pulling + at the limb which had offended him, when his fore-paw was caught between + the branches so that he could not free himself. + </p> + <p> + While thus held fast, he saw a pack of wolves advancing through the wood + in the direction of his meat. He suspected them to be the old wolf and his + cubs, but night was coming on and he could not make them out. + </p> + <p> + "Go the other way, go the other way!" he cried out; "what would you come + to get here?" + </p> + <p> + The wolves stopped for a while and talked among themselves, and said: + </p> + <p> + "Manabozho must have something there, or he would not tell us to go + another way." + </p> + <p> + "I begin to know him," said the old wolf, "and all his tricks. Let us go + forward and see." + </p> + <p> + They came on, and finding the moose, they soon made away with it. + Manabozho looked wistfully on to see them eat till they were fully + satisfied, when they scampered oft in high spirits. + </p> + <p> + A heavy blast of wind opened the branches and released Manabozho, who + found that the wolves had left nothing but the bare bones. He made for + home, where, when he related his mishap, the old wolf took him by the + fore-paw and condoled with him deeply on his ill-luck. A tear even started + to his eye as he said: + </p> + <p> + "My brother, this should teach us not to meddle with points of ceremony + when we have good meat to eat." + </p> + <p> + On a bright morning in the early spring, the winter having by this time + drawn fairly to a close, the old wolf addressed Manabozho: + </p> + <p> + "My brother, I am obliged to leave you; and although I have sometimes been + merry at your expense, I will show that I care for your comfort. I shall + leave one of the boys behind me to be your hunter and to keep you company + through the long summer afternoons." + </p> + <p> + The old wolf galloped off with his five young ones; and as they + disappeared from view, Manabozho was disenchanted in a moment and returned + to his mortal shape. + </p> + <p> + Although he had been sometimes vexed and imposed upon, he had, altogether, + passed a pleasant winter with the cunning old wolf, and now that he was + gone, Manabozho was downcast and low in spirit. But as the days grew + brighter he recovered by degrees his air of cheerful confidence and was + ready to try his hand upon any new adventure that might occur to him. The + old spirit of mischief was still alive within him. + </p> + <p> + The young wolf who had been left with him was a good hunter and never + failed to keep the lodge well supplied with meat. One day Manabozho + addressed him as follows: + </p> + <p> + "My grandson, I had a dream last night, and it does not portend good. It + is of the large lake which lies in that direction. You must be careful + always to go across it, whether the ice seem strong or not. Never go + around it, for there are enemies on the further shore who lie in wait for + you. The ice is always safe." + </p> + <p> + Now Manabozho knew well that the ice was thinning every day under the warm + sun, but he could not stay himself from playing a trick upon the young + wolf. + </p> + <p> + In the evening when he came to the lake, after a long day's travel in + quest of game, the young wolf, confiding to his grandfather, said, "Hwooh! + the ice does look thin, but Nesho says it is sound"; and he trotted upon + the glassy plain. + </p> + <p> + He had not got half way across when the ice snapped, and with a mournful + cry, the young wolf fell in and was immediately seized by the + water-serpents. They knew that it was Manabozho's grandson and were + thirsting for revenge upon him for the death of their relations in the war + upon Pearl Feather. + </p> + <p> + Manabozho heard the young wolf's cry as he sat in his lodge; he knew what + had happened; and from that moment he was deprived of the greater part of + his magical power. + </p> + <p> + He returned scarcely more than an ordinary mortal to his former place of + dwelling, whence his grandmother had departed no one knew whither. He + married the arrow-maker's daughter, and became the father of several + children, and very poor. He was scarcely able to procure the means of + living. His lodge was pitched in a remote part of the country where he + could get no game. It was winter, and he had not the common comforts of + life. + </p> + <p> + He said to his wife one day: + </p> + <p> + "I will go out a-walking and see if I can not find some lodges." + </p> + <p> + After walking some time he saw a lodge at a distance. The children were + playing at the door. When they saw him approaching they ran in and told + their parents that Manabozho was coming. + </p> + <p> + It was the residence of the large red-headed woodpecker. He came to the + door and asked Manabozho to enter. This invitation was promptly accepted. + </p> + <p> + After some time, the woodpecker, who was a magician, said to his wife: + </p> + <p> + "Have you nothing to give Manabozho? He must be hungry." She answered, + "No." + </p> + <p> + "He ought not to go without his supper," said the woodpecker. "I will see + what I can do." + </p> + <p> + In the center of the lodge stood a large tamarack tree. Upon this the + woodpecker flew, and commenced going up, turning his head on each side of + the tree and every now and then driving in his bill. At last he pulled + something out of the tree and threw it down; when, behold! a fine fat + raccoon lay on the ground. He drew out six or seven more. He then + descended and told his wife to prepare them. + </p> + <p> + "Manabozho," he said, "this is the only thing we eat; what else can we + give you?" + </p> + <p> + "It is very good," replied Manabozho. + </p> + <p> + They smoked their pipes and conversed with each other. + </p> + <p> + After eating, Manabozho got ready to go home. Then the woodpecker said to + his wife, "Give him the other raccoons to take home for his children." + </p> + <p> + In the act of leaving the lodge, Manabozho, on purpose, dropped one of his + mittens, which was soon after observed upon the ground. + </p> + <p> + "Run," said the woodpecker to his eldest son, "and give it to him; but + mind that you do not give it into his hand; throw it at him, for there is + no knowing him, he acts so curiously." + </p> + <p> + The boy did as he was directed. + </p> + <p> + "Grandfather," said he to Manabozho, as he came up to him, "you have left + one of your mittens. Here it is." + </p> + <p> + "Yes," he said, affecting to be ignorant of the circumstance, "it is so; + but don't throw it, you will soil it on the snow." + </p> + <p> + The lad, however, threw it, and was about to return, when Manabozho cried + out: + </p> + <p> + "Bakah! Bakah! stop—stop! Is that all you eat? Do you eat nothing + else with your raccoon? Tell me!" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, that is all," answered the young Woodpecker; "we have nothing else." + </p> + <p> + "Tell your father," continued Manabozho, "to come and visit me, and let + him bring a sack. I will give him what he shall eat with his + raccoon-meat." + </p> + <p> + When the young one returned and reported this message to his father, the + old woodpecker turned up his nose at the invitation. + </p> + <p> + "I wonder," he said, "what he thinks he has got, poor fellow!" + </p> + <p> + He was bound, however, to answer the proffer of hospitality, so he went + accordingly to pay a visit to Manabozho, taking along a cedar-sack. + </p> + <p> + Manabozho received the old red-headed woodpecker with great ceremony. He + had stood at the door awaiting his arrival, and as soon as he came in + sight Manabozho commenced, while he was yet far off, bowing and opening + wide his arms in token of welcome; all of which the woodpecker returned in + due form by ducking his bill and hopping to right and left upon the + ground, extending his wings to their full length and fluttering them back + to his breast. + </p> + <p> + When the woodpecker at last reached the lodge, Manabozho made various + remarks upon the weather, the appearance of the country, and especially on + the scarcity of game. + </p> + <p> + "But we," he added, "we always have enough. Come in, and you shall not go + away hungry, my noble bird!" + </p> + <p> + Manabozho had always prided himself on being able to give as good as he + had received; and to be up with the woodpecker, he had shifted his lodge + so as to inclose a large dry tamarack tree. + </p> + <p> + "What can I give you?" said he to the woodpecker. "But as we eat so shall + you eat." + </p> + <p> + With this Manabozho hopped forward, and jumping on the tamarack tree, + attempted to climb it just as he had seen the woodpecker do in his own + lodge. He turned his head first on one side, then on the other, in the + manner of the bird, meanwhile striving to go up, and as often slipping + down. Ever and anon he would strike the tree with his nose, as if it had + been a bill, and draw back, but he pulled out no raccoons; and he dashed + his nose so often against the trunk that at last the blood began to flow, + and he tumbled down senseless upon the ground. + </p> + <p> + The woodpecker started up with his drum and rattle and by beating them + violently be succeeded in bringing him to. + </p> + <p> + As soon as he came to his senses, Manabozbo began to lay the blame of his + failure upon his wife, saying to his guest: + </p> + <p> + "Nemesho, it is this woman-relation of yours—she is the cause of my + not succeeding. She has made me a worthless fellow. Before I took her I + also could get raccoons." + </p> + <p> + The woodpecker said nothing, but flying on the tree, drew out several fine + raccoons. + </p> + <p> + "Here," said be, "this is the way we do!" and left in disdain, carrying + his bill high in the air and stepping over the door-sill as if it were not + worthy to be touched by his toes. + </p> + <p> + After this visit, Manabozbo was sitting in the lodge one day with his head + down. He heard the wind whistling around it, and thought that by + attentively listening he could hear the voice of some one speaking to him. + It seemed to say to him: + </p> + <p> + "Great chief, why are you sorrowful? Am not I your friend—your + guardian spirit?" + </p> + <p> + Manabozbo immediately took up his rattle, and without rising from the + ground where he was sitting, began to sing the chant which has at every + close the refrain of, "Wha lay le aw." + </p> + <p> + When he had dwelt for a long time on this peculiar chant, which he had + been used to sing in all his times of trouble, he laid his rattle aside + and determined to fast. For this purpose he went to a cave which faced the + setting sun and built a very small fire, near which he lay down, first + telling his wife that neither she nor the children must come near him till + he had finished his i fast. + </p> + <p> + At the end of seven days he came back to the lodge, pale and thin, looking + like a spirit himself, and as if he had seen spirits. His wife had in the + meantime dug | through the snow and got a few of the roots called + truffles. These she boiled and set before him, and this was all the food + they had or seemed likely to obtain. + </p> + <p> + When he had finished his light repast, Manabozho took up his station in + the door to see what would happen. As he stood thus, holding in his hand + his large bow, with a quiver well filled with arrows, a deer glided past + along the far edge of the prairie; but it was miles away, and no shaft + that Manabozho could shoot would be able to touch it. + </p> + <p> + Presently a cry come down the air, and looking up he beheld a great flight + of birds; but they were so far up in the sky that he would have lost his + arrows in a vain attempt among the clouds. + </p> + <p> + Still he stood watchful and confident that some turn of luck was about to + occur, when there came near to the lodge two hunters, who bore between + them on poles, a bear; and it was so fine and fat a bear that it was as + much as the two hunters could do with all their strength to carry it. + </p> + <p> + As they came to the lodge-door, one of the hunters asked if Manabozho + lived thereabout. + </p> + <p> + "He is here," answered Manabozho. + </p> + <p> + "I have often heard of you," said the first hunter, "and I was curions to + see you. But you have lost your magical power. Do you know whether any of + it is left?" + </p> + <p> + Manabozho answered that he was himself in the dark on the subject. + </p> + <p> + "Suppose you make a trial," said the hunter. + </p> + <p> + "What shall I do?" asked Manabozho. + </p> + <p> + "There is my friend," said the hunter, pointing to his companion, "who + with me owns this bear which we are carrying home. Suppose you see if you + can change him into a piece of rock." + </p> + <p> + "Very well," said Manabozho; and he had scarcely spoken before the other + hunter became a rock. + </p> + <p> + "Now change him hack again," said the first hunter. + </p> + <p> + "That I can't do," Manabozho answered; "there my power ends." + </p> + <p> + The hunter looked at the rock with a bewildered face. + </p> + <p> + "What shall I do?" he asked. "This bear I can never carry alone, and it + was agreed between my friend there and myself, that we should not divide + it till we reached home. Can't you change my friend hack, Manabozho?" + </p> + <p> + "I would like to oblige you," answered Manabozho, "but it is utterly out + of my power." + </p> + <p> + With this, looking again at the rock with a sad and bewildered face, and + then casting a sorrowful glance at the bear, which lay by the door of the + lodge, the hunter took his leave, bewailing bitterly at heart the loss of + his friend and his bear. + </p> + <p> + He was scarcely out of sight when Manabozho sent the children to get red + willow sticks. Of these he cut off as many pieces of equal length as would + serve to invite his friends among the beasts and birds to a feast. A red + stick was sent to each one, not forgetting the woodpecker and his family. + </p> + <p> + "When they arrived they were astonished to see such an abundance of meat + prepared for them at such a time of scarcity. Manabozho understood their + glance and was proud of a chance to make such a display. + </p> + <p> + "Akewazi," he said to the oldest of the party, "the weather is very cold, + and the snow lasts a long time; we can kill nothing now but small + squirrels, and they are all black. I have sent for you to help me eat some + of them." + </p> + <p> + The woodpecker was the first to try a mouthful of the bear's meat, but he + had no sooner begun to taste it than it changed into a dry powder and set + him coughing. It appeared as bitter as ashes. + </p> + <p> + The moose was affected in the same way, and it brought on such a dry cough + as to shake every bone in his body. + </p> + <p> + One by one, each in turn joined the company of coughers, except Manabozho + and his family, to whom the bear's meat proved very savory. + </p> + <p> + But the visitors had too high a sense of what was due to decorum and good + manners to say anything. The meat looked very fine, and being keenly set + and strongly tempted by its promising look, they thought they would try + more of it. The more they ate the faster they coughed and the louder + became the uproar, until Mana-bozho, exerting the magical gift which he + found he retained, changed them all into squirrels; and to this day the + squirrel sutlers from the same dry cough which was brought on by + attempting to sup off of Manabozho's ashen bear's meat. + </p> + <p> + And even after this transformation, when Mana-bozho lacked provisions for + his family, he would hunt the squirrel, a supply of which never failed + him, so that he was always sure to have a number of his friends present, + in this shape, at the banquet. + </p> + <p> + The rock into which he changed the hunter, thus becoming possessed of the + bear, and laying the foundations of his good fortune, ever after remained + by his lodge-door, and it was called the Game-Bag of Mana-bozho, the + Mischief-Maker. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><a name="linkimage-0005" id="linkimage-0005"> </a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:20%;"> + <img src="images/5059.jpg" alt="5059 " width="100%" /><br /><a + href="images/5059.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0005" id="link2H_4_0005"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + III. THE RED SWAN + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"> + <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">T</span>HREE brothers were + left destitute at an early age by the death of their parents. The eldest + was not yet able to provide fully for their support, but he did all that + he could in hunting; and with this aid, and the stock of provisions + already laid by in the lodge, they managed to keep along. They had no + neighbors to lend them a helping hand, for the father had withdrawn many + years before from the body of the tribe and had lived ever since in a + solitary place. The lads had no idea that there was a human being near + them. They did not even know who their parents had been; for at the time + of their death, the eldest was too young to remember it. + </p> + <p> + Forlorn as they were, they nevertheless kept a good heart, made use of + every chance and in course of time acquired a knowledge of hunting and the + pursuit of game. The eldest became expert in the craft of the forest, and + he was very successful in procuring food. He was noted for his skill in + killing buffalo, elk, and moose; and he instructed his brothers, so that + each should become a master over a particular animal which was assigned to + him. + </p> + <p> + After they had become able to hunt and to take care of themselves, the + elder proposed to leave them and to go in search of the world, promising + to return and bring them wives as soon as he could procure them. In this + intention he was over-ruled by his brothers, who said that they could not + part with him. + </p> + <p> + Jeekewis, the second, was loud in disapproval of the scheme, saying: "What + will you do with those you propose to get? We have lived so long by + ourselves, we can still do without them." This counsel prevailed, and for + a time the three brothers continued together. + </p> + <p> + One day they each agreed to kill a male of that kind of animal which each + was most expert in hunting, for the purpose of making quivers from the + skins. When these quivers were prepared, they were straightway filled with + arrows; for the brothers all had a presentiment that something was about + to happen which called upon them to be ready. + </p> + <p> + Soon after they hunted on a wager to see who should come in first with + game. This one was to have the privilege of acting as entertainer to the + others, but they were to shoot no other beast or bird than such as each + was in the habit of killing. + </p> + <p> + They set out on different paths. Maidwa, the youngest, had not gone far + before he saw a bear, an animal he was not to kill, according to the + agreement. He, however, followed him closely, and driving an arrow through + and through him, brought him to the ground. + </p> + <p> + Then Maidwa commenced skinning him, when suddenly something red tinged the + air all around him. He rubbed his eyes, thinking he was perhaps deceived; + but rub as hard as he would, the red hue still crimsoned the air, and + tinged with its delicate splendor every object that he looked on—the + tree-tops, the river that flowed, and the deer that glided away along the + edge of the forest. + </p> + <p> + As he stood musing on this fairy spectacle, a strange noise came to his + ear from a distance. At first it seemed like a human voice. Following the + sound, he reached the shore of a lake. Floating at a distance upon its + waters sat a most beautiful Red Swan, whose plumage glittered in the sun. + When it lifted up its neck, it uttered the peculiar tone he had heard. He + was within long bow-shot, and, drawing the arrow to his ear, he took + careful aim and discharged the shaft. It had no effect. The beautiful bird + sat proudly on the water still pouring forth its peculiar chant, still + spreading the radiance of its plumage far and wide, and lighting up the + whole world with its ruby splendors. + </p> + <p> + Maidwa shot again and again, till his quiver was empty, for he longed to + possess so glorious a creature. But the swan, untouched, did not even + spread its wings to fly. Circling round and round, it stretched its long + neck and dipped its bill into the water, as if indifferent to mortal + shafts. + </p> + <p> + Maidwa ran home, and bringing all the arrows in the lodge, shot them away. + He then stood with his bow dropped at his side, lost in wonder, gazing at + the beautiful bird. + </p> + <p> + While standing thus, with a heart beating more and more eagerly every + moment for the possession of this fair swan, Maidwa remembered the saying + of his elder brother, that in their dead father's medicine-sack were three + magic arrows; but his brother had not told Maidwa that their father, on + his death-bed, had especially bequeathed the arrows to his youngest son, + Maidwa, from whom they had been wrongfully kept. The thought of the magic + arrows put heart in Maidwa, and he hastened with all speed to procure + them. + </p> + <p> + At any other time he would have shrunk from opening his father's + medicine-sack, but something prompted him to believe that there was no + wrong in it now, and snatching the arrows forth, he ran back, not staying + to restore the other contents to the sack but leaving them scattered, here + and there, about the lodge. + </p> + <p> + He feared that the swan must by this time have taken wing; but as he + emerged from the wood, he found to his great delight the air as rosy as + ever, and there sat the glorious Red Swan in her own serene and beautiful + way. + </p> + <p> + With trembling hand he shot the first of his magic shafts; it grazed a + wing. The second came closer, and cut away a few of the bright red + feathers, which fluttered and fell like flakes of fire in the water. The + third, which he carefully aimed and drew home upon the string with all his + force, made the lucky hit, and passed through the neck of the bird a + little above the breast. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><a name="linkimage-0006" id="linkimage-0006"> </a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:65%;"> + <img src="images/0065m.jpg" alt="0065m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0065.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + "She is mine," cried Maidwa, but to his great surprise, instead of + drooping its neck and drifting to the shore, the Red Swan flapped its + wings, rose slowly, and flew off with a majestic motion toward the falling + sun. + </p> + <p> + Maidwa, that he might meet his brothers with a good face, rescued two of + the magic arrows from the water. And although the third was borne off, he + had a hope yet to recover that one, too, and to be master of the swan. He + was noted for his speed; for he would shoot an arrow and then run so fast + that the arrow always fell behind him. He now set off at his best speed of + foot. + </p> + <p> + "I can run fast," he thought, "and I can get up with the swan sometime or + other." + </p> + <p> + He sped on over hills and prairies toward the west, and was only going to + take one more run and then seek a place to sleep for the night, when, + suddenly, he heard noises at a distance, like the murmur of waters against + the shore. As he went on, he heard voices, and presently he saw people, + some of whom were busy felling trees, the strokes of their labor echoing + through the woods. He passed on, and when he emerged from the forest, the + sun was just falling below the edge of the sky. + </p> + <p> + He was bent on success in pursuit of the swan, whose red track he marked + well far westward till she was lost to sight. Meanwhile he would tarry for + the night and procure something to eat, as he had fasted since he had left + home. + </p> + <p> + At a distance, on rising ground, he could see the lodges of a large + village. He went toward it and soon heard the voice of the watchman, who + was set on a height to overlook the place and give notice of the approach + of friends or foes. "We are visited," he cried, and a loud halloo + indicated that all had heard it. + </p> + <p> + When Maidwa advanced, the watchman pointed to the lodge of the chief. "It + is there you must go in," he said, and left him. + </p> + <p> + "Come in, come in," said the chief; "take a seat there," pointing to the + side of the lodge where his daughter sat. "It is there you must sit." + </p> + <p> + They gave him something to eat, and very few questions were put to him, + because he was a stranger; it was only when he spoke that the others + answered. + </p> + <p> + "Daughter," said the chief, as soon as the night had set in, "take out + son-in-law's moccasins and see if they be torn; if so, mend them for him + and bring in his bundle." + </p> + <p> + Maidwa thought it strange that he should be so warmly received, and + instantly married against his own wishes, although he could not help + noticing that the chief's daughter was pretty. + </p> + <p> + It was some time before she would take the moccasins which he had laid + off. It displeased him to see her loth to do so; and when at last she did + reach them, he snatched them from her hand and hung them up himself. He + lay down and thought of the swan, and made up his mind to be off with the + dawn. He wakened early, and finding the chief's daughter looking forth at + the door, he spoke to her, but she gave no answer. He touched her lightly. + </p> + <p> + "What do you want?" she said, and turned her face away from him. + </p> + <p> + "Tell me," said Maidwa, "what time the swan passed. I am following it; + come out, and point the way." + </p> + <p> + "Do you think you can overtake it?" she said. + </p> + <p> + "Yes," he answered. + </p> + <p> + "Naubesah—fool!" retorted the chief's pretty daughter. + </p> + <p> + She went out, however, and pointed in the direction he should go. The + young man paced slowly along till the sun arose, when he commenced + traveling at his accustomed speed. He passed the day in running, and + although he could not see the Red Swan anywhere on the horizon, he thought + that he discerned a faint red light far over in the west. + </p> + <p> + When night came, he was pleased to find himself near another village. When + still at a distance he heard the watchman crying out, "We are visited," + and soon the men of the village stood out to see the stranger. + </p> + <p> + He was again told to enter the lodge of the chief, and his reception was + in every respect the same as on the previous night; except that this young + woman was more beautiful than the first, and that she entertained him very + kindly. Although urged to stay with them, the mind of Maidwa was fixed on + the object of his journey. + </p> + <p> + Before daybreak he asked the young woman at what time the Red Swan passed, + and to point out the way. She marked against the sky with her finger the + course it had taken, and told him that it had passed yesterday when the + sun was between midday and its falling-place. + </p> + <p> + Maidwa again set out rather slowly, but when the sun had risen, he tried + his speed by shooting an arrow ahead and running after it; it fell behind + him, and he knew that he had lost nothing of his quickness of foot. + </p> + <p> + Nothing remarkable happened through the day, and he went on leisurely. + Some time after dark, as he was peering around the country for shelter, he + saw a light emitted from a small low lodge. He went up to it very slyly, + and, peeping through the door, he discovered an old man alone, with his + head down upon his breast, warming his back before the fire. + </p> + <p> + Maidwa thought that the old man did not know that he was standing near the + door; but in this he was mistaken, for, without turning his eyes to look + at him, the old man said: + </p> + <p> + "Walk in, my grandchild; take a seat opposite to me, and take off your + things and dry them, for you must be fatigued. I will prepare you + something to eat; you shall have something very delicate." + </p> + <p> + Maidwa accepted this kind invitation and entered the lodge. The old man + then remarked, as if in mere course of conversation: + </p> + <p> + "My kettle with water stands near the fire." Immediately a small earthen + pot with legs appeared by the fire. He then took one grain of corn, also + one of whortleberry, and put them in the pot. + </p> + <p> + Maidwa was very hungry, and seeing the limited scale of the old man's + housekeeping, he thought his chance for a supper was slight. The old man + had promised him something very delicate, and he seemed likely to keep his + word. But Maidwa looked on silently, and did not change his face any more + than if the greatest banquet that was ever spread had been going forward. + </p> + <p> + The pot soon boiled, whereupon the old man said in a very quiet way: + </p> + <p> + "The pot will stand at a distance from the fire." + </p> + <p> + The pot removed itself, and the old man added to Maidwa: + </p> + <p> + "My grandchild, feed yourself," handing him at the same time a dish and + ladle of the same ware as the pot itself. + </p> + <p> + The young man, whose hunger was very great, helped himself to all that was + in the pot. He felt ashamed to think that he had done so, but before he + could speak the old man said: + </p> + <p> + "Eat, my grandchild; eat, eat!" and soon after he again said—"Help + yourself from the pot." + </p> + <p> + Maidwa was surprised, on dipping in his ladle, to see that the pot was + full; and although he emptied it a second time, it was still again filled + and refilled till his hunger was entirely satisfied. The old man then + observed, without raising his voice: + </p> + <p> + "The pot will return to its corner," and the pot took itself off to its + accustomed place in an out-of-the-way corner of the lodge. + </p> + <p> + Maidwa observed that the old man was about to address him, and took an + attitude which showed that he was prepared to listen. + </p> + <p> + "Keep on, my grandchild," said the old man; "you will surely gain that + which you seek. To tell you more I am not permitted; but go on as you have + begun and you will not be disappointed. To-morrow you will again reach one + of my fellow old men, but it is the one you will see after him who will + tell you all, and the manner in which you must proceed to accomplish your + journey. Often has this Red Swan passed, and those who have followed it + have never returned; but you must be firm in your resolution, and be + prepared for all that may happen." + </p> + <p> + "So will it be," answered Maidwa; and they both lay down to sleep. + </p> + <p> + Early in the morning the old man ordered his magic kettle to prepare + breakfast, so that his guest might eat before leaving. As Maidwa passed + out, the old man gave him a blessing with his parting advice. + </p> + <p> + Maidwa set forth in better spirits than at any time since he had started; + and night again found him in company with another old man who also had a + frisky little kettle which hurried up to the fire before it was spoken to, + bustled about and set supper briskly before Maidwa, and then frisked away + again, without waiting for orders. This old man entertained him kindly and + also carefully directed him on his way in the morning. + </p> + <p> + He traveled with a light heart, as he now expected to meet the one who was + to give him directions how to proceed to get the Red Swan. + </p> + <p> + Toward night-fall Maidwa reached the lodge of the third old man. Before + coming to the door he heard him saying: + </p> + <p> + "Grandchild, come in." And going in promptly he felt quite at home. + </p> + <p> + The old man prepared him something to eat, acting as the other magicians + had done; and his kettle was of the same size, and looked as if it were an + own brother of the two others which had feasted him, except that this + kettle, in coming and going about its household duties, would make a + passing remark or sing a little tune for itself. + </p> + <p> + The old man waited until Maidwa had fully satisfied his hunger before he + addressed him: + </p> + <p> + "Young man, the errand you are bound on is beset with trials and + difficulties. Numbers have passed with the same purpose as that which now + prompts you, but they never returned. Be careful, and if your guardian + spirits are powerful, you may succeed. This Red Swan you are following is + the daughter of a magician who has abundance of everything, but only this + one child, whom he values more than the sacred arrows. In former times he + wore a cap of wampum, which was attached to his scalp; but powerful + Indians, warriors of a distant chief, came and told him that their chief's + daughter was on the brink of the grave, and that she herself requested his + wampum-cap, which she was confident would save her life. 'If I can only + see it,' she said, 'I will recover.' It was for this cap they had come, + and after long solicitation the magician at length consented to part with + it, in hope that it would restore to health the dying maiden, although + when he took it off to hand it to the messengers it left the crown of his + head bare and bloody. Years have passed since, and his head has not + healed. The coming of the warriors to procure the cap for the sick maiden + was a cheat, and they are now constantly making sport of the unhappy scalp—dancing + it about from village to village—and on every insult it receives the + poor old chief to whom it belongs groans with pain. Those who hold it are + too powerful for the magician, and many have sacrificed themselves to + recover it for him, but without success. The Red Swan has enticed many a + young man, as she has you, to enlist them to procure the scalp, and + whoever is so fortunate as to succeed, it is understood, will receive the + Red Swan as his reward. In the morning you will proceed on your way, and + toward evening you will come to this magician's lodge. You will know it by + the groans which you will hear far over the prairie as you approach. He + will ask you in. You will see no one but himself. He will question you + much as to your dreams and the strength of your guardian spirits. If he is + satisfied with your answers, he will urge you to attempt the recovery of + his scalp. He will show you the course to take, and if you feel inclined, + as I see that you shall, go forward, my son, with a strong heart; + persevere, and I have a presentiment that you will succeed." + </p> + <p> + Maidwa answered, "I will try." + </p> + <p> + Betimes in the morning he set off on his journey, after having eaten from + the magic kettle, which sang a sort of farewell chant on its way from the + fireplace to its station in the corner. + </p> + <p> + Toward evening as he crossed a prairie, Maidwa heard groans from a distant + lodge, which were only interrupted by a voice from a person whom he could + not see, calling to him aloud: + </p> + <p> + "Come in! come in!" + </p> + <p> + As the young man entered the lodge, the magician heaved a great groan from + the very bottom of his chest, and Maidwa saw that the crown of his head + was all bare and bloody. + </p> + <p> + "Sit down, sit down," he said, "while I prepare you something to eat. You + see how poor I am. I have to attend to all my own wants, with no other + servant than that poor little kettle in the corner. Kettle, we will have + something to eat, if you please." + </p> + <p> + "In a moment," the kettle spoke up from the corner. + </p> + <p> + "You will oblige me by making all the despatch you can," said the + magician, in a very humble tone, still addressing the kettle. + </p> + <p> + "Have patience," replied the kettle, "and I will be with you presently." + </p> + <p> + After a considerable delay, there came forward ont of the corner from + which it had spoken a great heavy-browed and pot-bellied kettle, which + advanced with much stateliness and solemnity of manner till it had come + directly in front of the magician, whom it addressed with the question: + </p> + <p> + "What shall we have, sir?" + </p> + <p> + "Corn, if you please," the magician answered. + </p> + <p> + "No, we will have whortleberries," rejoined the kettle, in a firm voice. + </p> + <p> + "Very well; just as you choose." + </p> + <p> + When he supposed it was time, the magician invited Maidwa to help himself. + </p> + <p> + "Hold a minute," interposed the kettle, as Maidwa was about to dip in his + ladle. He paused, and after a delay, the kettle, shaking itself up and + simmering very loudly, said, "Now we are ready." + </p> + <p> + Maidwa fell to and satisfied his hunger. + </p> + <p> + "Will the kettle now withdraw?" asked the magician, with an air of much + deference. + </p> + <p> + "No," said the kettle, "we will stay and hear what the young man has to + say for himself." + </p> + <p> + "Very well," said the magician. "You see," he added to Maidwa, "how poor I + am. I have to take counsel with the kettle, or I should be all alone, + without a day's food, and with no one to advise me." + </p> + <p> + All this time the Red Swan was carefully concealed in the lodge, behind a + curtain, from which Maidwa heard now and then a rustling noise that + fluttered his spirits and set his heart to beating at a wonderful rate. + </p> + <p> + As soon as Maidwa had partaken of food and laid aside his leggings and + moccasins, the old magician commenced telling him how he had lost his + scalp, the insults it was receiving, the pain he suffered thereby, his + wishes to regain it, the many unsuccessful attempts that had already been + made, and the numbers and power of those who retained it. He would + interrupt his discourse at times with sudden groans, and say: + </p> + <p> + "Oh, how shamefully they are treating it." + </p> + <p> + Maidwa listened to all the old magician had to say with solemn attention. + </p> + <p> + The magician renewed his discourse and inquired of Maidwa as to his + dreams, or what he saw in his sleep, at such times as he had fasted and + darkened his face to procure guardian spirits. + </p> + <p> + Maidwa then told him one dream. The magician groaned. + </p> + <p> + "No, that is not it," he said. + </p> + <p> + Maidwa told him of two or three others. + </p> + <p> + The magician groaned again and again and said, rather peevishly, "No, + these are not the dreams." + </p> + <p> + "Keep cool," said the kettle. It had left the fire and was standing in the + middle of the floor, where a pleasant breeze was blowing through the + lodge. Then it added, "Have you no more dreams of another kind?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes," said Maidwa, and he told him one. + </p> + <p> + "That will do," said the kettle. "We are much pleased with that." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, that is it—that is it!" the magician added. "You will cause me + to live. That was what I was wishing you to say. Will you then go and see + if you can not recover my poor scalp?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes," said Maidwa, "I will go; and the day after to-morrow, when you hear + the ka-kak cries of the hawk, you will know that I am successful. You must + prepare your head, and lean it out through the door, so that the moment I + arrive I may place your scalp on." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, yes," said the magician. "As you say it will be done." + </p> + <p> + Early the next morning, Maidwa set out to fulfil his promise; and in the + afternoon, when the sun hangs toward home, he heard the shouts of a great + many people. He was in a wood at the time, and saw, as he thought, only a + few men, but as he went on they increased in numbers. When he emerged upon + the plain, their heads appeared like the hanging leaves, they were so + many. + </p> + <p> + In the middle of the plain he perceived a post and something waving at its + top. It was the wampum scalp; and every now and then the air was rent with + the war-song, for they were dancing the war-dance in high spirit around + it. + </p> + <p> + Before he could be observed, Maidwa changed himself into a humming-bird, + and flew toward the scalp. When he passed some of those who were standing + by, he came close to their ears; as they heard the rapid whirr or murmur + which this bird makes when it flies, they jumped aside and asked each + other what it could be. Maidwa by this time had nearly reached the scalp, + but fearing that he should be perceived while untying it, he again changed + himself into the down that floats lightly on the air, and sailed slowly on + to the scalp. He loosened it, and moved off heavily, as the weight was + almost too great for him to carry. The Indians around would have snatched + it away had not a lucky current of air just then buoyed him up. As they + saw that it was moving away they cried out: + </p> + <p> + "It is taken from us! it is taken from us!" + </p> + <p> + Maidwa was borne gently along but a little way above their heads; and as + they followed him, the rush and hum of the people was like the dead + heating of the surges upon a lake shore after a storm. But the good wind, + gaining strength, soon carried him beyond their pursuit. A little further + on he changed himself into a hawk and flew swiftly off with his trophy, + crying, "Ka-kak! ka-kak!" till the hawk cry resounded with its shrill tone + throughout the whole country, far and wide. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the magician had remembered the instructions of Maidwa, placing + his head outside of the lodge as soon as he heard the ka-kak cry of the + hawk. + </p> + <p> + In a moment Maidwa came past with rustling wings, and as he flew he gave + the magician a severe blow on the head with the wampum-scalp. The old + man's limbs extended and quivered in pain, but the scalp adhered, just as + Maidwa, in his own person, walked into the lodge and sat down, feeling + perfectly at home. + </p> + <p> + The magician was so long in recovering from the stunning blow which had + been dealt him, that Maidwa feared he had destroyed his life in restoring + the crown of his head. Presently, however, he was pleased to see him show + by the motion of his hands and limbs that his strength was returning; and + in a little while he rose and stood upon his feet. What was the delight of + Maidwa to behold, instead of a withered old man far advanced in years and + stricken in sorrow, a bright and cheerful youth, who glittered with life + as he stood up before him. + </p> + <p> + "Thank you, my friend," he said. "Your kindness and bravery of heart have + restored me to my former shape. It was so ordained, and you have now + accomplished the victory." + </p> + <p> + They embraced, and the young magician urged the stay of his deliverer for + a few days. This invitation Maidwa was glad to accept and they formed a + strong attachment to each other. + </p> + <p> + The magician, to the deep regret of Maidwa, never once alluded to the Red + Swan in all their conferences. + </p> + <p> + At last the day arrived when Maidwa prepared to return to his home. The + young magician bestowed on him ample presents of wampum, fur, robes, and + other costly things. Although Maidwa's heart was burning within him to see + the Red Swan, to hear her spoken of, and to learn what his fortune was to + be in regard to that fond object of his pursuit, he constrained his + feelings and so checked his countenance as never to look where he supposed + she might be. His friend the young magician observed the same silence and + caution. + </p> + <p> + Maidwa's pack for traveling was now ready, and he was taking his farewell + smoke, when the young magician thus addressed him: + </p> + <p> + "My friend Maidwa, you know for what cause you came thus far, and why you + have risked so much and waited so long. You have proved my friend indeed. + You have accomplished your object, and your noble perseverance shall not + go unrewarded. If you undertake other things with the same spirit, you + will always succeed. My destiny compels me to remain where I am, although + I should feel happy to be allowed to go with you. I have given you, of + ordinary gifts, all you will need as long as you live; but I see you are + backward to speak of the Red Swan. I appreciate your delicacy, but I vowed + that whoever procured me my lost wampum-scalp should be rewarded by + possessing her." + </p> + <p> + He then spoke in a language which Maidwa did not understand, the curtain + of the lodge parted, and the Red Swan met his delighted gaze. It was a + beautiful maiden that he beheld, so majestic and airy in her look, that he + seemed to see a creature whose home should rather be in the free heaven, + among the rosy clouds, than in this dusky lodge. + </p> + <p> + "Take her," the young magician said, "she is my sister; treat her well. + She is worthy of you, and what you have done for me merits more. She is + ready to go with you to your kindred and friends, and has been so ever + since your arrival. My good wishes shall go with you both." + </p> + <p> + The Red Swan smiled kindly on Maidwa, who advanced and greeted her. Hand + in hand, then, they took their way forth from the lodge, and, watched by + the young magician, advanced across the prairie on their homeward course. + </p> + <p> + They traveled slowly and looked with double joy on the beautiful country + over which they had both so lately passed with hearts ill at ease. + </p> + <p> + After two or three days they reached the lodge of the third old man who + had entertained him with the singing kettle; but the kettle was not there. + The old man, nevertheless, received them very kindly, and said to Maidwa: + </p> + <p> + "You see what your perseverance has secured you; do so always, and you + will succeed in whatever you undertake." + </p> + <p> + On the following morning, when they were about to start, he pulled from + the side of the lodge a bag, which he presented to Maidwa, saying: + </p> + <p> + "Grandchild, I give you this; it contains a present for you; and I hope + you will live happily till old age." + </p> + <p> + Bidding him farewell, they again set forward; and they soon came to the + second old man's lodge. He also gave them a present and bestowed his + blessing. + </p> + <p> + Nor did Maidwa see anything here of the frisky little kettle which had + been so lively on his former visit. + </p> + <p> + As they went on and came to the lodge of the first old man, their + reception and farewell were the same; only when Maidwa glanced to the + corner he failed to see the silent kettle, which had served him so well. + The old man smiled when he discovered the direction of Maidwa's glance, + but he said nothing. + </p> + <p> + When, on continuing their journey, they at last approached the first town + that Maidwa passed in his pursuit, the watchman gave notice as before, and + Maidwa was shown into the chief's lodge. + </p> + <p> + "Sit down there, son-in-law," said the chief, pointing to a place near his + daughter. "And you also," he said to the Red Swan. + </p> + <p> + The chief's daughter was engaged in coloring a girdle, and, as indifferent + to these visitors, she did not even raise her head. Presently the chief + said, "Let some one bring in the bundle of our son-in-law." + </p> + <p> + When the bundle was laid before him, Maidwa opened one of the bags which + had been given to him. It was filled with various costly articles—wampum, + robes, and trinkets of much richness and value; these, in token of his + kindness, he presented to the chief. The chief's daughter stole a glance + at the costly gifts, then at Maidwa and his beautiful wife. She stopped + working and was silent and thoughtful all the evening. The chief himself + talked with Maidwa of his adventures, congratulated him on his good + fortune, and concluded by telling him that he should take his daughter + along with him in the morning. + </p> + <p> + "Yes," said Maidwa. + </p> + <p> + The chief then spoke up, saying, "Daughter, be ready to go with him in the + morning." + </p> + <p> + Now it happened when the chief was thus speaking that there was a foolish + fellow in the lodge, who had thought to have got this chief's daughter for + a wife. He jumped up, looked grimly at Maidwa, and said: "Who is he that + he should take her for a few presents? I will kill him." + </p> + <p> + And he raised a knife which he had in his hand and gave it a mighty + flourish in the air. He kept up this terrible flourish till some one came + and pulled him back to his seat. He had been waiting for this and yielded + quietly enough. + </p> + <p> + At peep of day amid the greetings of their new friends, Maidwa and the Red + Swan, with the chief's daughter, took their leave. Toward evening they + reached the other town. The watchman gave the signal, and numbers of men, + women and children stood out to see them. They were again shown into the + chief's lodge, and the chief welcomed Maidwa, saying: "Son-in-law, you are + welcome." + </p> + <p> + And he requested Maidwa to take a seat by his daughter, and the two women + did the same. + </p> + <p> + After suitable refreshments for all, and while Maidwa smoked a pipe, the + chief asked him to relate his adventures in the hearing of all the inmates + of the lodge and of the strangers who had gathered in at report of his + singular fortunes. + </p> + <p> + Maidwa gave them his whole story. When he came to those parts which + related to the Red Swan, they turned and looked upon her in wonder and + admiration, for she was very beautiful. + </p> + <p> + The chief then informed Maidwa that his brothers had been to their town in + search of him, but that they had gone back some time before, having given + up all hopes of ever seeing him again. + </p> + <p> + "But you are a man of spirit," the chief continued, "whom fortune is + pleased to befriend. Take my daughter with you and treat her well. So + shall we be more closely bound together." + </p> + <p> + It is always the case in an assembly or gathering that some one of the + number is foolish and disposed to play the clown. It happened to be so + here. One of this very sort was in the lodge, and now this pretender + jumped up in a passion and cried out: + </p> + <p> + "Who is this stranger, that he should have her? I want her myself." + </p> + <p> + The chief bade him be quiet, and not to disturb or quarrel with one who + was enjoying their hospitality. + </p> + <p> + "No, no," he exclaimed, rushing forward as in act to strike. + </p> + <p> + Maidwa sat unmoved and paid no heed to his threats. + </p> + <p> + He cried the louder—"I will have her, I will have her!" whereupon + the old chief, being now vexed past patience, took his great war-club and + tapped this clownish fellow upon the head, which so far subdued him that + he sat for some time quite still; when, after a while, he came to himself, + the chief upbraided him for his folly and told him to go out and tell + stories to the old women. + </p> + <p> + When at last Maidwa was about to leave he made rich presents and invited a + number of the families of the chief to go with him and visit his + hunting-grounds, where he promised them that they would find game in + abundance. They consented, and in the morning a large company assembled + and joined Maidwa; and the chief, with a party of warriors, escorted them + a long distance. When ready to return, the chief made a speech and + besought the blessing of the Good Spirit on Maidwa and his friends. + </p> + <p> + The two companies parted, marching away over the prairie, each on its own + course, their waving feathers glittering in the morning sun, their + war-drums sounding afar. + </p> + <p> + After several days' travel, Maidwa and his friends came in sight of his + home. The others rested within the woods while he went alone in advance to + see his brothers. + </p> + <p> + He entered the lodge. It was all in confusion and covered with ashes. On + one side was his elder brother, sitting among the cinders, with his face + blackened, and crying aloud. On the other side sat the younger, Jee-kewis, + also with blackened face, his head covered with stray feathers and tufts + of swan-down. This one presented so curious a figure that Maidwa could not + keep from laughing. He seemed to be so lost and far-gone in grief that he + could not notice his brother's arrival. The eldest, however, lifted up his + head and recognized Maidwa, then jumped up and shook hands, kissed him, + and expressed much joy at his return. + </p> + <p> + Maidwa, as soon as he had received his brother's greeting, made known that + he had brought each of; them a wife. And now Jeekewis, hearing a wife + spoken of, roused from his torpor and sprang to his feet, crying loudly: + </p> + <p> + "Why, did you come just now?" and at once made for the door and peeped out + to see the strangers. He then commenced jumping and laughing and crying + out, "Women! women!" and that was all the reception he: gave his brother. + But Maidwa told them to wash themselves and put the lodge in order while + he went to fetch the wives in. + </p> + <p> + Jeekewis scampered about and began to wash himself; but he would every now + and then, with one side of his head all feathers and the other clear and + shining, peep forth to look at the women again. When they came near, he + said, "I will have this one. No, that one"; he did not exactly know which; + he would sit down for an instant, and then rise, and peep about and laugh; + in fact he acted like one beside himself. + </p> + <p> + As soon as order was restored, and all the company who had been brought in + were seated, Maidwa presented one of the chief's daughters to his eldest + brother, saying: "These women were given to me, to dispose of in marriage. + I now give one to each. I intended so from the first." + </p> + <p> + Maidwa led the other daughter to Jeekewis and said, "My brother, here is a + wife for you. Live happily." + </p> + <p> + Jeekewis hung down his head as if he were ashamed, but he would every now + and then steal a look at his wife and also at the other women. + </p> + <p> + By and by he turned toward his wife and acted as if he had been married + for years. + </p> + <p> + Maidwa, seeing that no preparation had been made to entertain the company, + said, "Are we to have no supper?" + </p> + <p> + He had no sooner spoken, than forth from a corner stepped the silent + kettle, which placed itself by the fire and began bubbling and boiling + quite briskly. Presently this was joined by the big talking kettle, which + said, addressing itself to Maidwa, "Master, we shall be ready presently." + And then, dancing along, there came from still another corner the frisky + little kettle, which hopped to their side and took an active part in the + preparations for the evening meal. When all was nearly ready, a delicate + voice was heard singing in the last corner of the lodge, and keeping up + its dainty carol all the way to the fireplace, the fourth kettle joined + the three cooks. Then they all fell to with all their might to despatch + their work in the best possible humor. + </p> + <p> + It was not long before the big kettle advanced toward Maidwa and said, in + his own confident way, "Supper is ready!" + </p> + <p> + The feast was a jovial one, for they were all hungry, and plied their + ladles with right good will. And yet the four magic kettles held out, dip + in as often as they would, and had plenty to the end of the revel. + </p> + <p> + And now to draw to a close, Maidwa and his friends lived in peace for a + time; their town prospered; there was no lack of children; and everything + else was in abundance. + </p> + <p> + But one day the two brothers began to look darkly upon Maidwa. They + reproached him for having taken from the medicine-sack their dead father's + magic arrows; they upbraided him especially that one was lost. + </p> + <p> + After listening to them in silence, he said that he would go in search of + the lost arrow, and that it should be restored; and the very next day, + true to his word, he left them. + </p> + <p> + After traveling a long way and looking in every direction, almost hopeless + of discovering the lost treasure, he came to an opening in the earth. When + he descended this, it led him to the abode of departed spirits. The + country appeared beautiful, the pastures were greener than his own, the + sky bluer than that which hung over the lodge, and the extent of it was + utterly lost in a dim distance. Moreover he saw animals of every kind + wandering about in great numbers. The first he came to were buffalos; and + his surprise was great when they addressed him as human beings. + </p> + <p> + They asked him what he came for, how he had descended, and why he was so + bold as to visit the abode of the dead. + </p> + <p> + He answered that he was in quest of a magic arrow, to appease the anger of + his brothers. + </p> + <p> + "Very well," said the leader of the buffalos, whose form was nothing but + bone. "Yes, we know it," and he and his followers moved off a little space + from Maidwa, as if they were afraid of him. "You have come," resumed the + buffalo-spirit, "to a place where a living man has never before been. + Return immediately to your tribe, for under pretence of recovering one of + the magic arrows which belong to you by your father's dying wish, your + brothers have sent you off so that they may become possessed of your + beautiful wife, the Red Swan. Speed home! You will find the magic arrow at + the lodge-door. You will live to a very old age, and die happily. You can + go no farther in these abodes of ours." + </p> + <p> + Maidwa looked, as he thought, to the west, and saw a bright light as if + the sun was shining in its splendor, but he saw no sun. + </p> + <p> + "What light is that yonder?" he asked. + </p> + <p> + The buffalo whose form was nothing but bone answered—"It is the + place where those who were good dwell." + </p> + <p> + "And that dark cloud?" Maidwa again asked. + </p> + <p> + "It is the place of the wicked," answered the buffalo. + </p> + <p> + This cloud was very dark and to look upon it pained his eyes. So Maidwa + moved away with the help of his guardian spirits, stood upon the earth + again, and beheld the sun giving light as usual. + </p> + <p> + All else that he learned in the abodes of the dead is unknown, for he + never spoke of it to any human being. + </p> + <p> + After regaining the earth and wandering a long time to gather knowledge to + make his people happy and to add to their comfort, he drew near to his + village one evening. Passing all the other lodges he came to his own door, + where he found the magic arrow, as he had been promised. He heard his + brothers within at high words with each other. They were quarrelling for + the possession of his wife, who had remained constant through all his + absence, and sadly awaited his return. Maidwa listened in shame and + sorrow. + </p> + <p> + He entered the lodge, holding his head aloft as one conscious of good + principle and shining with anger. He spoke not a word, but placing the + magic arrow to his bow, he would have laid his brothers dead at his feet. + </p> + <p> + Just then, however, the talking kettle stepped forward and spoke such + words of wisdom, the singing kettle trolled forth such a soothing little + song, the guilty brothers were so contrite and keenly repentant of their + intended wrong, the Red Swan was so radiant and forgiving, the silent + kettle straightway served them up so hearty and wholesome a meal, and the + frisky little kettle was so joyful and danced about so merrily, that + Maidwa decided to forgive them. And when the magic arrows were laid away + in the medicine-sack, there was in all the Indian country that night no + happier family than the three brothers, who ever after dwelt together in + all kindness, as all good brothers should. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><a name="linkimage-0007" id="linkimage-0007"> </a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:20%;"> + <img src="images/5091.jpg" alt="5091 " width="100%" /><br /><a + href="images/5091.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0006" id="link2H_4_0006"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + IV. THE CELESTIAL SISTERS + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"> + <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">W</span>AUPEE, or the + White Hawk, lived in a remote part of the forest, where animals abounded. + Every day he returned from the chase with a large spoil, for he was one of + the most skilful and lucky hunters of his tribe. His form was like the + cedar; the fire of youth beamed from his eye; there was no forest too + gloomy for him to penetrate, and no track made by bird or beast of any + kind which he could not readily follow. + </p> + <p> + One day he had gone beyond any point which he had ever before visited. He + traveled through an open wood, which enabled him to see a great distance. + At length he beheld a light breaking through the foliage of the distant + trees, which made him sure that he was on the borders of a prairie. It was + a wide plain, covered with long blue grass, and enamelled with flowers of + a thousand lovely tints. + </p> + <p> + After walking for some time without a path, musing upon the open country + and enjoying the fragrant breeze, he suddenly came to a ring worn among + the grass and the flowers, as if it had been made by footsteps moving + lightly round and round. But it was strange—so strange as to cause + the White Hawk to pause and gaze long and fixedly upon the ground—there + was no path which led to this flowery circle. There was not even a crushed + leaf or a broken twig, nor did he find the least trace of a footstep, + approaching or retiring. So wondering he thought he would hide himself and + lie in wait to discover, if he could, what this strange circle meant. + </p> + <p> + Presently he heard faint sounds of music in the air. Looking up in the + direction they came from, he saw floating a small object, like a little + summer cloud that approaches down from above the earth. At first it was + very small, and seemed as if it could have been blown away by the first + breeze that came along; but it rapidly grew as he gazed upon it, and the + music every moment came clearer and more sweetly to his ear. As it neared + the earth it appeared as a basket, and it was filled with twelve sisters, + of the most lovely forms and enchanting beauty. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the basket touched the ground they leaped out, and began + straightway to dance around the magic ring, in the most joyous manner, + striking a shining ball, which uttered ravishing melodies, keeping time as + they danced. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><a name="linkimage-0008" id="linkimage-0008"> </a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:65%;"> + <img src="images/0095m.jpg" alt="0095m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0095.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + The White Hawk, from his concealment, gazed with delight upon their + graceful forms and movements. He admired them all, but he was most pleased + with the youngest. He longed to be at her side, to embrace her, to call + her his own; and unable to remain longer a silent admirer, he rushed out + and endeavored to seize this twelfth beauty who so enchanted him. But the + sisters, the moment they descried the form of a man, leaped back into the + basket with the swiftness of birds, and were drawn up into the sky. + </p> + <p> + Lamenting his ill-luck, Waupee gazed longingly upon the fairy basket as it + ascended bearing the lovely sisters from his view. + </p> + <p> + "They are gone," he said, "and I shall see them no more." + </p> + <p> + He returned to his solitary lodge, but found no relief to his mind. He + walked abroad, but to look at the sky, which had withdrawn from his sight + the only being he had ever loved, was painful to him now. + </p> + <p> + The next day, selecting the same hour, the White Hawk went back to the + prairie, and took his station near the ring. But in order to deceive the + sisters, he assumed the form of an opossum, and sat among the grass as if + he were there engaged in chewing the cud. He had not waited long when he + saw the cloudy basket descend, and heard the same sweet music falling as + before. He crept slowly toward the ring; but the instant the sisters + caught sight of him they were startled, and sprang into their car. It rose + a short distance when one of the elder sisters spoke: + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps," she said, "it has come to show us how the game is played by + mortals." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, no," the youngest replied; "quick, let us ascend." + </p> + <p> + And all joining in a chant, they rose out of sight. + </p> + <p> + Then Waupee, casting off his disguise, walked sorrowfully back to his + lodge—but ah, the night seemed very long to lonely White Hawk! His + whole soul was filled with the thought of the beautiful sister. + </p> + <p> + Betimes, the next day, he returned to the haunted spot, hoping and + fearing, and sighing as though his very soul would leave his body in its + anguish. He reflected upon the plan he should follow to secure success. He + had already failed twice; to fail a third time would be fatal. By + searching he found nearby an old stump, much covered with moss, and just + then in use as the residence of a number of mice, who had stopped there on + a pilgrimage to some relatives on the other side of the prairie. The White + Hawk was so pleased with their tidy little forms that he thought he, too, + would be a mouse, especially as they were by no means formidable to look + at, and would not be at all likely to create alarm. + </p> + <p> + He accordingly brought the stump and set it near the ring. Then, without + further notice, he became a mouse, and peeped and sported, and kept his + sharp little eyes busy with the others; only he did not forget to keep one + eye up toward the sky, and one ear wide open in the same direction. + </p> + <p> + It was not long before the sisters, at their customary hour, came down and + resumed their sport. + </p> + <p> + "But see," cried the youngest sister, "that stump was not there before." + </p> + <p> + She ran off, frightened, toward the basket. But her sisters only smiled, + and gathering round the old tree-stump, struck it, in jest, when out ran + the mice, and among them Waupee. This was sport for the sisters and they + chased and killed them all save one, which was pursued by the twelfth + sister, who had decided after all to join in the game. As she raised a + silver stick which she held in her hand to put an end to that, too, the + form of the White Hawk arose, and he clasped his prize in his arms. The + other eleven sprang to their basket, and were drawn up to the skies. + </p> + <p> + Delighted with his success, Waupee exerted all his skill to please his + bride and win her affections. He wiped the tears from her eyes; he related + his adventures in the chase; he dwelt upon the charms of life on the + earth. He was constant in his attentions, keeping fondly by her side, and + picking out the way for her to walk as he led her gently toward his lodge. + He felt his heart glow with joy as he entered it, and from that moment he + was one of the happiest of men. + </p> + <p> + Winter and summer passed rapidly away, and as spring drew near with its + balmy gales and its many-colored flowers, their happiness was increased by + the presence of a beautiful boy in their lodge, a son with both his + mother's beauty and his father's strength. What more of earthly blessing + was there for them to enjoy? + </p> + <p> + Waupee's wife, however, was a daughter of one of the stars; and as the + scenes of earth began to pall upon her sight, she sighed to revisit her + father. But she hid these feelings from her husband. She remembered the + charm that would carry her up, and while White Hawk was engaged in the + chase, she took occasion to construct a wicker basket, which she kept + concealed. In the meantime, she collected such rarities from the earth as + she thought would please her father, as well as the most dainty kinds of + food. + </p> + <p> + Then on a day when all was in readiness and Wau-pee absent, she went out + to the charmed ring, taking with her her little son. As they entered the + car she commenced her magical song, and the basket rose. The song was sad, + and of a lowly and mournful cadence, and as it was wafted far away by the + wind, it caught her husband's ear. It was a voice which he well knew, and + he instantly ran to the prairie. But though he made breathless speed, he + could not reach the ring before his wife and child had ascended beyond his + reach. He lifted up his voice in loud appeals, but they were unavailing. + The basket still went up. He watched it till it became a small speck, and + finally it vanished in the sky. He then bent his head down to the ground + and was miserable. + </p> + <p> + Through a long winter and a long summer Waupee bewailed his loss, but he + found no relief. The beautiful spirit had come and gone, and he should see + it no more! + </p> + <p> + In the meantime his wife had reached her home in the stars, and in the + blissful employments of her father's house she almost forgot that she had + left a husband upon the earth. But her son, as he grew up, resembled his + father more and more, and every day he was restless and anxious to revisit + the scene of his birth. His grandfather, perceiving this, said to his + daughter: + </p> + <p> + "Go, my child, take your son down to his father, and ask him to come up + and live with us. But tell him to bring along a specimen of each kind of + bird and animal he kills in the chase." + </p> + <p> + The mother accordingly took the boy and descended. And the White Hawk, who + was ever near the enchanted spot, heard her voice as she came down the + sky. His heart beat with impatience as he saw her form and that of his + son, and they were soon clasped in his arms. + </p> + <p> + He heard the message of the Star, and he began to hunt with the greatest + activity, that he might collect the present with all despatch. He spent + whole nights, as well as days, in searching for every curious and + beautiful animal and bird. But he only preserved a foot, a wing, or a tail + of each. + </p> + <p> + When all was ready, Waupee visited once more each favorite spot—the + hill-top whence he had been used to see the rising sun; the stream where + he had sported as a boy; the old lodge, which he was to sit in no more; + and last of all, he came to the magic circle, and gazed widely around him + with tearful eyes. Then taking his wife and child by the hand, he entered + the car, and they were drawn up—into a country far beyond the flight + of birds, or the power of mortal eye to pierce. + </p> + <p> + Great joy was manifested upon their arrival at the starry plains. The Star + Chief invited all his people to a feast; and when they had assembled, he + proclaimed aloud that each one might continue as he was, an inhabitant of + his own dominions, or select of the earthly gifts such as he liked best. A + very strange confusion immediately arose; not one but sprang forward. Some + chose a foot, some a wing, some a tail, and some a claw. Those who + selected tails or claws were changed into animals and ran off; the others + assumed the form of birds and flew away. Waupee chose a white hawk's + feather. His wife and son followed his example, and each one became a + white hawk. He spread his wings, and, followed by his wife and son, + descended with the other birds to the earth, where they are still to be + found, with the brightness of the starry plains in their eyes and the + freedom of the heavenly breezes in their wings. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><a name="linkimage-0009" id="linkimage-0009"> </a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:20%;"> + <img src="images/5101.jpg" alt="5101 " width="100%" /><br /><a + href="images/5101.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0007" id="link2H_4_0007"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + V. GRAY EAGLE AND HIS FIVE BROTHERS + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"> + <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">T</span>HERE were six + falcons living in a nest, five of whom were still too young to fly, when + it so happened that both the parent birds were shot in one day. The young + brood waited anxiously for their return; but night came, and they were + left without parents and without food. + </p> + <p> + Gray Eagle, the eldest, and the only one whose feathers had become stout + enough to enable him to leave the nest, took his place at the head of the + family and assumed the duty of stifling his brothers' cries and providing + the little household with food. In this he was very successful. But one + day, while out on a foraging excursion, he got one of his wings broken. + This was more to be regretted as the season had arrived when they were + soon to go to a southern country to pass the winter, and the children were + only waiting to become a little stronger and more expert on the wing to + set out on the journey. + </p> + <p> + Finding that their elder brother did not return, they resolved to go in + search of him. After beating up and down the country for the better part + of a whole day, they last found him, sorely wounded and unable to fly, + lodged in the upper branches of a sycamore tree. + </p> + <p> + "Brothers," said Gray Eagle, as they gathered around, questioning him + about his injuries, "an accident has befallen me, but let not this prevent + your going to a warmer climate. Winter is rapidly approaching, and you + cannot remain here. It is better that I alone should die, than for you all + to suffer on my account." + </p> + <p> + "No, no," they replied, with one voice. "We will not forsake you. We will + share your sufferings; we will abandon our journey and take care of you as + you did of us before we were able to take care of ourselves. If the chill + climate kills you, it shall kill us. Do you think we can so soon forget + your brotherly care, which has equalled a father's, and even a mother's + kindness? Whether you live or die, we will live or die with you." + </p> + <p> + They sought out a hollow tree to winter in, and contrived to carry their + wounded nest-mate thither; and before the rigor of the season had set in, + they had, by diligence and economy, stored up food enough to carry them + through the winter months. + </p> + <p> + To make the provisions they had laid in last the better, it was agreed + among them that two of their number should go south, leaving the other + three to watch over, feed, and protect their wounded brother. So the + travelers set forth, sorry to leave home, but resolved that the first + promise of spring should bring them back again. And the three who + remained, mounting to the very peak of the tree and bearing Gray Eagle in + their arms, watched them, as they vanished away southward, till their + forms blended with the air and were wholly lost to sight. + </p> + <p> + Then Gray Eagle was propped up in a snug fork with cushions of dry moss, + and the household was set in order. The oldest of the five younger + brothers took upon himself the charge of nursing Gray Eagle, preparing his + food, bringing him water, and changing his pillows when he grew tired of + one position. He also looked to it that the house itself was kept in a + tidy condition, and that the pantry was supplied with food. To the next + brother was assigned the duty of physician, and he was to prescribe such + herbs and other medicines as the health of Gray Eagle seemed to require. + As the doctor brother had no other invalid on his visiting-list, he + devoted the time not given to the cure of his patient to the killing of + game wherewith to stock the housekeeper's larder; so that, whatever he + did, he was always busy in the line of professional duty—killing or + curing. On his hunting excursions Doctor Falcon carried with him his + youngest brother, who, being a foolish young fellow and inexperienced in + the ways of the world, it was not thought safe to trust alone. + </p> + <p> + In due time, what with good nursing, good feeding, and good air, Gray + Eagle recovered from his wound; and he then repaid the kindness of his + brothers by giving them such advice and instruction in the art of hunting + as his age and experience qualified him to impart. As spring advanced they + began to look about for the means of replenishing their storehouse, whose + supplies were running low; and they were all quite successful in their + quest except the youngest, whose name was Peepi, or the Pigeon-Hawk. He + had of late begun to set up for himself, but being small and foolish and + feather-headed, flying hither and yonder without any set purpose, it so + happened that Peepi always came home, so to phrase it, with an empty + game-bag and his pinions terribly rumpled. + </p> + <p> + At last Gray Eagle spoke to him and demanded the cause of his ill-luck. + </p> + <p> + "It is not my smallness or weakness of body," Peepi answered, "that + prevents my bringing home provender as well as my brothers. I am all the + time on the wing, hither and thither. I kill ducks and other birds every + time I go out; but just as I get to the woods, on my way home, I am met by + a large ko-ko-ho, who robs me of my prey; and," added Peepi, with great + energy, "it's my settled opinion that the villain lies in wait for the + very purpose of doing so." + </p> + <p> + "I have no doubt you are right, Brother Peepi," rejoined Gray Eagle. "I + know this pirate—his name is White Owl; and now that I feel my + strength fully recovered, I will go out with you to-morrow and help you + look after this greedy bush-ranger." + </p> + <p> + The next day they went forth in company and arrived at a fine fresh-water + lake. Gray Eagle seated himself hard by, while Peepi started out. The + latter soon pounced upon a duck. + </p> + <p> + "Well done!" thought his brother, who saw his success; but just as little + Peepi was getting to land with his prize, up sailed a large white owl from + a tree where he, too, had been watching, and laid claim to it. He was on + the point of wresting it from Peepi, when Gray Eagle, calling out to the + intruder to stop, rushed up, fixed his talons in both sides of the owl, + and without further introduction or ceremony flew away with him. + </p> + <p> + The little Pigeon-Hawk followed closely, with the duck under his wing, + rejoiced and happy to think that he had something to carry home at last. + He was naturally much vexed with the owl, and had no sooner delivered over + the duck to the housekeeper, than he flew in the owl's face and, venting + an abundance of reproaches, would have torn the very eyes out of the White + Owl's head in his passion. + </p> + <p> + "Softly, Peepi," said the Gray Eagle, stepping in between them. "Don't be + in such a huff, my little brother, or show so revengeful a temper. Do you + not know that we are to forgive our enemies? White Owl, you may go; but + let this be a lesson to you, not to play the tyrant over those who may + chance to be weaker than yourself." + </p> + <p> + So, after adding to this much more good advice and telling him what kind + of herbs would cure his wounds. + </p> + <p> + Gray Eagle dismissed White Owl, and the brothers sat down to supper. + </p> + <p> + The next day, betimes, before the household had fairly rubbed the cobwebs + out of the corners of their eyes, there came a knock at the front door—which + was a dry branch that lay down before the hollow of the tree in which they + lodged—and being called to come in, who should make their appearance + but the two nest-mates, who had just returned from the South where they + had been wintering. There was great rejoicing over their return, and now + that they were all happily reunited, each one soon chose a mate and began + to keep house in the woods for himself. + </p> + <p> + Spring had now revisited the North. The cold winds had all blown + themselves away, the ice had melted, the streams were open and smiled as + they looked at the blue sky once more; and the forests, far and wide, in + their green mantle, echoed every cheerful sound. + </p> + <p> + But it is in vain that spring returns, and that the heart of Nature is + opened in bounty, if we are not thankful to the Master of Life, who has + preserved us through the winter. Nor does that man answer the end for + which he was made who does not show a kind and charitable feeling to all + who are in want or sickness. + </p> + <p> + The love and harmony of Gray Eagle and his brothers continued. They never + forgot each other. Every week, on the fourth afternoon of the week (for + that was the time when they had found their wounded elder brother), they + had a meeting in the hollow of the old sycamore tree, when they talked + over family matters and advised with each other about their affairs, as + brothers should. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><a name="linkimage-0010" id="linkimage-0010"> </a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:20%;"> + <img src="images/5108.jpg" alt="5108 " width="100%" /><br /><a + href="images/5108.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0008" id="link2H_4_0008"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + VI. HE OF THE LITTLE SHELL + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"> + <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">O</span>NCE upon a time, + all the people of a certain country had died, excepting two helpless + children, a baby boy and a little girl. + </p> + <p> + When their parents died, these children were asleep. The little girl, who + was the elder, was the first to awake. She looked around her, but seeing + nobody but her little brother, who lay smiling in his dreams, she quietly + resumed her bed. + </p> + <p> + At the end of ten days her brother moved, without opening his eyes. + </p> + <p> + At the end of ten days more he changed his position, lying on the other + side, and in this way he kept on sleeping for a long time; and pleasant, + too, must have been his dreams, for his little sister never looked at him + that he was not quite a little heaven of smiles and flashing lights, which + beamed about his head and filled the lodge with a strange splendor. + </p> + <p> + The girl soon grew to be a woman, but the boy increased in stature very + slowly. It was a long time before he could even creep, and he was well + advanced in years before he could stand alone. When he was able to walk, + his sister made him a little bow and arrows, and hung around his neck a + small shell, saying: + </p> + <p> + "You shall be called Dais-Imid, or He of the Little Shell." + </p> + <p> + Every day he would go out with his bow, shooting at the small birds. The + first bird he killed was a tom-tit. His sister was highly pleased when he + took it to her. She carefully prepared and stuffed it, and put it away for + him. + </p> + <p> + The next day he killed a red squirrel. His sister preserved this, too. The + third day he killed a partridge, and this they had for their evening meal. + </p> + <p> + After this he acquired more courage and would venture some distance from + home. His skill and success daily increased, and he killed the deer, bear, + moose, and other large animals inhabiting the forest. + </p> + <p> + At last, although so very small of stature, he became a great hunter, and + all that he shot he brought home and shared with his sister; and whenever + he entered the lodge, a light beamed about his head and filled the place + with a strange splendor. + </p> + <p> + He had now arrived at the years of manhood, but he still remained a + perfect infant in size. + </p> + <p> + One day, walking about in quest of game, he came to a small lake. + </p> + <p> + It was in the winter season; and upon the ice of the lake he saw a man of + giant height, employed in killing beavers. + </p> + <p> + Comparing himself with this great man, he felt that he was no bigger than + an insect. He seated himself on the shore and watched his movements. + </p> + <p> + When the large man had killed many beavers, he put them on a hand-sled + which he had, and pursued his way home. When he saw him retire, the dwarf + hunter followed, and, wielding his magic shell, he cut off the tail of one + of the heavers and ran home with the prize. + </p> + <p> + The giant, on reaching his lodge with his sled-load of heavers, was + surprised to find one of them shorn of its tail. + </p> + <p> + The next day the little hero of the shell went to the same lake. The + giant, who had been busy there for some time, had already loaded his sled + and commenced his return; but running nimbly forward and overtaking him, + Dais-Imid succeeded in securing another of the heaver-tails. + </p> + <p> + "I wonder," said the giant, on reaching his lodge and overlooking his + heavers, "what dog it is that has thus cheated me. Could I meet him, I + would make his flesh quiver at the point of my javelin." + </p> + <p> + The giant forgot that he had taken without permission these very heavers + out of a beaver-dam which belonged to the little shell-man and his sister. + </p> + <p> + The next day he pursued his hunting at the beaver-dam near the lake, and + he was again followed by the little man with the shell. + </p> + <p> + This time the giant was so nimble in his movements that he had nearly + reached home before Little Shell could overtake him; but making his best + speed, he was just in time to clip another beaver's tail before the sled + slipped into the lodge. + </p> + <p> + The giant would have been a patient giant, indeed, if his anger had not + been violent at these constant tricks played upon him. What vexed him + most, was, that he could not get sight of his enemy. Sharp eyes he would + have needed to do so, inasmuch as He of the Little Shell had the gift of + making himself invisible whenever he chose. + </p> + <p> + The giant, giving vent to his feelings with many loud rumbling words, + looked sharply around to see whether he could discover any tracks. He + could find none. The unknown had stepped too lightly to leave the + slightest mark behind. + </p> + <p> + The next day the giant resolved to disappoint his mysterious follower by + going to the beaver-dam very early; and accordingly, when Dais-Imid came + to the place, he found the fresh traces of his work, but the giant had + already gone away. He followed hard upon his tracks but failed to overtake + him. When He of the Little Shell came in sight of the lodge, the stranger + was in front of it, employed in skinning his beavers. + </p> + <p> + As Dais-Imid stood looking at him—he had been all this time + invisible—he thought: + </p> + <p> + "I will let him have a view of me." + </p> + <p> + Presently the man, who proved to be no less a personage than the + celebrated giant, Manabozho, looked up and saw him. After regarding him + with attention, he said: + </p> + <p> + "Who are you, little man? I have a mind to kill you." + </p> + <p> + The little hero of the shell replied: + </p> + <p> + "If you were to try to kill me you could not do it." + </p> + <p> + With this speech of the little man, Manabozho grabbed at him; but when he + thought to have had him in his hand, Little Shell was gone. + </p> + <p> + "Where are you now, little man?" cried Manabozho. + </p> + <p> + "Here, under your girdle," answered the shell-dwarf. At which giant + Manabozho, thinking to crush him, slapped down his great hand with all his + might; but on unloosing his girdle he was disappointed at finding no dwarf + there. + </p> + <p> + "Where are you now, little man?" he cried again, in a greater rage than + ever. + </p> + <p> + "In your right nostril!" the dwarf replied. Whereupon the giant Manabozho + seized himself by the finger and thumb at the place, and gave it a violent + tweak; but as he immediately heard the voice of the dwarf at a distance + upon the ground, he was satisfied that he had only pulled his own nose to + no purpose. + </p> + <p> + "Good-bye, Manabozho," said the voice of the invisible dwarf. "Count your + beaver-tails, and you will find that I have taken another for my sister"; + for He of the Little Shell never, in his wanderings or pastimes, forgot + his sister and her wishes. "Good-bye, beaver-man!" + </p> + <p> + And as he went away he made himself visible once more, and a light beamed + about his head and lit the air around him with a strange splendor; a + circumstance which Manabozho, who was at times quite thick-headed and dull + of apprehension, could in no way understand. + </p> + <p> + When Dais-Imid returned home, he told his sister that the time drew nigh + when they must separate. + </p> + <p> + "I must go away," said Dais-Imid, "it is my fate. You, too," he added, + "must go away soon. Tell me where you would wish to dwell." + </p> + <p> + She said, "I would like to go to the place of the breaking of daylight. I + have always loved the East. The earliest glimpses of light are from that + quarter, and it is to my mind the most beautiful part of the heavens. + After I get there, my brother, whenever you see the clouds, in that + direction, of various colors, you may think that your sister is painting + her face." + </p> + <p> + "And I," said he, "I, my sister, shall live on the mountains and rocks. + There I can see you at the earliest hour; there the streams of water run + clear; the air is pure; and the golden lights will shine ever around my + head. I shall ever be called 'Puck-Ininee, or the Little Wild Man of the + Mountains.' But," he resumed, "before we part forever, I must go and try + to find what manitoes rule the earth, and see which of them will be + friendly to us." + </p> + <p> + He left his sister and traveled over the surface of the globe, and then + went far down into the earth. + </p> + <p> + He had been treated well wherever he went. But at last he came to a giant + manito, who had a large kettle which was forever boiling. The giant, who + was a first cousin to Manabozho, and had already heard of the tricks which + Dais-Imid had played upon his kinsman, regarded him with a stern look, + and, catching him up in his hand, threw him unceremoniously into the + kettle. + </p> + <p> + It was evidently the giant's intention to drown Dais-Imid. In this he was + unsuccessful, for by means of his magic shell, little Dais, in less than a + second's time, hailed the water to the bottom, leaped from the kettle, and + ran away unharmed. + </p> + <p> + He returned to his sister and related his rovings and adventures. He + finished his story by addressing her thus: + </p> + <p> + "My sister, there is a manito at each of the four corners of the earth. + There is also one above them, far in the sky, a Great Being who assigns to + you and to me and to all of us, where we must go. And last," he continued, + "there is another and wicked one who lives deep down in the earth. It will + be our lot to escape out of his reach. We must now separate. When the + winds blow from the four corners of the earth, you must then go. They will + carry you to the place you wish. I go to the rocks and mountains, where my + kindred will ever delight to dwell." + </p> + <p> + Dais-Imid then took his hall-stick and commenced running up a high + mountain; a bright light shone about his head all the way, and he kept + singing as he went: + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Blow, winds, blow! my sister lingers + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + For her dwelling in the sky, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Where the mom, with rosy fingers, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Shall her cheeks with vermil dye. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + There my earliest views directed, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Shall from her their color take, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And her smiles, through clouds reflected, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Guide me on by wood or lake. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + While I range the highest mountains, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Sport in valleys green and low, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Or, beside our Indian fountains, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Raise my tiny hip-hallo. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + His voice rose faintly and more faint, and at last the maiden was alone. + </p> + <p> + But presently the winds blew, and, as Dais-Imid had predicted, his sister + was borne by them to the eastern sky, where she has ever since lived, and + her name is now the Morning Star. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><a name="linkimage-0011" id="linkimage-0011"> </a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:20%;"> + <img src="images/5116.jpg" alt="5116 " width="100%" /><br /><a + href="images/5116.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0009" id="link2H_4_0009"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + VII. OSSEOJ THE SON OF THE EVENING STAR + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"> + <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">T</span>HERE once lived an + Indian in the north who had ten daughters, all of whom grew up to + womanhood. They were noted for their beauty, especially Oweenee, the + youngest, who was very independent in her way of thinking. She was a great + admirer of romantic places and spent much of her time with the flowers and + winds and clouds in the open air. It mattered not to her that the flower + was homely, if it was fragrant—that the winds were rough, if they + were healthful—and that the clouds were dark, if they embosomed the + fruitful rain; she knew how, in spite of appearances, to acknowledge the + good qualities concealed from the eye. + </p> + <p> + Her elder sisters were all sought in marriage, and one after another went + off to dwell in the lodges of their husbands. But Oweenee paid very little + attention to the many handsome young men who came to her father's lodge + for the purpose of seeing her. She was deaf to all proposals, till at last + to the great surprise of her kinsfolk she married an old man called Osseo, + who was scarcely able to walk, and who was too poor to have things like + other people. The only property he owned in the world was the + walking-staff which he carried in his hand. But though thus poor and + homely, Osseo was a devout and good man, faithful in all his duties, and + obedient in all things to the Good Spirit. Of course they jeered and + laughed at Oweenee on all sides, but she seemed to be quite happy, and + said to them: + </p> + <p> + "It is my choice and you will see in the end who has acted the wisest." + </p> + <p> + They made a special mock of the walking-staff, and scarcely an hour in the + day passed that they had not some disparaging reference to make to it. + Among themselves they spoke of "Osseo of the walking-staff," in derision, + as one might speak of "the owner of the big woods," or "the great + timberman." + </p> + <p> + "True," said Oweenee, "it is but a simple stick; but as it supports the + steps of my husband, it is more precious to me than all the forests of the + north." + </p> + <p> + A time came when the sisters and their husbands and their parents were all + invited to a feast. As the distance was considerable, they doubted whether + Osseo, so aged and feeble, would be able to undertake the journey; but in + spite of their friendly doubts, he joined them and set out with a good + heart. + </p> + <p> + As they walked along the path they could not help pitying their young and + handsome sister who had such an unsuitable mate. She, however, smiled upon + Osseo, and kept with him on the way the same as if he had been the + comeliest bridegroom in all the company. Osseo often stopped and gazed + upward; but the others could perceive nothing in the direction in which he + looked, unless it was the faint glimmering of the evening star. They heard + him muttering to himself as they went along, and one of the elder sisters + caught the words: + </p> + <p> + "Pity me, my father!" + </p> + <p> + "Poor old man," said she, "he is talking to his father. What a pity it is + that he would not fall and break his neck, that our sister might have a + young husband." + </p> + <p> + Presently as they came to a great rock where Osseo had been used to + breathe his morning and his evening prayer, the star emitted a brighter + ray, which shone directly in his face. Osseo, with a sharp cry, fell + trembling to the earth, where the others would have left him. But his good + wife raised him up, whereupon he sprang forward on the path, and with + steps light as the reindeer's he led the party, no longer decrepit and + infirm, but a beautiful young man. All were delighted, but when they + turned around to look for his wife, behold! she had become changed at the + same moment into an aged and feeble woman, bent almost double, and walking + with the staff which he had cast aside. + </p> + <p> + Osseo immediately joined her, and with looks of fondness and the tenderest + regard bestowed on her every endearing attention, and constantly addressed + her by the term of "De-ne-moosh-a," or "my sweetheart." + </p> + <p> + As they walked along, whenever they were not gazing fondly in each other's + faces they bent their looks on heaven, and a light, as if of far-off + stars, was in their eyes. + </p> + <p> + On arriving at the lodge of the hunter with whom they were to feast, they + found the banquet ready, and as soon as their entertainer had finished his + harangue—in which he told them his feasting was in honor of the + Evening or Woman's Star—they began to partake of the portion dealt + out to each one of the guests, according to age and character. The food + was very delicious, and they were all happy but Osseo, who looked at his + wife and then gazed upward, as if he were still looking into the substance + of the sky. Then sounds were heard, as if from far-off voices in the air, + and they became plainer and plainer, till he could clearly distinguish + some of the words. + </p> + <p> + "My son, my son," said the voice, "I have seen your afflictions, and pity + your wants. I come to call you away from a scene that is stained with + blood and tears. The earth is full of sorrows. Wicked spirits, the enemies + of mankind, walk abroad and lie in wait to ensnare the children of the + sky. Every night they are lifting their voices to the Power of Evil, and + every day they make themselves busy in casting mischief in the hunter's + path. You have long been their victim, but you shall be their victim no + more. The spell you were under is broken. Your evil genius is overcome. I + have cast him down by my superior strength, and it is this strength I now + exert for your happiness. Ascend, my son; ascend into the skies, and + partake of the feast I have prepared for you in the stars, and bring with + you those you love. + </p> + <p> + "The food set before you is enchanted and blessed. Fear not to partake of + it. It is endowed with magic power to give immortality to mortals and to + change men to spirits. Your bowls and kettles shall no longer be wood and + earth. The one shall become silver, and the other pure gold. They shall + shine like fire, and glisten like the most beautiful scarlet. Every maiden + shall also change her state and looks, and no longer be doomed to + laborious tasks. She shall put on the beauty of the star-light and become + a shining bird of the air. She shall dance and not work. She shall sing, + and not cry. + </p> + <p> + "My beams," continued the voice, "shine faintly on your lodge, but they + have power to transform it into the lightness of the skies and decorate it + with the colors of the clouds. Come, Osseo, my son, and dwell no longer on + earth. Think strongly on my words and look steadfastly at my beams. My + power is now at its height. Doubt not, delay not. It is the voice of the + Spirit of the Evening Star that calls you away to happiness and celestial + rest." + </p> + <p> + The words were clear to Osseo, but his companions thought them some + far-off sounds of music, or birds singing in the woods. Very soon the + lodge began to shake and tremble, and they felt it rising into the air. It + was too late to run out, for they were already as high as the tops of the + trees. Osseo looked around him as the lodge passed through the topmost + boughs, and behold, their wooden dishes were changed into shells of a + scarlet color, the poles of the lodge to glittering rods of silver, and + the bark that covered them into the gorgeous wings of insects. + </p> + <p> + A moment more and his brothers and sisters, and their parents and friends, + were transformed into birds of various plumage. Some were jays, some + partridges and pigeons, and others gay singing birds, who hopped about + displaying their many-colored feathers and singing songs of cheerful note. + </p> + <p> + But his wife, Oweenee, still kept her earthly garb and showed all the + signs of extreme old age. He again cast his eyes in the direction of the + clouds and uttered the peculiar cry which had given him the victory at the + rock. In a moment the youth and beauty of his wife returned; her dingy + garments assumed the shining appearance of green silk, and her staff was + changed into a silver feather. + </p> + <p> + The lodge again shook and trembled, for they were now passing through the + uppermost clouds, and they immediately afterward found themselves in the + Evening Star, the residence of Osseo's father. + </p> + <p> + "My son," said the old man, "leave the cage of birds at the door of the + lodge. Then enter, and I will inform you why you and your wife have been + sent for." + </p> + <p> + Osseo obeyed, and then took his seat in the lodge. + </p> + <p> + "Pity was shown to you," resumed the King of the Star, "on account of the + contempt of your wife's sisters, who laughed at her ill fortune and + ridiculed you while you were under the power of that wicked spirit whom + you overcame at the rock. That spirit lives in the next lodge, the small + star you see on the left of mine. He has always felt envious of my family + because we had greater power, and especially that we had committed to us + the care of the female world. He failed in many attempts to destroy your + brothers and sisters-in-law, but succeeded at last in transforming + yourself and your wife into decrepit old persons. You must be careful and + not let the light of his beams fall on you, while you are here, for + therein lies the power of his enchantment. A ray of light is the bow and + arrow he uses." + </p> + <p> + Osseo and Oweenee lived happy and contented in the parental lodge, and in + the course of time had a son, who grew up rapidly and in the very likeness + of Osseo himself. He was very quick and ready in learning everything that + was done in his grandfather's dominions, but he wished also to learn the + art of hunting, for he had heard that this was a favorite pursuit below. + To gratify him, his father made him a bow and arrows and then let the + birds out of the cage that he might practise shooting. In this pastime he + soon became expert, and the very first day he brought down a bird; but + when he went to pick it up, to his amazement it was a beautiful young + woman, with the arrow sticking in her breast. It was one of his younger + aunts. + </p> + <p> + The moment her blood fell upon the surface of that pure and spotless + planet, the charm was dissolved. The boy immediately found himself + sinking, although he was partly upheld by something like wings until he + had passed through the lower clouds. He then suddenly dropped upon a high, + breezy island in a large lake. He was pleased, on looking up, to see all + his aunts and uncles following him in the form of birds, and he soon + discovered the silver lodge descending with his father and mother, its + waving tassels fluttering like so many insects' gilded wings. It rested on + the loftiest cliffs of the island, and there they fixed their residence. + They all resumed their natural shapes, but they were diminished to the + size of fairies; and as a mark of homage to the King of the Evening Star, + they never failed on every pleasant evening during the summer season to + join hands and dance upon the top of the rocks. These rocks were quickly + observed by the Indians to be covered, on moonlight evenings, with a + larger sort of Ininees, or little men. They called them + Mish-in-e-mok-in-ok-ong, or Little Spirits, and the island is named from + them to this day. + </p> + <p> + Their shining lodge can be seen in the summer evenings, when the moon + beams strongly on the pinnacles of the rocks; and the fishermen who go + near those high cliffs at night have even heard the voices of the happy + little dancers. And Osseo and his wife, as fondly attached to each other + as ever, always lead the dance. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><a name="linkimage-0012" id="linkimage-0012"> </a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:20%;"> + <img src="images/5125.jpg" alt="5125 " width="100%" /><br /><a + href="images/5125.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0010" id="link2H_4_0010"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + VIII. THE WONDERFUL EXPLOITS OF GRASSHOPPER + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"> + <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">A</span> MAN of small + stature found himself standing alone on a prairie. He thought to himself: + "How came I here? Are there no beings on this earth but myself? I must + travel and see. I must walk till I find the abodes of men." + </p> + <p> + So soon as his mind was made up, he set out, he knew not whither, in + search of habitations. He was a resolute little fellow, and no + difficulties could turn him from his purpose; neither prairies, rivers, + woods nor storms had the effect to daunt his courage or turn him back. + After traveling a long time he came to a wood, in which he saw decayed + stumps of trees looking as if they had been cut in ancient times, but + aside from that no other trace of men. Pursuing his journey, he found more + recent marks of the same kind; after this he came upon fresh traces of + human beings; first their footsteps, and then the wood they had felled, + lying in heaps. Pushing on, he emerged toward dusk from the forest and + beheld at a distance a large village of high lodges standing on rising + ground. + </p> + <p> + "I am tired of this dog-trot," he said to himself. "I will arrive there on + a run." + </p> + <p> + He started off with all his speed. On coming to the first lodge he jumped + over it, without any special exertion, and found himself standing by the + door on the other side. Those within saw something pass over the opening + in the roof; they thought from the shadow it cast that it must have been + some huge bird—and then they heard a thump upon the ground. + </p> + <p> + "What is that?" they all said and several ran out to see. + </p> + <p> + They invited him in, and he found himself in company with an old chief and + several men who were seated in the lodge. Meat was set before him; after + which the old chief asked him whither he was going and what was his name. + He answered that he was in search of adventures and that his name was + "Grasshopper." + </p> + <p> + They all opened their eyes upon the stranger with a broad stare. + </p> + <p> + "Grasshopper!" whispered one to another; and a general titter went round. + </p> + <p> + They invited him to stay with them, which he was inclined to do; for it + was a pleasant village, but so small as constantly to embarrass + Grasshopper. He was in perpetual trouble; whenever he shook hands with a + stranger, to whom he might be introduced, such was the abundance of his + strength that, without meaning it he wrung his arm off at the shoulder. + Once or twice, in mere sport, he cuffed the boys by the side of the head, + and they flew out of sight as though they had been shot from a bow; nor + could they ever be found again, though they were searched for in all the + country round, far and wide. If Grasshopper proposed to himself a short + stroll in the morning, he was at once miles out of town. When he entered a + lodge, if he happened for a moment to forget himself, he walked straight + through the leathern, or wooden, or earthen walls, as if he had been + merely passing through a bush. At his meals he broke in pieces all the + dishes, set them down as lightly as he would; and stretching a bit when he + rose, it was a common thing for him to push off the top of the lodge. + </p> + <p> + He wanted more elbow-room; and after a short stay, in which by + accidentally letting go of his strength he had nearly laid waste the whole + place, filling it with demolished lodges and broken pottery and one-armed + men, he made up his mind to go farther, taking with him a young man who + had formed a strong attachment for him, and who might serve him as his + pipe-bearer. For Grasshopper was a huge smoker, and vast clouds followed + him wherever he went; so that people could say, "Grasshopper is coming!" + by the mighty smoke he raised. + </p> + <p> + They set out together, and when his companion was fatigued with walking, + Grasshopper would put him forward on his journey a mile or two by giving + him a cast in the air and lighting him in a soft place among the trees, or + in a cool spot in a water-pond, among the sedges and water-lilies. At + other times he would lighten the way by showing off a few tricks, such as + leaping over trees, or turning round on one leg till he made the dust fly; + at which the pipe-bearer was mightily pleased, although it sometimes + happened that the character of these gambols frightened him. For + Grasshopper would, without the least hint of such an intention, jump into + the air far ahead, and it would cost the little pipe-bearer half a day's + hard travel to come up with him. And then, too, the dust Grasshopper + raised was often so thick and heavy as completely to bury the poor little + pipe-bearer, and compel Grasshopper to dig diligently and with might and + main to get him out alive. + </p> + <p> + One day they came to a very large village, where they were well received. + After staying in it some time (in the course of which Grasshopper, in a + fit of abstraction, walked straight through the sides of three lodges + without stopping to look for the door), they were informed of a number of + wicked manitoes or spirits who lived at a distance, and who made it a + practise to kill all who came to their lodge. Attempts had been made to + destroy them, but they had always proved more than a match for such as had + come out against them. + </p> + <p> + Grasshopper determined to pay them a visit, although he was strongly + advised not to do so. The chief of the village warned him of the great + danger he would incur, but finding Grasshopper resolved, he said: + </p> + <p> + "Well, if you will go, being my guest, I will send twenty warriors to + serve you." + </p> + <p> + Grasshopper thanked him for the offer, although he suggested that he + thought he could get along without them; at which the little pipe-bearer + grinned, for his master had never shown in that village what he could do, + and the chief thought that Grasshopper, being little himself, would be + likely to need twenty warriors, at the least, to encounter the wicked + spirits with any chance of success. So twenty young men made their + appearance. They set forward, and after about a day's journey they + descried the lodge of the Manitoes. + </p> + <p> + Grasshopper placed the warriors and his friend, the pipe-bearer, near + enough to see all that passed, while he went alone to the lodge. + </p> + <p> + As he entered, Grasshopper saw five horrid-looking Manitoes in the act of + eating. It was the father and his four sons. They were really hideous to + look upon. Their eyes were swimming low in their heads, and they glared + about as if they were half starved. They offered Grasshopper something to + eat, which he politely refused, for he had a strong suspicion that it was + the thigh-bone of a man. + </p> + <p> + "What have you come for?" said the old one. + </p> + <p> + "Nothing," answered Grasshopper. "Where is your uncle?" + </p> + <p> + They all stared at him and answered: + </p> + <p> + "We ate him, yesterday. What do you want?" + </p> + <p> + "Nothing," said Grasshopper. "Where is your grandfather?" + </p> + <p> + They all answered, with another broad stare: + </p> + <p> + "We ate him a week ago. Do you not wish to wrestle?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes," replied Grasshopper, "I don't mind if I do take a turn; but you + must be easy with me, for you see I am very little." + </p> + <p> + Pipe-bearer, who stood near enough to overhear the conversation, grinned + from ear to ear when he caught this remark. The Manitoes answered: + </p> + <p> + "Oh, yes, we will be easy with you." + </p> + <p> + And as they said this they looked at one another, and rolled their eyes + about in a dreadful manner. A hideous smile came over their faces as they + whispered among themselves: + </p> + <p> + "It's a pity he's so thin." Then, "You go," they said to the eldest + brother. + </p> + <p> + The two got ready—the Manito and Grasshopper—and they were + soon clinched in each other's arms for a deadly throw. Grasshopper knew + their object—his death; they wanted a taste of his delicate little + body, and he was determined they should have it, but perhaps in a + different sense from what they intended. + </p> + <p> + "Haw! haw!" they cried, and soon the dust and dry leaves flew about as if + driven by a strong wind. The Manito was strong, but Grasshopper thought he + could master him; and all at once giving him a sly trip, just as the + wicked spirit was trying to finish his breakfast with a piece out of his + shoulder, he sent the Manito head-foremost against a stone; and calling + aloud to the three others, he bade them come and take the body away. + </p> + <p> + The brothers now stepped forth in quick succession, but Grasshopper, + having got his blood up and limbered himself by exercise, soon dispatched + the three—sending one this way, another that, and the third straight + up into the air, so high that he never came down again. + </p> + <p> + It was time for the old Manito to be frightened, and dreadfully frightened + he got, and ran for his life, which was the very worst thing he could have + done; for Grasshopper, of all his gifts of strength, was most noted for + his speed of foot. The old Manito set off, and for mere sport's sake, + Grasshopper pursued him. Sometimes he was before the wicked old spirit, + sometimes he was flying over his head, and then he would keep along at a + steady trot just at his heels, till he had blown all the breath out of the + old knave's body. + </p> + <p> + Meantime his friend, the pipe-bearer, and the twenty young warriors cried + out: + </p> + <p> + "Ha, ha, ha! ha, ha, ha! Grasshopper is driving the Manito before him." + </p> + <p> + The Manito only turned his head now and then to look back. At length when + he was tired of the sport, Grasshopper, to be rid of him, with a gentle + application of his foot sent the wicked old Manito whirling away through + the air, where he made a great number of the most curious turn-overs in + the world till he came to alight. It so happened, then, that he fell + astride of an old bull-buffalo grazing in a distant pasture, who + straightway set off with him at a long gallop; and the old Manito has not + been heard of to this day. + </p> + <p> + Then the warriors and the pipe-bearer and Grasshopper set to work and + burned down the lodge of the wicked spirits, and when they came to look + about, they saw that the ground was strewn on all sides with human bones + bleaching in the sun; these were the unhappy victims of the Manitoes. + Grasshopper then took three arrows from his girdle, and after having + performed a ceremony to the Great Spirit, he shot one into the air, + crying: + </p> + <p> + "You are lying down; rise up, or you will be hit!" + </p> + <p> + The bones all moved to one place. He shot the second arrow, repeating the + same words, and each bone drew toward its fellow-bone. The third arrow + brought forth to life the whole multitude of people who had been killed by + the Manitoes. Grasshopper conducted the crowd to his friend, the chief of + the village, and gave them into his hands, telling who they were and the + manner in which they had come to life again. Meanwhile the twenty + warriors, pipe-bearer, and all the people cried together: + </p> + <p> + "Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha! Grasshopper has killed the wicked Manito." + </p> + <p> + The chief was there with his counsellors, to whom he spoke apart. + </p> + <p> + "Who is more worthy to rule than you?" said the chief to Grasshopper. "<i>You</i> + alone can defend us all." + </p> + <p> + Grasshopper thanked him and told him that he was in search of more + adventures. + </p> + <p> + "I have done some things," said little Grasshopper, rather boastfully, + "and I think I can do some more." + </p> + <p> + The chief still urged him, but he was eager to go, and naming Pipe-bearer + to tarry and take his place, Grasshopper set out again on his travels, + promising that he would some time or other come back and see them. + </p> + <p> + "Ho! ho! ho!" they all cried. "Come back again and see us!" He renewed his + promise that he would; and then set out alone. + </p> + <p> + After traveling some time he came to a great lake, and on looking about he + discovered a very large otter on an island. He thought to himself, "His + skin will make me a fine pouch." And he immediately drew up at long shot + and drove an arrow into the otter's side. Then he waded into the lake, and + with some difficulty dragged him ashore and up a hill overlooking the + lake. + </p> + <p> + As soon as Grasshopper got the otter into the warm sunshine, he skinned + him and threw the carcass some distance off, thinking the war-eagle would + come, and that he would have a chance to secure his feathers as ornaments + for the head; for Grasshopper began to be proud, and was disposed to + display himself. + </p> + <p> + He soon heard a rushing noise as of a loud wind, but could see nothing. + Presently a large eagle dropped, as if from the air, upon the otter's + carcass. Grasshopper drew his bow, and the arrow passed through under both + of his wings. The bird made a convulsive flight upward, with such force + that the cumbrous body was borne up several feet from the ground; but the + heavy otter, in which the bird's claws were deeply fixed, brought the + eagle back to the earth. Grasshopper possessed himself of a handful of the + prime feathers, crowned his head with the trophy, and set off in high + spirits on the look-out for something new. + </p> + <p> + After walking a while, he came to a body of water which flooded the trees + on its hanks—it was a lake made by beavers. Taking his station on + the raised dam where the stream escaped, he watched to see whether any of + the beavers would show themselves. A head presently peeped out of the + water to see who it was that disturbed them. + </p> + <p> + "My friend," said Grasshopper in his most persuasive manner, "could you + not oblige me by turning me into a beaver like yourself? Nothing would + please me so much as to make your acquaintance, I can assure you." For + Grasshopper was curious to know how these watery creatures lived, and what + kind of notions they had. + </p> + <p> + "I do not know," replied the heaver, who was rather short-nosed and surly. + "I will go and ask the others. Meanwhile stay where you are, if you + please." + </p> + <p> + "To be sure," answered Grasshopper, stealing down the bank several paces + as soon as the beaver's back was turned. + </p> + <p> + Presently there was a great splashing of the water, and all the heavers + showed their heads, and looked warily to where he stood, to see if he was + armed. But he had knowingly left his bow and arrows in a hollow tree at a + short distance. + </p> + <p> + After a long conversation, which they conducted in a whisper so that + Grasshopper could not catch a word, strain his ears as he would, they all + advanced in a body toward the spot where he stood; the chief approaching + the nearest and lifting his head highest out of the water. + </p> + <p> + "Can you not," said Grasshopper, noticing that they waited for him to + speak first, "turn me into a beaver? I wish to live among you." + </p> + <p> + "Yes," answered their chief. "Lie down." And Grasshopper in a moment found + himself a beaver, and was gliding into the water, when a thought seemed to + strike him, and he paused at the edge of the lake. + </p> + <p> + "I am very small," he said to the beaver in a sorrowful tone. "You must + make me large." For Grasshopper was terribly ambitious and wanted always + to be the first person in every company. "Larger than any of you; in my + present size it's hardly worth my while to go into the water." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, yes!" said they. "By and by, when we get into the lodge it shall be + done." + </p> + <p> + They all dived into the lake, and when in passing great heaps of limbs and + logs at the bottom, Grasshopper asked their use, they answered, "For our + winter's provision." + </p> + <p> + When they all got into the lodge the number was about one hundred. The + lodge was large and warm. + </p> + <p> + "Now we will make you large," said they. Then, "Will <i>that</i> do?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes," he answered; for he found that he was ten times the size of the + largest. + </p> + <p> + "You need not go out," said the others. "We will bring you food into the + lodge, and you will be our chief." + </p> + <p> + "Very well," Grasshopper answered. He thought, "I will stay here and grow + fat at their expense." + </p> + <p> + But, soon after, one of them ran into the lodge out of breath, crying out: + </p> + <p> + "We are visited by the Indians!" + </p> + <p> + All huddled together in great fear. The water began to lower, for the + hunters had broken down the dam, and soon they could be heard on the roof + of the lodge, breaking it up. Out jumped all the beavers into the water, + and so escaped. + </p> + <p> + Grasshopper tried to follow, then to call them back; but either they did + not hear or would not attend to him. So he had to find his own way of + getting out. Now, unfortunately, in order to gratify his ambition, the + beavers had made him too large to crawl out of the hole. He wiggled and + twisted in vain, and only worried himself till the sweat stood out on his + forehead in knobs and huge bubbles. He looked like a great bladder swollen + and blistered in the sun. + </p> + <p> + Although he heard and understood every word that the hunters spoke—and + some of their expressions suggested terrible ideas—he could not turn + himself back into a man. He had chosen to be a beaver, and a beaver he + must he. One of the hunters, a prying little man with a single lock + dangling over one eye, put his head in at the top of the lodge. + </p> + <p> + "Ty-au!" cried he. "Tut ty-au! Me-shau-mik—king of beavers is in." + </p> + <p> + Whereupon the whole crowd of hunters began upon him with their clubs, and + knocked his skull about until it was no harder than a morass in the middle + of summer. Grasshopper thought as well as ever he did, although he was + inhabiting the carcass of a beaver; and he felt that he was in a rather + foolish scrape. + </p> + <p> + Presently seven or eight of the hunters hoisted his body upon long poles + and marched away home with him. As they went, he reflected in this manner: + </p> + <p> + "What will become of me? My ghost or shadow will not die after they get me + to their lodges. So perhaps then I will be free again." + </p> + <p> + Invitations were immediately sent out for a grand feast. But as soon as + Grasshopper's body got cold, his soul flew off, being uncomfortable in a + house without heat. + </p> + <p> + Having reassumed his mortal shape, Grasshopper found himself standing near + a prairie. After walking a distance, he saw a herd of elk feeding. He + admired their apparent ease and enjoyment of life, and thought there could + be nothing more pleasant than the liberty of running about and feeding on + the prairies. He had been a water animal and now he wished to become a + land animal, to learn what passed in an elk's head as he roved about. So + he asked them if they could not turn him into one of themselves. + </p> + <p> + "Yes," they answered, after a pause. "Get down on your hands and feet." + </p> + <p> + He obeyed their directions and forthwith found himself an elk. + </p> + <p> + "I want big horns, big feet," said he. "I wish to be very large." For all + the conceit and vain-glory had not been knocked out of Grasshopper, even + by the sturdy thwacks of the hunters' clubs. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, yes," they answered. "There," exerting their power, "are you big + enough?" + </p> + <p> + "That will do," he replied, for, looking into a lake hard by, Grasshopper + saw that he was very large. + </p> + <p> + The elk spent their time in grazing and running to and fro; but what + astonished Grasshopper was that although he often lifted up his head and + directed his eyes that way, he could never see the stars, which he had so + admired as a human being. + </p> + <p> + Being rather cold one day, Grasshopper went into a thick wood for shelter, + whither he was followed by most of the herd. They had not been long there + when some elks from behind passed the others like a strong wind, calling + out: + </p> + <p> + "The hunters are after us!" + </p> + <p> + All took the alarm, and off they ran, Grasshopper with the rest. + </p> + <p> + "Keep out on the plains," they said. But it was too late to profit by this + advice, for they had already got entangled in the thick woods. Grasshopper + soon scented the hunters, who were closely following his trail, for they + had left all the other elk and were making after him in full cry. He + jumped furiously, dashed through the underwood, and broke down whole + groves of saplings in his flight. But this only made it the harder for him + to get on, such a huge and lusty elk was he by his own request. + </p> + <p> + Presently, as he dashed past an open space, he felt an arrow in his side. + They could not well miss him, he presented so wide a mark to the shot. He + bounded over trees under the smart, but the shafts clattered thicker and + thicker at his ribs, and at last one entered his heart. He fell to the + ground, and heard the whoop of triumph sounded by the hunters. On coming + up, they looked on the carcass with astonishment, and with their hands up + to their mouths, exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + "Ty-au! ty-au!" + </p> + <p> + There were about sixty in the party, which had come out on a special hunt, + as one of their number the day before had observed his large tracks on the + plains. Now they were highly elated at having caught this giant elk and + immediately set about dividing the spoils. But as soon as the skin was + removed, the flesh grew cold. His spirit took its flight from the dead + body, and Grasshopper found himself again in human shape, with a bow and + arrows. + </p> + <p> + But his passion for adventure was not yet cooled; for on coming to a large + lake with a sandy beach, he saw a large flock of brant. Speaking to them + in the brant language, he requested them to make a brant of him. + </p> + <p> + "Yes," they replied at once, for the brant is a bird of a very obliging + disposition. + </p> + <p> + "But I want to be very large," he said. There was no end to the ambition + of little Grasshopper. + </p> + <p> + "Very well," they answered, and he soon found himself a large brant, all + the others standing gazing in astonishment at his great size. + </p> + <p> + "You must fly as leader," they said. + </p> + <p> + "No," answered Grasshopper, "I will fly behind." + </p> + <p> + "Very well," rejoined the brant. "One thing more we have to say to you, + brother Grasshopper. You must be careful, in flying, not to look down, or + something may happen to you." + </p> + <p> + "Well, it is so," said he; and soon the flock rose up into the air, for + they were bound north. They flew very fast—he behind. + </p> + <p> + One day, while going with a strong wind and as swiftly as their wings + could flap, they passed over a large village. The Indians raised a great + shout on seeing them, particularly on Grasshopper's account, for his wings + were broader than two large mats. The village people made such a frightful + noise that he forgot what had been told him about looking down. They were + now scudding along as swift as arrows; and as soon as he brought his neck + in and stretched it down to look at the shouters, his huge tail was caught + by the wind, and over and over he was blown. He tried to right himself, + but without success, for he had no sooner got out of one heavy air-current + than he fell into another, which treated him even more rudely than that + which he had escaped from. Down, down he went, making more turns than he + wished for, from a height of several miles. + </p> + <p> + The first moment he had to look about him, Grasshopper, in the shape of a + big brant, was aware that he was jammed into a large hollow tree. To get + backward or forward was out of the question, and there, in spite of + himself, was Grasshopper forced to tarry till his brant life was ended by + starvation, when, his spirit being at liberty, he was once more a human + being. + </p> + <p> + As he journeyed on in search of further adventures, Grasshopper came to a + lodge in which were two old men, with heads white from extreme age. They + were very fine old men to look at. There was such sweetness and innocence + in their features that Grasshopper was very glad to accept their + invitation to enter the lodge and tarry a while. + </p> + <p> + They treated him well, and when he made known to them that he was going + back to his village, his friends and people, the two white-headed old men + very heartily wished him a good journey and abundance of comfort in seeing + his friends once more. They even arose, old and infirm as they were, and + tottering with exceeding difficulty to the door, were at great pains to + point out to him the exact course he should take; and called his attention + to the circumstance that it was much shorter and more direct than the one + he would have taken himself. Ah! what merry deceivers were these two old + men with very white heads. + </p> + <p> + Grasshopper, with blessings showered on him until he was fairly out of + sight, set forth with good heart. He thought he heard loud laughter + resounding after him in the direction of the lodge; but it could not have + been the two old men, for they were, certainly, too old to laugh. + </p> + <p> + He walked briskly all day, and at night he had the satisfaction of + reaching a lodge in all respects like that which he had left in the + morning. There were two more fine old men, and his treatment was in every + particular the same, even down to the parting blessing and the laughter + that followed him as he went his way. + </p> + <p> + After walking the third day and coming to a lodge the same as before, he + was satisfied from the bearings of the course he had taken and by a notch + which he had cut in the door-post, that he had been journeying in a + circle, that these were the same two old men, all along, and that, despite + their innocent faces and their very white heads, they had been playing him + a sorry trick. + </p> + <p> + "Who are you," said Grasshopper, "to treat me so? Come forth, I say." + </p> + <p> + They were compelled to obey his summons, lest, in his anger, he should + take their lives; and they appeared on the outside of the lodge. + </p> + <p> + "We must have a little trial of speed, now," said Grasshopper. + </p> + <p> + "A race?" they asked. "We are very old; we cannot run." + </p> + <p> + "We will see," said Grasshopper. Whereupon he set them out upon the road + and gave them a gentle push, which put them in motion. Then he pushed them + again—harder—harder—until they got under fine headway, + when he gave each of them an astounding shock with his foot, and off they + flew at a great rate, round and round the course; and such was the magic + virtue of the foot of Grasshopper, that no object once set a-going by it + could by any possibility stop; so that, for aught we know to the contrary, + the two innocent, whiteheaded, merry old men are trotting to this day, + with all their might and main around the circle in which they beguiled + Grasshopper. + </p> + <p> + Continuing his journey, Grasshopper, although his head was warm and + buzzing with all sorts of schemes, did not know exactly what to do until + he came to a big lake. He mounted a high hill to try and see to the other + side, but he could not. He then made a canoe and sailed forth. The water + was very clear—a transparent blue—and he saw that it abounded + with fish of a rare and delicate complexion. This circumstance inspired + him with a wish to return to his own village, so that he might bring his + people to live near this beautiful lake. + </p> + <p> + Toward evening, coming to a woody island, he encamped and ate the fish he + had speared, and they proved to be as comforting to the stomach as they + were pleasing to the eye. The next day Grasshopper returned to the + mainland, and as he wandered along the shore he espied at a distance the + celebrated giant, Manabozho, who is a bitter enemy of Grasshopper and + loses no opportunity to stop him on his journeyings and to thwart his + plans. + </p> + <p> + At first it occurred to Grasshopper to have a trial of wits with the + giant, but on second thoughts he said to himself, "I am in a hurry now; I + will see him another time." + </p> + <p> + With no further mischief than raising a great whirlwind of dust, which + caused Manabozho to rub his eyes severely, Grasshopper quietly slipped out + of the way; and he made good speed withal, for in much less time than you + could count half the stars in the sky of a winter night, he had reached + home. + </p> + <p> + His return was welcomed with a great hubbub of feasting and songs; and he + had scarcely set foot in the village before he had invitations to take + pot-luck at different lodges, and ate enough to have lasted him the rest + of his natural life. Pipe-bearer, who had some time before given up the + cares of a ruler and fallen back upon his native place, fairly danced with + joy at the sight of Grasshopper, who, not to be outdone, dandled him + affectionately in his arms by casting him up and down in the air half a + mile or so, till little Pipe-bearer had no breath left in his body to say + that he was happy to see Grasshopper home again. + </p> + <p> + Grasshopper gave the village folks a lively account of his adventures, and + when he came to the blue lake and the abundant fish, he dwelt upon their + charms with such effect that they agreed, with one voice, that it must be + a glorious place to live in, and if he would show them the way they would + shift camp and settle there at once. + </p> + <p> + He not only showed them the way, but bringing his wonderful strength and + speed of foot to bear, in less than half a day he had transported the + whole village, with its children, women, tents, and implements of war, to + the new water-side. + </p> + <p> + Here, for a time, Grasshopper appeared to be content, until one day a + message was brought him by a bear, who said that their king wished to see + him immediately at his village. Grasshopper was ready in an instant; and + mounting upon the messenger's back, off he went. Toward evening they + climbed a high mountain and came to a cave where the bear-king lived. He + was a very large person; and puffing with fat and a sense of his own + importance, he made Grasshopper welcome by inviting him into his lodge. + </p> + <p> + As soon as it was proper, the king spoke, and said that he had sent for + him on hearing that he was the chief who was moving a large party into the + bears' hunting-ground. + </p> + <p> + "You must know," said the bear-king with a terrible growl, "that you have + no right there, and I wish you would leave the country with your party, or + else the strongest force will take possession. This I say." + </p> + <p> + "Very well," replied Grasshopper, going toward the door, for he suspected + that the king of the bears was preparing to give him a hug. "So be it." + </p> + <p> + He wished to gain time and to consult his people; for he had seen as he + came along that the bears were gathering in great force on the side of the + mountain. He also made known to the bear-king that he would go back that + night so that his people might be put in immediate possession of the royal + behest. + </p> + <p> + The bear-king replied that Grasshopper might do as he pleased, but that + one of his young men was at his command; so jumping nimbly on his back, + Grasshopper rode home. + </p> + <p> + He assembled the people and ordered the bear's head off, to be hung + outside of the village, that the bear spies, who were lurking in the + neighborhood, might see it and carry the news to their chief. + </p> + <p> + The next morning, by break of day, Grasshopper had all of his young + warriors under arms and ready for a fight. And none too soon, for about + the middle of the afternoon the bear war-party came in sight, led on by + the fat king. The bears advanced on their hind-legs, making a tremendous + noise, and a very imposing display of their teeth and eyeballs. + </p> + <p> + The bear-chief himself came forward, and with a majestic wave of his right + hand, said that he did not wish to shed the blood of the young warriors; + but that if Grasshopper consented, they two would have a race. The winner + should kill the losing chief, and all his young men should be servants to + the other. + </p> + <p> + Grasshopper agreed, of course—how little Pipe-bearer, who stood by, + grinned as they came to terms!—and they started to run before the + whole company of warriors who stood in a circle looking on. + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:65%;"> + <img src="images/0008m.jpg" alt="0008m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0008.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + At first there was a prospect that Grasshopper would be badly beaten; for + although he kept crowding the great fat bear-king till the sweat trickled + from his shaggy ears, he never seemed to be able to push past him. But by + and by, Grasshopper, going through a number of the most extraordinary + maneuvers in the world, raised about the great fat bear-king such eddies + and whirlwinds of sand, and so danced about, before and after him, that + the king at last got fairly bewildered, and cried out for mercy. But + Grasshopper still went on and reached the goal where he only waited for + the bear-king to come up to drive an arrow through him. And now in + fulfilment of the agreement the bears must become servants, and + Grasshopper ordered them to take the body off and prepare it for supper. + </p> + <p> + "I am hungry," he said, "and would hold a great feast to celebrate our + victory." + </p> + <p> + All the bears had to help, and although bound to act becomingly according + to the forfeit, they made many a wry face as they carved up the body of + their late royal master. And either by accident or design they fell into + many curions blunders. One sprightly young fellow of an inquisitive turn + of mind was found upon the roof of the lodge, with his head half-way down + the smoke-hole, with a view to learn what they were to have for dinner. + Another, a middle-aged bear with very long arms, who was put in charge of + the children as nurse while the mothers were outside to look after the + preparations, squeezed three or four of the most promising young papooses + to death; another, when he should have been waiting at the back of his + master, had climbed a shady tree and was indulging in his afternoon nap. + And when, at last, the dinner was ready to be served, they came tumbling + in with the dishes, heels over head, one after the other, so that one-half + of the feast was spread upon the ground, and the other half deposited out + of doors, on the other side of the lodge. + </p> + <p> + After a while, however, by strict discipline and threatening to cut off + their provisions, the bear-servants were brought into tolerable control. + </p> + <p> + Yet Grasshopper, with his ever restless disposition, was uneasy; and, + having done so many wonderful things, he resolved upon a strict and + thorough reform in all the affairs of the village. To prevent future + difficulty, he determined to adopt new regulations between the bears and + their masters. + </p> + <p> + With this view, he issued an edict that henceforward the bears should eat + at the first table, and that the Indians were to wait upon them; that in + all public processions of an honorable character the bears should go + first; and that when any fighting was to be done, the Indians should have + the privilege reserved of receiving the first shots. A special exemption + was made in behalf of Grasshopper's favorite and confidential adviser, the + Pipe-bearer, who had been very busy in private, recommending the new order + of things. He was to be allowed to sit at the head of the feast, and to + stay at home with the old women in the event of battle. + </p> + <p> + Having seen his orders strictly enforced and the rights of the bears over + the Indians fairly established, Grasshopper fixed his mind upon further + adventures. He determined to go abroad for a time, and having an old score + to settle with Manabozho, he set out with a hope of soon falling in with + that famous giant. Grasshopper was a blood relation of Dais-Imid, or He of + the Little Shell, and had heard of what had passed between that giant and + his kinsman. + </p> + <p> + After wandering a long time he came to the lodge of Manabozho, who was + absent. He thought he must play him a trick; and so he turned everything + in the lodge upside down and killed his birds, of which there was an + extraordinary attendance. For Manabozho is master of the fowls of the air, + and this was the appointed morning for them to call and pay their court to + him. Among the number was a raven, accounted the meanest of birds, which + Grasshopper killed and hung up by the neck, as an insult. + </p> + <p> + He then went on till he came to a very high point of rocks running ont + into the lake, from the top of which he could see the country, back as far + as the eye could reach. While sitting there, Manabozho's mountain chickens + flew around and past him in great numbers. Out of mere spite to their + master, Grasshopper shot them by the score, for his arrows were sure and + the birds very plenty, and he amused himself by throwing the birds down + the rocks. At length a wary bird cried out: + </p> + <p> + "Grasshopper is killing us; go and tell our father." + </p> + <p> + Away sped a delegation of the birds which were the quickest of wing, and + Manabozho soon made his appearance on the plain below. Grasshopper, who, + when he is in the wrong, is no match for Manabozho, made his escape on the + other side. Manabozho, who had in two or three strides reached the top of + the mountain, cried out: + </p> + <p> + "You are a rogue. The earth is not so large but I can get up to you." + </p> + <p> + Off ran Grasshopper and Manabozho after him. The race was sharp; and such + leaps and strides as they made! Over hills and prairies with all his speed + went Grasshopper, and Manabozho hard upon him. Grasshopper had some + mischievous notions still left in his head which he thought might befriend + him. He knew that Manabozho was under a spell to restore whatever he, + Grasshopper, destroyed. Forthwith he stopped and climbed a large + pine-tree, stripped off its beautiful green foliage, threw it to the + winds, and then went on. + </p> + <p> + When Manabozho reached the spot, the tree addressed him: + </p> + <p> + "Great chief," said the tree, "will you give me my life again? Grasshopper + has killed me." + </p> + <p> + "Yes," replied Manabozho, who, as quickly as he could, gathered the + scattered leaves and branches, renewed its beauty with his breath, and set + off. Although Grasshopper in the same way compelled Manabozho to lose time + in repairing the hemlock, the sycamore, cedar, and many other trees, the + giant did not falter, but pushing briskly forward, was fast overtaking + him, when Grasshopper happened to see an elk. Asked for old acquaintance' + sake, to take him on his back, the elk did so, and for some time made good + headway, but still Manabozho was in sight. + </p> + <p> + He was fast gaining upon him, when Grasshopper threw himself off the elk's + back. Striking a great sandstone rock near the path, he broke it into + pieces, and scattered the grains in a thousand directions. Manabozho was + so close upon him at this place that he had almost caught him; but the + foundation of the rock, cried out: + </p> + <p> + "Haye! Ne-me-sho, Grasshopper has spoiled me. Will you not restore me to + life?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes," replied Manabozho, and re-established the rock in all its strength. + </p> + <p> + He then pushed on in pursuit, and had got so near to Grasshopper as to put + out his arm to seize him; but Grasshopper dodged him, and, as his last + chance, he immediately raised such a dust and commotion by whirlwinds, as + made the trees break and the sand and leaves dance in the air. Again and + again Manabozho stretched out his arm, but Grasshopper escaped him at + every turn and kept up such a tumult of dust that he was able to dash into + a hollow tree which had been blown down, and change himself into a snake + without Manabozho's seeing him. He crept out at the roots just in time to + save his life, for at that moment Manabozho, who had the power of + lightning, struck the tree, and it was strewn about in little pieces. + </p> + <p> + Again Grasshopper was in human shape, and Manabozho was pressing him hard. + At a distance he saw a very high bluff of rocks jutting out into a lake, + and he ran for the foot of the precipice, which was abrupt and elevated. + As he came near, to his surprise and great relief, the Manito of the rock + opened his door and told Grasshopper to come in. The door was no sooner + closed than Manabozho knocked. + </p> + <p> + "Open it!" he-cried, with a loud voice. + </p> + <p> + The Manito was afraid of Manabozho; but he said to Grasshopper: + </p> + <p> + "Since I have taken you as my guest, I would sooner die with you than open + the door." + </p> + <p> + "Open it!" Manabozho again cried, in a louder voice than before. + </p> + <p> + The Manito kept silent. Manabozho, however, made no attempt to open it by + force. He waited a few moments. + </p> + <p> + "Very well," he said, "I give you till morning to live." + </p> + <p> + Grasshopper trembled, for he thought his last hour had come; but the + Manito bade him to be of good cheer. + </p> + <p> + When the night came on the clouds were thick and black, and as they were + torn open by the lightning, such discharges of thunder as bellowed forth + were never before heard. The clouds advanced slowly and wrapped the earth + about with their vast shadows as in a huge cloak. All night long the + clouds gathered, and the lightning flashed, and the thunder roared, and + above all could be heard Manabozho muttering vengeance upon poor little + Grasshopper. + </p> + <p> + "You have led a very foolish kind of life, Grasshopper," said his friend + the Manito. + </p> + <p> + "I know it—I know it!" Grasshopper answered. + </p> + <p> + "You had great gifts of strength awarded to you," said the Manito. + </p> + <p> + "I am aware of it," replied Grasshopper. + </p> + <p> + "Instead of employing it for useful purposes, and for the good of your + fellow-creatures, you have done nothing since you became a man but raise + whirlwinds on the highways, leap over trees, break whatever you met in + pieces, and perform a thousand idle pranks." + </p> + <p> + Grasshopper, with great penitence, confessed that his friend the Manito + spoke but too truly; and at last his host, with a still more serious + manner, said: + </p> + <p> + "Grasshopper, you still have your gift of strength. Dedicate it to the + good of mankind. Lay all of these wanton and vainglorious notions out of + your head. In a word, be as good as you are strong." + </p> + <p> + "I will," answered Grasshopper. "My heart is changed; I see the error of + my ways." + </p> + <p> + Black and stormy as it had been all night, when morning came the sun was + shining, the air was soft and sweet as the summer down and the blown rose; + and afar off upon the side of a mountain sat Manabozho, his head upon his + knees, languid and cast down in spirit. His power was gone, for now + Grasshopper was in the right, and he could touch him no more. + </p> + <p> + With many thanks Grasshopper left the good Manito, taking the nearest way + home to his own people. + </p> + <p> + As he passed on, he fell in with an old man who was wandering about the + country in search of some place which he could not find. As soon as he + learned his difficulty, Grasshopper, placing the old man upon his back, + hurried away, and in a short hour's despatch of foot set him down among + his own kindred, of whom he had been in quest. + </p> + <p> + Losing no time, Grasshopper next came to an open plain where a small + number of men stood at bay and on the very point of being attacked by many + armed warriors, fierce of aspect and of prodigious strength. When + Grasshopper saw this unequal struggle, he rushed forward, seized a long + bare pole, and, wielding it with his whole force, drove the fierce + warriors back. Laying about him on every hand, he soon sent them a + thousand ways in great haste, and in a very sore plight. + </p> + <p> + Without tarrying to receive the thanks of those to whom he had brought + this timely relief, he made his utmost speed, and by the close of the + afternoon he had come in sight of his own village. What were his surprise + and horror, as he approached nearer, to discover the bears in excellent + condition and flesh, seated at lazy leisure in the trees, looking idly on + while his brother Indians were dancing a fantastic and wearisome dance, + for their pastime, in the course of which they were frequently compelled + to go upon all fours and bow their heads in profound obeisance to their + bear-masters in the trees. + </p> + <p> + As he drew nearer, his heart sank within him to see how starved and + hollow-eyed and woe-begone they were; and his horror was at its height + when, as he entered his own lodge, he beheld his favorite and friend, + Pipe-bearer, also on all fours, smoothing the floor with the palms of his + hands to make it a comfortable sitting-place for the bears on their return + from the dance. + </p> + <p> + It did not take Grasshopper a long time to resolve what he should do. He + immediately resumed power in the village, bestowed a sound cudgeling upon + the bears, and sent them off to live in the mountains among their own + people, as bears should; restored to his people all their rights; gave + them plenty to eat and drink; exerting his great strength in hunting, in + rebuilding their lodges, keeping in check their enemies, and doing all the + good he could to everybody. + </p> + <p> + Peace and plenty soon shone and showered upon the spot; and never once + thinking of his wild and wanton frolics, the people blessed Grasshopper + for all his kindness, and sincerely prayed that his name might be held in + honor for a thousand years to come, as no doubt it will. + </p> + <p> + Little Pipe-hearer stood by Grasshopper in all his course, and admired his + ways as much now that he had taken to being orderly and useful, as in the + old times when he was walking a mile a minute, and in mere wantonness + bringing home whole forests in his arms for fire-wood, in midsummer. + </p> + <p> + It was a great old age to which Grasshopper lived, and when at last he + came to die, there was not a dry eye in all that part of the world where + he spent his latter days. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><a name="linkimage-0013" id="linkimage-0013"> </a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:20%;"> + <img src="images/5157.jpg" alt="5157 " width="100%" /><br /><a + href="images/5157.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0011" id="link2H_4_0011"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + IX. THE TOAD-WOMAN + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"> + <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">G</span>REAT good luck + once happened to a young woman who was living all alone in the woods with + nobody near her but her little dog; for she found fresh meat every morning + at her door. She was much surprised and very curious to know who it was + that supplied her. So she watched one morning, just as the sun had risen, + and saw a handsome young man gliding away into the forest. Having seen + her, he became her husband, and they had a son. + </p> + <p> + One evening not long after this, he did not return as usual from hunting. + She waited till late at night, but he came not at all. + </p> + <p> + The next day she swung her child to sleep in its cradle, and then said to + her dog, "Take care of your brother while I am gone, and when he cries, + halloo for me." + </p> + <p> + The cradle was made of the finest wampum, and all its bandages and + ornaments were of the same precious stuff. + </p> + <p> + After a short time, the woman heard the cry of the dog, and running home + as fast as she could, she found her child gone, and the dog too. On + looking around, she saw scattered upon the ground pieces of the wampum of + her child's cradle, and she knew that the dog had been faithful and had + striven his best to save the babe from being carried off. + </p> + <p> + Now the thief was an old woman from a distant country, called Mukakee + Mindemoea, or the Toad-Woman. The mother hurried off at full speed in + pursuit of her. As she flew along, she came from time to time to lodges + inhabited by old women, who told her at what time the child-thief had + passed; they also gave her shoes that she might follow on. A number of + these old women seemed to be prophetesses, and knew what was to come long + beforehand. Each of them would say to her that when she had arrived at the + next lodge, she must set the toes of the moccasins they had given her + pointing homeward, and that they would then return of themselves. The + young woman was very careful to send back in this manner all the shoes she + borrowed. + </p> + <p> + She thus followed in the pursuit, from valley to valley, and stream to + stream, for many months and years, and at length came to the lodge of the + last of the friendly old grandmothers, as they were called, who gave her + final instructions how to proceed. She told the mother that she was near + the place where her son was to be found; and she directed her to build a + lodge of cedar-boughs hard by the old Toad-Woman's lodge, and to make a + little bark dish, and to fill it with the juice of the wild grape. + </p> + <p> + "Then," she said, "your first child (meaning the dog) will come and find + you out." + </p> + <p> + These directions the young woman followed just as they had been given to + her, and in a short time she heard her son, now grown up, going out to + hunt. The dog was following and she called out to him, "Pee-waubik—Spirit-Iron—Twee! + Twee!" + </p> + <p> + The dog came into the lodge, and she set before him the dish of + grape-juice. + </p> + <p> + "See, my child," she said, addressing him, "the pretty drink your mother + gives you." + </p> + <p> + Spirit-Iron took a long draught, and immediately left the lodge with his + eyes wide open; for this was the drink which teaches one to see the truth + of things as they are. He rose up when he got into the open air, stood + upon his hind-legs, and looked about. + </p> + <p> + "I see how it is," he said; and marching off, erect as a man, he sought + out his young master. + </p> + <p> + Approaching him in great confidence, he bent down and whispered in his + ear, having first looked cautiously around to see that no one was + listening: + </p> + <p> + "This old woman here in the lodge is no mother of yours. I have found your + real mother, and she is worth looking at. When we come back from our day's + sport, I'll prove it to you." + </p> + <p> + They went out into the woods, and at the close of the afternoon they + brought back a great spoil of meat of all kinds. Then the young man, as + soon as he had laid aside his weapons, said to the old Toad-Woman, "Send + some of the best of this meat to the stranger who has arrived lately." + </p> + <p> + The Toad-Woman answered, "No! Why should I send to her, the poor widow!" + But the young man would not be refused; and at last the old Toad-Woman + consented to take something and throw it down at the door. + </p> + <p> + "My son gives you this," she called out. But, being bewitched by Mukakee + Mindemoea, the meat was so bitter and distasteful that the young woman + immediately cast it out of the lodge after her. + </p> + <p> + In the evening the young man paid the stranger a visit at her lodge of + cedar-houghs. She then told him that she was his real mother, and that he + had been stolen away from her by the old Toad-Woman, who was a child-thief + and a witch. As the young man appeared to doubt, she said to him: "Feign + yourself sick when you go home to her lodge; and when the Toad-Woman asks + what ails you, say that you wish to see your cradle; for your cradle was + of wampum, and your faithful brother the dog, in striving to save you, + tore off these pieces which I show you." + </p> + <p> + They were real wampum, white and blue, shining and beautiful; and the + young man, placing them in his bosom, set off. He did not seem quite + steady in his belief of the strange woman's story. But the dog, + Spirit-Iron, taking his arm, kept close by his side and gave him many + words of encouragement as they went along. They entered the lodge + together; and the old Toad-Woman saw, from something in the dog's eye, + that trouble was coming. + </p> + <p> + "Mother," said the young man, placing his hand to his head and leaning + heavily upon Spirit-Iron, as if a sudden faintness had come upon him, "Why + am I so different in looks from the rest of your children?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh," she answered, "there was a very bright, clear blue sky when you were + born; that is the reason." + </p> + <p> + He seemed to be so very ill that the Toad-Woman at length asked what she + could do for him. He said that nothing could do him good but the sight of + his cradle. She ran immediately and brought a cedar cradle; but he said: + </p> + <p> + "That is not my cradle." + </p> + <p> + She went and got another of her own children's cradles, of which there + were four; but he turned his head and said: + </p> + <p> + "That is not mine; I am as sick as ever." + </p> + <p> + When she had shown the four, and they had all been rejected, she at last + produced the real cradle. The young man saw that it was of the same stuff + as the wampum which he had in his bosom. He could even see the marks of + the teeth of Spirit-Iron left upon the edges, where he had taken hold, + striving to hold it back. So he had no doubt, now, which was his mother. + </p> + <p> + To get free of the old Toad-Woman, it was necessary that the young man + should kill a fat bear; and, being directed by Spirit-Iron, who was very + wise in such a matter, he secured the fattest in all that country. Having + stripped a tall pine of all its bark and branches, he perched the carcass + in the top, with its head to the east and its tail due west. Then + returning to the lodge, he informed the old Toad-Woman that the fat hear + was ready for her, but that to get it she would have to go very far, even + to the end of the earth. She answered: + </p> + <p> + "It is not so far but that I can get it!" For of all things in the world, + a fat bear was the delight of the old Toad-Woman. + </p> + <p> + She at once set forth; and she was no sooner out of sight than the young + man and his dog, Spirit-Iron, blew a strong breath in the face of the + Toad-Woman's four children (who were all bad spirits, or bear-fiends), and + so put out their life. Then setting them up by the side of the door, they + thrust a piece of the white bear-fat in each of their mouths. + </p> + <p> + The Toad-Woman spent a long time in finding the bear which she had been + sent after, and she made at least five and twenty attempts before she was + able to climb to the carcass. She slipped down three times where she went + up once. But at last she succeeded and returned with the great bear on her + back. As she drew near her lodge she was astonished to see the four + children standing up by the door-posts with the fat in their mouths. She + was angry with them, and called out: + </p> + <p> + "Why do you thus insult the pomatum of your brother?" + </p> + <p> + She was still more angry when they made no answer to her complaint; but + when she found that they were stark dead and had been placed in this way + to mock her, her fury was very great indeed. She ran after the tracks of + the young man and his mother as fast as she could; so fast, indeed, that + she was on the very point of overtaking them, when the dog, Spirit-Iron, + coming close up to his master, whispered to him—"Snake-berry!" + </p> + <p> + "Let the snakeberry spring up to detain her!" cried out the young man. And + immediately the berries spread for a long distance like scarlet all over + the path, and the old Toad-Woman, who was almost as fond of these berries + as she was of fat bears, could not avoid stooping down to pick and eat. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><a name="linkimage-0014" id="linkimage-0014"> </a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:65%;"> + <img src="images/0165m.jpg" alt="0165m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0165.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + The old Toad-Woman was very anxious to get forward, but the + snakeberry-vines kept spreading out on every side; and they grew and grew, + and spread and spread. And to this day the wicked old Toad-Woman is busy + picking the berries. She will never be able to get beyond to the other + side, to disturb the happiness of the young hunter and his mother, who + still live, with their faithful dog, in the shadow of the beautiful + wood-side where they were born. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0012" id="link2H_4_0012"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + X. THE ORIGIN OF THE ROBIN + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"> + <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">A</span>N old man had an + only son, named Iadilla, who had come to that age when it is thought to be + time for a boy to make the long and final fast which is to secure through + life a guardian genius or spirit. The father was ambitious that his son + should surpass all others in whatever was deemed wisest and greatest among + his people. He thought it necessary that the young Iadilla, to do this, + should fast a much longer time than any of those renowned for their power + or wisdom. The father therefore directed his son to prepare with great + ceremony for the important event. First he was to go several times to the + sweating-lodge and bath, which were to prepare and purify him for + communion with his good spirit. Then he was to lie down upon a clean mat + in a little lodge expressly provided for him. He was especially enjoined, + at the same time, to endure his fast like a man, and promised that at the + end of twelve days he should receive food and the blessing of his father. + </p> + <p> + The lad carefully observed these commands, and lay with his face covered, + calmly awaiting the approach of the spirit which was to decide his good or + evil fortune for all the days of his life. + </p> + <p> + Every morning his father came to the door of the little lodge and + encouraged him to persevere, dwelling at length on the vast honor and + renown that must ever attend him, should he accomplish the full term of + trial allotted to him. + </p> + <p> + To these glowing words of promise and glory the boy never replied, but he + lay without the least sign of discontent or murmuring until the ninth day, + when he addressed his father as follows: + </p> + <p> + "My father, my dreams forbode evil. May I break my fast now, and at a more + favorable time make a new fast?" + </p> + <p> + The father answered: + </p> + <p> + "My son, you know not what you ask. If you get up now, all your glory will + depart. Wait patiently a little longer. You have but three days more, and + your term will be completed. You know it is for your own good, and I + encourage you to persevere. Shall not your aged father live to see you a + star among the chieftains and the beloved of battle?" + </p> + <p> + The son assented; and covering himself more closely, that he might shut + out the light which prompted him to complain, he lay till the eleventh + day, when he repeated his request. + </p> + <p> + The father addressed Iadilla as he had the day before, and promised that + he would himself prepare his first meal and bring it to him by the dawn of + the next morning. + </p> + <p> + The son moaned, and the father added: + </p> + <p> + "Will you bring shame upon your father when he is is falling in the west?" + </p> + <p> + "I will not shame you, my father," replied Iadilla; he lay so still and + motionless that you could only know that he was living by the gentle + heaving of his chest. + </p> + <p> + At the spring of day, the father, delighted at having gained his end, + prepared a repast for his son and hastened to set it before him. But on + coming to the door of rhe little lodge, he was surprised to hear his son + talking to himself. He stooped his ear to listen, and, looking through a + small opening, was yet more astonished when he beheld his son painted with + vermillion over all his breast. He was just in the act of finishing his + work by laying on the paint as far back on his shoulders as he could + reach, saying at the same time to himself: "My father has destroyed my + fortune as a man. He would not listen to my requests. He has urged me + beyond my tender strength. He will be the loser. I shall be forever happy + in my new state, for I have been obedient to my parent. He alone will be + the sufferer, for my guardian spirit is a just one. Though not propitious + to me in the manner I desired, he has shown me pity in another way—he + has given me another shape; and now I must go." + </p> + <p> + At this moment the old man broke in, exclaiming: + </p> + <p> + "My son! my son! I pray you leave me not!" + </p> + <p> + But the young man, with the quickness of a bird, had flown to the top of + the lodge and perched himself on the highest pole, having been changed + into a beautiful robin red-breast. He looked down upon his father with + pity beaming in his eyes, and addressed him as follows: + </p> + <p> + "Regret not, my father, the change you behold. I shall be happier in my + present state than I could have been as a man. I shall always be the + friend of men and keep near their dwellings. I shall ever be happy and + contented; and although I could not be a mighty warrior as you wished, it + will be my daily aim to make you amends for it as a harbinger of peace and + joy. I will cheer you by my songs and strive to inspire in others the joy + and lightsomeness of heart I feel in my present state. This will be some + compensation to you for the loss of glory you expected. I am now free from + the cares and pains of human life. My food is spontaneously furnished by + the mountains and fields, and my path of fife is in the bright air." + </p> + <p> + Then stretching himself on his toes, as if delighted with the gift of + wings, Iadilla carolled one of his sweetest songs and flew away into a + neighboring wood. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><a name="linkimage-0016" id="linkimage-0016"> </a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:20%;"> + <img src="images/5170.jpg" alt="5170 " width="100%" /><br /><a + href="images/5170.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0013" id="link2H_4_0013"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XI. WHITE FEATHER AND THE SIX GIANTS + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"> + <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">T</span>HERE was an old + man living in the depth of a forest with his grandson, whom he had taken + in charge when quite an infant. The child had no parents, brothers, or + sisters; they had all been destroyed by six large giants, and he was + informed that he had no other relative living besides his grandfather. The + band of Indians to whom he had belonged had put up their children on a + wager in a race against those of the giants, and had thus lost them. But + there was an old tradition in the tribe, that one day it would produce a + great man, who would wear a white feather, and who would astonish every + one by his feats of skill and bravery. + </p> + <p> + The grandfather, as soon as the child could play about, gave him a bow and + arrows to amuse himself with. He went into the edge of the woods one day + and saw a rabbit; but not knowing what it was, he ran home and described + it to his grandfather, who told him that its flesh was good to eat, and + that if he would shoot one of his arrows into its body he would kill it. + The boy went out again and brought home the little animal, which he asked + his grandfather to boil, that they might feast on it. The old man humored + the boy in this and encouraged him to go on acquiring the knowledge of + hunting, until he could kill deer and the larger kinds of game. And thus + he became, as he grew up, an expert hunter. + </p> + <p> + As they lived alone, and away from other Indians, the curiosity of the + stripling was excited to know what was passing in the world. One day he + came to the edge of a prairie, where he saw ashes like those at his + grandfather's lodge, and lodge-poles left standing. He returned and + inquired whether his grandfather had put up the poles and made the fire. + </p> + <p> + "No," answered the old man, "nor do I believe that you have seen anything + of the kind; you must have lost your sense to be thinking of such things." + </p> + <p> + Another day the youth went out to see what there was, within a day's hunt, + that was curious; and on entering the woods he heard a voice calling out + to him: + </p> + <p> + "Come here, you who are destined to wear the White Feather. You do not + wear it, yet, but you are worthy of it. Return home and take a short nap. + You will dream of hearing a voice, which will tell you to rise and smoke. + You will see in your dream a pipe, a smoking-sack, and a large white + feather. When you awake you will find these articles. Put the feather on + your head, and you will become a great hunter, a great warrior, and a + great man, able to do anything. As a proof that these things shall come to + pass, when you smoke, the smoke will turn into pigeons." + </p> + <p> + The voice then informed the youth who he was, and made known the character + of his grandfather, who was imposing upon him to serve his own ends. + </p> + <p> + The voice-spirit then caused a vine to be laid at his side, and told him + that he was now of an age to avenge the wrongs of his kindred. + </p> + <p> + "When you meet your enemy," the spirit added, "you will run a race with + him. He will not see the vine, because it is enchanted. While you are + running, you will throw it over his head and entangle him, so that you + will win the race." + </p> + <p> + Long before this speech was ended the youth had turned to the quarter from + which the voice proceeded, and was astonished to behold a man; as yet he + had never seen any human being besides his grandfather. + </p> + <p> + As he looked more keenly, he saw that this man, who had the looks of great + age, was wood from the breast downward, and that he appeared to be fixed + in the earth. As the youth's eye dwelt upon this strange being, the + countenance by degrees faded away, and when he advanced to the spot whence + it had addressed him, it was gone. + </p> + <p> + He returned home; slept, and in the midst of his slumbers, as from the + hollow of the air, heard the voice; wakened and found the promised gifts. + It was all just as the old man had said. The grandfather on awakening was + greatly surprised to find the youth with a white feather on his forehead, + and to see flocks of pigeons flying out of the lodge. He then remembered + the old tradition, and knowing that now the day had come when he should + lose control of his charge, he bitterly bewailed the hour. + </p> + <p> + Possessed of his three magic gifts, the young man departed the next + morning, to seek his enemies and to demand revenge. + </p> + <p> + The six giants lived in a very high lodge in the middle of a wood. He + traveled on with good heart till he reached this lodge, where he found + that his coming had been made known by the little spirits who carry the + news. The giants hastened out and gave a cry of joy as they saw him + drawing near. "When he approached within hail, they began to make sport of + him, saying: + </p> + <p> + "Here comes the little man with the white feather, who is to achieve such + wonderful wonders." + </p> + <p> + When, however, he had arrived among them, they spoke him fair, saying he + was a brave man and would do brave things. Their object was to encourage + him, so that he would be bold to engage in some foolhardy trial of + strength. + </p> + <p> + Without paying much heed to their fine speeches, White Feather went + fearlessly into their lodge; and without waiting for invitation, he + challenged them to a foot-match. They agreed; and by way of being easy at + first, told him to begin the race with the smallest of their number. + </p> + <p> + The point to which they were to run was a peeled tree toward the rising + sun, and then back to the starting-place, which was a war-club of iron. + Whoever won this stake was empowered to use it in despatching the defeated + champion. If White Feather should overcome the first giant, he was to try + the second, and so on, until they had all measured speed with him. To this + the giants agreed without a thought that he would survive the first trial. + But White Feather feared nothing and, by a dexterous use of the vine, + gained the race, struck down his competitor, and cut off his head. + </p> + <p> + The next morning he raced with the second giant, whom he also outran, + killed and beheaded. + </p> + <p> + He went on in this way for five mornings, always conquering by the aid of + his vine, and lopping off the heads of the vanquished. + </p> + <p> + Finally the last of the giants who was yet to run with him acknowledged + his power, but prepared secretly to deceive him. By way of parley, he + proposed that White Feather should leave the heads with him, and offered + to give him a handsome start for odds. This White Feather declined, as he + preferred to keep the heads as trophies of his victory. + </p> + <p> + On his way to the giant's lodge the sixth morning, White Feather met his + old counsellor in the woods. He was standing rooted in the earth, as + before. He told White Feather that he was about to give him a word of + warning. + </p> + <p> + "On your way this morning," he said, "you will meet the most beautiful + woman in the world, but do not trust her or pay the least attention to + her. As soon as you catch her eye you must wish yourself changed into an + elk. The change will take place immediately. Do not look at her again." + </p> + <p> + White Feather thanked his kind adviser, who even as he spoke was + disappearing as before, then proceeded toward the lodge. He had not gone + far before he met the maiden, who was, indeed, as lovely as the morning's + light. This was White Feather's first sight of a maiden, and he was + greatly disposed to linger. But remembering the counsellor's words, he + lost no time in becoming an elk. At this the maiden began to reproach him + that he had cast aside the form of a man so that he might avoid her. + </p> + <p> + "I have traveled a great distance," she said, "to see you and to become + your wife; for I have heard of your great achievements and admire you very + much." + </p> + <p> + Now this woman was the sixth giant, who had assumed this disguise to + entrap White Feather. But without a suspicion of her real character, her + reproaches and her beauty affected him so deeply that he wished himself a + man again, and at once resumed his natural shape. Then they sat down and + began to talk together. + </p> + <p> + Soothed by her smiles and gracious manner, he laid his head on her lap, + and in a little while fell into a deep slumber. + </p> + <p> + Even then, such was her fear of White Feather, she doubted whether his + sleep might not be feigned. To assure herself she pushed his head aside, + and seeing that he remained unconscious, she quickly assumed the form of + the sixth giant. He took the plume from the brow of White Feather and + placed it upon his own head. Then with a sudden blow of his war-club the + giant changed White Feather into a dog, in which form he followed his + enemy to the lodge. + </p> + <p> + While these things were passing, there were living in an Indian village at + some distance two sisters, the daughters of a chief. These sisters were + rivals, and they were at that very time fasting to acquire power for + enticing the wearer of the white feather to visit their lodge. They each + secretly hoped to win his love, and each had built a lodge on the border + of the village encampment. + </p> + <p> + The giant, knowing this and having become possessed of the magic plume, + went immediately to visit them. As he approached, the sisters, who were on + the look-out at their lodge-doors, espied and recognized the feather. + </p> + <p> + The elder sister had prepared her lodge with great show, and all the + finery she could command, so as to attract the eye. The younger touched + nothing in her lodge, but left it in its ordinary state. + </p> + <p> + The elder went out to meet the giant and invited him in. He accepted her + invitation and made her his wife. The younger sister invited the enchanted + dog into her lodge, prepared him a good supper and a neat bed, and treated + him with much attention. + </p> + <p> + The giant, supposing that whoever possessed the white feather possessed + also all its virtues, went out upon the prairie to hunt, hallooing aloud + to the game to come and be killed; but the great hubbub he kept up scared + them away, and he returned at night with nothing but himself; for he had + shouted so lustily all day long that he had been obliged to leave even the + mighty halloo behind. + </p> + <p> + The dog went out the same day hunting upon the banks of a river. He stole + quietly along to a certain spot, and stepping into the water drew out a + stone, which instantly became a beaver. + </p> + <p> + The next day the giant followed the dog, and hiding behind a tree, watched + the manner in which the dog hunted in the river and drew out a stone, + which at once turned into a beaver. + </p> + <p> + "Ah, ha!" said the giant to himself, "I will catch some beaver for + myself." + </p> + <p> + So as soon as the dog had left the place, the giant went to the river, + and, imitating the dog, drew out a stone. He was delighted to see it + change into a fine fat beaver as soon as it touched the land. + </p> + <p> + Tying it to his belt he hastened home, shouting a good deal and + brandishing the white feather about, as if he were prepared now to show + them what he could do when he once tried. And when he reached home he + threw the beaver down, as is the custom, at the door of the lodge before + he entered. + </p> + <p> + After being seated a short time, he gave a dry cough and bade his wife + bring in his hunting girdle. She made despatch to obey him and presently + returned with the girdle, with nothing tied to it but a stone. + </p> + <p> + The next day the dog, finding that his method of catching beavers had been + discovered, went to a wood at some distance and broke off a charred limb + from a burned tree. This limb instantly became a bear. The giant, who + appeared to have lost faith in his hullaba-looing, again watched him, did + exactly as the dog had done, and carried a bear home; but his wife, when + she came to go out for it, found nothing but a black stick tied to his + belt. + </p> + <p> + And so it happened with everything. Whatever the dog undertook, prospered; + whatever the giant attempted, failed. And even his brave halloo had now + died away to a feeble chirp. Every day the younger sister had reason to be + more proud of the poor dog she had asked into her lodge, and every day the + elder sister was made more aware that, though she had married the white + feather, the virtues of the magic plume were not the personal property of + the noisy giant. + </p> + <p> + At last the wife determined that she would go to her father and make known + to him what a valuable husband she had, and how he furnished her lodge + with a great abundance of sticks and stones, which he would pass upon her + for bear and beaver. So, when her husband had started for the hunt, she + set out. + </p> + <p> + As soon as these two had gone away from the neighborhood, the dog made + signs to his mistress to sweat him after the manner of the Indians. He had + always been a good dog, and she was willing to oblige him. She accordingly + made a lodge just large enough for him to creep in. She then put in heated + stones and poured water upon them, raising a vapor that filled the lodge + and searched with its warmth to the very heart's core of the enchanted + dog. + </p> + <p> + When this had been kept up for the customary time, the enchanted dog was + completely sweated away, and out came in his stead a very handsome young + man. But unhappily he was without the power of speech. In taking away the + form of the dog, it appears that the sweating-lodge had also carried off + his voice with it. + </p> + <p> + Meantime the elder sister had reached her father's lodge and had told him + with much circumstance and a very long face how her sister was supporting + an idle dog, and entertaining him as her husband. In her anxiety to make + known her sister's affairs and the great scandal she was bringing upon the + family, the elder sister forgot to say anything of the sticks and stones + which her own husband brought home for bears and beavers. The old man + listening to his daughter and suspecting that there was magic about, sent + a deputation of young men and women to ask his younger daughter to come to + him and to bring her dog along with her. When the deputation reached the + lodge, they were surprised to find in the place of the dog a fine young + man; and on announcing their message, they all returned to the old chief, + who was no less surprised at the change. + </p> + <p> + He immediately assembled all the old and wise beads of the nation to come + and be witnesses to the exploits which it was reported that the young man + could perform. The sixth giant, although neither very old nor very wise, + thrust himself in among the relations of the old chief. + </p> + <p> + When they were all assembled and seated in a circle, the old chief took + his pipe and filled it, and passed it to the Indians around, to see if + anything would happen when they smoked. They passed it on until it came to + the Dog, who made a sign that it should be handed first to the giant, and + this was done. And the giant puffed with all his might, and shook the + white feather upon his head, and swelled his chest; but nothing came of + it, except a great deal of smoke. The Dog then took it himself. He made a + sign to them to put the white feather upon his head. This was no sooner + done than he recovered his speech, and, beginning to draw upon the pipe at + the same moment, behold! immense flocks of white and blue pigeons rushed + from the smoke. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><a name="linkimage-0017" id="linkimage-0017"> </a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:65%;"> + <img src="images/0183m.jpg" alt="0183m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0183.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + Then White Feather, at the request of the company, faithfully recounted + his history, and the sixth giant was known for what he was. So the old + chief, who was a magician too, ordered that he should be transformed into + a dog and turned into the middle of the village, where the boys could pelt + him to death with clubs. This being done, the whole six giants were at an + end, and never troubled that neighborhood again, forever after. + </p> + <p> + The chief then gave out a further command, at the request of White + Feather, that all the young men should employ themselves four days in + making arrows. White Feather also asked for a buffalo robe. This he cut + into thin shreds, and in the night went secretly and sowed them about the + prairie in every direction. + </p> + <p> + At the end of the four days he invited the young men to gather together + all of their arrows and to accompany him to a buffalo hunt. When they got + out upon the prairie, they found it covered with a great herd of buffalos. + Of these they killed as many as they pleased, and afterward they had a + grand festival in honor of White Feather's triumph over the giants. + </p> + <p> + All this being pleasantly over, White Feather got his wife to ask her + father's permission to go with him on a visit to his grandfather. The old + chief replied that a woman must follow her husband into whatever quarter + of the world he may choose to go. + </p> + <p> + So bidding farewell to all his friends, White Feather placed the plume in + his frontlet, took his war-club in his hand, and led the way into the + forest, followed by his faithful wife. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0014" id="link2H_4_0014"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XII. SHEEM, THE FORSAKEN BOY + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"> + <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">O</span>N a certain + afternoon the sun was falling in the west, and in the midst of the ruddy + silence a solitary lodge stood on the banks of a remote lake. One sound + only broke in the least degree the forest stillness—the low + breathing of the dying inmate of the lodge, who was the head of a poor + family. His wife and children surrounded the buffalo robe on which he lay. + Of the children, two were almost grown up—a daughter and a son; the + other was a boy, and a mere child in years. + </p> + <p> + All the skill of the household in simple medicines was exhausted, and they + stood watching now, awaiting the departure of the spirit. As one of the + last acts of kindness, the skin door of the lodge had been thrown back to + admit the fresh air of the evening. The poor man felt a momentary return + of strength, and raising himself a little, he addressed his family: + </p> + <p> + "I leave you," he said, "in a world of care, in which it has required all + my strength and skill to supply you food, and to protect you from the + storms and cold of a harsh climate." + </p> + <p> + He cast his eyes upon his wife, and continued: "For you, my partner in + life, I have less sorrow, because I am persuaded you will not remain long + behind me; but you, my children! my poor and forsaken children, who have + just begun the career of life! Who will shelter you from calamity? Listen + to my words. Unkindness, ingratitude, and every wickedness are in the + outside world. It was for this that years ago I withdrew from my kindred + and my tribe to spend our days in this lonely spot. I have contented + myself with the company of your mother and yourselves, during seasons of + very frequent scarcity and want, while your kindred, feasting in plenty, + have caused the forests to echo with the shouts of successful war. I gave + up these things for the enjoyment of peace. I wished to hide you away from + the bad examples which would have spoiled your innocence. I have seen you, + thus far, grow up in purity of heart. If we have sometimes suffered bodily + want, we have escaped pain of mind. We have not been compelled to look on + or to take a part with the red hand in scenes of rioting and bloodshed. My + path now stops. I have arrived at the brink of the world. I will shut my + eyes in peace if you, my children, will promise me to cherish each other. + Let not your mother suffer during the few days that are left to her; and I + charge you, on no account, to forsake your younger brother. Of him I give + you both my dying command to have a tender care." + </p> + <p> + He spoke no more, and as the sun fell out of view the light had gone from + his face. The family stood still, as if they expected to hear something + further; but when they came to his side and called him by name, his spirit + did not answer. It was in another world. + </p> + <p> + The mother and daughter lamented aloud, but the elder son clothed himself + in a mantle of silence and took his course as though nothing had occurred. + He exerted himself to supply, with his bow and net, the wants of the + little household, but he never made mention of his father. + </p> + <p> + Five moons had filled and waned, and the sixth was near its full, when the + mother also died. In her last moments she begged them to fulfil their + father's wish. + </p> + <p> + The winter passed, and the spring, sparkling in the clear northern air, + cheered the spirits of the lonely little people in the lodge. + </p> + <p> + The girl, being the eldest, directed her brothers, and she seemed to feel + a tender and sisterly affection for the youngest, who was slight of frame + and of a delicate temper. The other boy soon began to break forth with + restless speeches, which showed that his spirit was not at ease. One day + he addressed his sister as follows: + </p> + <p> + "My sister, are we always to live as if there were no other human beings + in the world? Must I deprive myself of the pleasure of mingling with my + own kind? I have determined this question for myself. I shall seek the + villages of men, and you can not prevent me." + </p> + <p> + The sister replied: + </p> + <p> + "I do not say no, my brother, to what you desire; we are not forbidden the + society of our fellow mortals, but we are told to cherish each other, and + to do nothing that shall not be agreeable to all our little household. + Neither pleasure nor pain ought, therefore, to separate us, especially + from our younger brother, who, being but a child and weakly withal, is + entitled to a double share of our affection. If we follow our separate + fancies, it will surely make us neglect him, whom we are bound to support + by vows both to our father and mother." + </p> + <p> + The young man received this address in silence, still took his course as + though nothing out of the ordinary way had occurred, and after a while + seemed to recover his spirits. Now as they lived in a large country, where + there were open fields, the two brothers often amused themselves in + playing ball. One afternoon Owasso, the elder brother, chose the ground + near to a beautiful lake, and they played and laughed with great spirit, + and the ball was seldom allowed to touch the ground. + </p> + <p> + In this lake there happened to harbor a wicked old Manito, Mishosha by + name. He looked at the brothers as they played and was vastly pleased with + their nimbleness and beauty. He thought to himself, "What shall I do to + get these lads to accompany me? I know—one of them shall hit the + ball sideways and it shall fall into my canoe." + </p> + <p> + It so happened, and it somehow seemed as if Owasso had purposely given the + ball that direction. But when he saw the old man, he professed to be + greatly surprised, as the other, Sheem by name, was in truth, for he had + not noticed the old Manito before. + </p> + <p> + "Bring the ball to us," they both cried ont. "Come to the shore." + </p> + <p> + "No," answered the old magician. He, however, came near enough for either + of them to wade out to him. "Come, come," he said. "Come and get your + ball." + </p> + <p> + They insisted that he should come ashore, but this he sturdily declined to + do. + </p> + <p> + "Very well," said Owasso, "I will go and get it." And he ran into the + water. "Hand it to me," he said, when he had approached near enough to + receive it. + </p> + <p> + "Ha!" answered the Manito, "reach over and get it yourself." + </p> + <p> + Owasso was about to grasp the ball, when the old magician suddenly seized + him and pushed him into the boat. + </p> + <p> + "My grandfather," said Owasso, "pray take my little brother also. Alone I + can not go with you; he will starve if I leave him." + </p> + <p> + Mishosha only laughed at him. He then uttered the charmed words, "Chemaun + Poll!" and gave his canoe a slap, whereupon it glided through the water + with the swiftness of an arrow without further help. + </p> + <p> + In a short time they reached the magician's lodge, which stood upon the + further shore a little distance back from the lake. The two daughters of + Mishosha were seated within. + </p> + <p> + "My daughter," the magician said to the eldest, as they entered the lodge, + "I have brought you a husband." + </p> + <p> + The young woman smiled; for Owasso was a comely youth to look upon. The + magician told him to take his seat near her, and by this act the marriage + ceremony was completed. Owasso and the magician's daughter were now man + and wife, and in the course of time a son was born to them. + </p> + <p> + But no sooner was Owasso in the family than the old Manito wished him out + of the way, and went about in his own wicked fashion to compass it. + </p> + <p> + One day he asked his son-in-law to go out a-fishing with him. They started + without delay; for the magician had only to speak, and oft went the canoe. + Soon they reached a solitary bay in an island, a very dark, lonely, and + out-of-the-way place. The Manito advised Owasso to spear a large sturgeon + that came alongside, which with its great glassy eye turned up seemed to + recognize the magician. Owasso rose in the boat to dart his spear, and by + speaking that moment to his canoe, Mishosha shot forward in it and hurled + his son-in-law headlong into the water. Leaving him to struggle for + himself, the old magician was soon out of sight. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile Owasso, being himself gifted with certain limited magical + powers, spoke to the fish and bade him swim toward the lodge, then + grabbing hold of the tail, he was carried along at great speed. Once he + directed the sturgeon to rise near the surface of the water, so that he + might, if possible, get a view of the magician. The fish obeyed, and + Owasso saw the wicked old Manito busy in another direction, fishing, as + unconcerned as though he had not just lost a member of his family. + </p> + <p> + On went the fish, and on went Owasso, till they reached the shore, near + the magician's lodge. He then spoke kindly to the sturgeon and told him he + should not be angry at having been speared, as he was created to be meat + for man. The sturgeon made no reply, or if he did, it has not been + reported; and Owasso, drawing the fish on shore, went up and told his wife + to dress and cook it immediately. By the time it was prepared the magician + had come in sight. + </p> + <p> + "Your grandfather has arrived," said the woman to her son; "go and see + what he brings, and eat this as you go"—handing him a piece of the + fish. + </p> + <p> + The boy went, and the magician no sooner saw him with the fish in his + hand, than he asked him, "What are you eating? Who brought it?" + </p> + <p> + The boy replied, "My father brought it." + </p> + <p> + The magician began to feel uneasy, for he saw that he had been outwitted. + He put on a grave face, however, and entering the lodge, acted as if + nothing unusual had happened. + </p> + <p> + Some days after this, Mishosha again requested his son-in-law to accompany + him; and Owasso, without hesitation, said "Yes!" + </p> + <p> + They went out and quickly arrived at a solitary island, which was no more + than a heap of high and craggy rocks. + </p> + <p> + The magician said to Owasso, "Go on shore, my son, and pick up all the + gulls' eggs you can find." + </p> + <p> + The rocks were strewn with eggs, and the air resounded with the cry of the + birds as they saw them gathered up by Owasso. + </p> + <p> + The old magician took the opportunity to speak to the gulls. + </p> + <p> + "I have long wished," he said, "to offer you something. I now give you + this young man for food." + </p> + <p> + He then uttered the charm to his canoe, and it shot out of sight, leaving + Owasso to make his peace the best way he could. + </p> + <p> + The gulls flew in immense numbers around, all ready to devour him, but + Owasso did not lose his presence cf mind. He addressed them and said: + </p> + <p> + "Gulls, you know you were not formed to eat human flesh, nor was man made + to be the prey of birds. Obey my words. Fly close together, a sufficient + number of you, and carry me on your backs to the magician's lodge." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><a name="linkimage-0018" id="linkimage-0018"> </a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:65%;"> + <img src="images/0193m.jpg" alt="0193m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0193.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + They listened attentively to what he said, and seeing nothing unreasonable + in his request, they obeyed him, and Owasso soon found himself sailing + swiftly homeward through the air. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the old magician had fallen asleep and allowed his canoe to come + to a standstill. Owasso, in his flight over the lake, saw him lying on his + back in the boat taking a nap, which was quite natural, as the day was + very soft and balmy. + </p> + <p> + As Owasso, with his convoy of birds, passed over, he let fall a capful of + gulls' eggs directly in the face of the old magician. They broke and so + besmeared Misho-sha's eyes that he could barely see. He jumped up and + exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + "It is always so with these thoughtless birds. They never consider where + they drop their eggs." + </p> + <p> + Owasso flew on and reached the lodge in safety, where, excusing himself + for the liberty, he killed two or three of the gulls, as he wished their + feathers to ornament his son's head. + </p> + <p> + When the magician arrived, soon after, his grandson came out to meet him, + tossing his head about as the feathers danced and struggled with the wind. + </p> + <p> + "Where did you get these," asked the Manito, "and who brought them?" + </p> + <p> + "My father brought them," the boy replied. + </p> + <p> + The old magician was quite distressed in his mind that he had not + destroyed his son-in-law. He entered his lodge in silence and set his wits + busily at work again to contrive some more successful plan to gain his + purpose. + </p> + <p> + He could not help saying to himself: + </p> + <p> + "What manner of boy is this who is ever escaping from my power? But his + guardian spirit shall not save him. I will entrap him to-morrow. Ha, ha, + ha!" + </p> + <p> + He was painfully aware that he had tried two of his charms without effect, + and that he had only two more left. But he now professed to be more + friendly with his son-in-law than ever, and the very next day he said to + Owasso: + </p> + <p> + "Come, my son, you must go with me to procure some young eagles. We will + tame them and have them for pets about the lodge. I have discovered an + island where they are in great abundance." + </p> + <p> + They started on the trip, and after traversing an immense waste of water, + at last reached the island. Mishosha led Owasso inland until they came to + the foot of a tall pine-tree, upon which the nests were to be found. + </p> + <p> + "Now, my son," said Mishosha, "climb up this tree and bring down the + birds. I think you will get some fine ones up there." + </p> + <p> + Owasso obeyed. When he had with great difficulty got near the nest, + Mishosha cried out, addressing himself to the tree, and without much + regard for the wishes of Owasso: + </p> + <p> + "Now stretch yourself up and he very tall." + </p> + <p> + The tree, at this bidding, rose up so far that Owasso would have imperiled + his neck by any attempt to get to the ground. + </p> + <p> + "Listen, ye eagles!" continued Mishosha. "You have long expected a gift + from me. I now present you this boy, who has had the presumption to climb + up to your nests in order to molest your young. Stretch forth your claws + and seize him." + </p> + <p> + So saying, the old magician turned his back upon Owasso, and going off in + the canoe, left his son-in-law to shift for himself. + </p> + <p> + But the birds did not seem to be so badly minded as the old magician had + supposed; for a very old bald eagle, quite corpulent and large of limb, + alighted on a branch just opposite, opened conversation with Owasso by + asking what had brought him there. + </p> + <p> + Owasso replied that he had not mounted the tree of himself, or out of any + disposition to harm the birds, but that his father-in-law, the old + magician who had just left them, had sent him up; that he was constantly + sending him on mischievous errands. In a word, the young man was enlarging + at great length upon the character of the wicked Manito, when he was + interrupted by being darted upon by a hungry-eyed bird, with long claws. + </p> + <p> + Owasso, not in the least disconcerted, boldly seized this fierce eagle by + the neck and dashed it against the rocks, crying out: + </p> + <p> + "Thus will I deal with all who come near me." + </p> + <p> + The old eagle, who appeared to be the head of the tribe, was so pleased + with this show of spirit that he immediately appointed two tall birds, + uncommonly strong in the wings, to transport Owasso to his lodge. They + were to take turns in conducting him through the air. + </p> + <p> + Owasso expressed many obligations to the old eagle for his kindness, and + they forthwith set out. It was a high point from which they started, for + the pine-tree had shot far, far up toward the clouds, and they could even + descry from it the enchanted island where the old magician lived, though + it was miles and miles away. For this point they steered their flight; and + in a short time they landed Owasso at the door of the lodge. + </p> + <p> + With many compliments for their despatch, Owasso dismissed the birds and + stood ready to greet his wicked father-in-law who arrived a few minutes + after. And now when Mishosha espied his son-in-law standing there unharmed + he became very black in the face and raged horribly. But dissembling his + feelings and still professing great friendship he pondered deeply as to + how he might use his one remaining charm to the best advantage. + </p> + <p> + While he was still considering this, Owasso and his wife, sitting on the + banks of the lake one evening, heard a song, as if sung by some one at a + great distance. The sound continued for some time and then died away in + perfect stillness. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, it is the voice of Sheem," cried Owasso. "It is the voice of my + brother! If I could only see him!" And he hung down his head in deep + anguish. + </p> + <p> + His wife witnessed his distress, and to comfort him she proposed that they + should attempt to make their escape and carry him succor on the morrow. + </p> + <p> + When the morning came, and the sun shone warmly into the lodge, the wife + of Owasso offered to comb her father's hair, with the hope that it would + soothe him to sleep. It had that effect; and they no sooner saw him in + deep slumber than they seized the magic canoe, Owasso uttered the charmed + words, "Chemaun Poll!" and they glided away upon the water without need of + oar or sail. + </p> + <p> + They had nearly reached the land on the opposite side of the lake, and + could distinctly hear the voice of the younger brother singing his lament + as before, when the old magician wakened. Missing his daughter and her + husband, he suspected deception of some kind; he looked for his magic boat + and found it gone. He spoke the magic words, which were more powerful from + him than from any other person in the world, and the canoe immediately + returned; to the sore disappointment of Owasso and his wife. + </p> + <p> + When they came back to the shore, Mishosha stood upon the beach and drew + up his canoe. He did not utter a word. The son-in-law and daughter entered + the lodge in silence. + </p> + <p> + The time, walking along in its broad open path, brought the autumn months + to a close, and the winter had set in. Soon after the first fall of snow, + Owasso said: + </p> + <p> + "Father, I wish to try my skill in hunting. It is said there is plenty of + game not far off, and it can now be easily tracked. Let us go." + </p> + <p> + The magician consented; they set out, and arriving at a good ground for + their sport, spent the day in hunting. Night coming on, they built + themselves a lodge of pine-branches to sleep in. Although it was bitterly + cold, the young man took off his leggings and moccasins and hung them up + to dry. The old magician did the same, carefully hanging his own in a + separate place, and they lay down to sleep. + </p> + <p> + Owasso, from a glance he had given, suspected that the magician had a mind + to play him a trick; and to be beforehand with him, he watched an + opportunity to get up and change the moccasins and leggings, putting his + own in the place of Mishosha's, and depending on the darkness of the lodge + to help him through. + </p> + <p> + Near daylight, the old magician bestirred himself, as if to rekindle the + fire; but he slyly reached down a pair of moccasins and leggings with a + stick, and thinking they were no other than those of Owasso's, he dropped + them into the flames. Then he cast himself down and affected to be lost in + a heavy sleep. The leather leggings and moccasins soon drew up and were + burned. + </p> + <p> + Instantly jumping up and rubbing his eyes, Misho-sha cried out: + </p> + <p> + "Son-in-law, your moccasins are burning; I know it by the smell." + </p> + <p> + Owasso rose up, deliberate and unconcerned. + </p> + <p> + "No, my friend," said he, "here are mine," at the same time taking them + down and drawing them on. "It is your moccasins that are burning." + </p> + <p> + Mishosha dropped his head upon his breast. All his tricks were played out—there + was not so much as half a one left to help him ont of the sorry plight he + was in. + </p> + <p> + "I believe, my grandfather," added Owasso, "that this is the moon in which + fire attracts, and I fear you must have set your foot and leg garments too + near the fire, and they have been drawn in. It is bad that you have none, + but let us go forth to the hunt." + </p> + <p> + The old magician was compelled to follow him, and they pushed out into a + great storm of snow and hail and wind, which had come on over night; and + neither the wind, the hail, nor the snow had the slightest respect for the + bare limbs of the old magician, for there was not the least virtue of + magic in those parts of old Mishosha's body. After a while they quite + stiffened under him, his body became hard, and his hair bristled in the + cold wind; so that he looked more like a tough old sycamore tree than a + highly gifted magician. But Owasso, remembering, had no compassion and + turned away, leaving the wicked old fellow alone to ponder upon his past + life. + </p> + <p> + Owasso himself reached home in safety, proof against all kinds of weather, + and the magic canoe became the exclusive property of the young man and his + wife. + </p> + <p> + Now to go back to the sister who had been left alone with Sheem during all + these years. She knew enough of the arts of the forest to provide their + daily food and labored with good-will to supply the lodge. She watched her + little brother and tended his wants, with all of a good sister's care. But + at last she began to be weary of solitude and of her charge. No one came + to be a witness of her constancy, or to let fall a single word in her + mother-tongue. She could not converse with the birds and beasts about her, + and felt, to the bottom of her heart, that she was alone. In these + thoughts she forgot her younger brother, and almost wished him dead; for + it was he alone that kept her from seeking the companionship of others. + </p> + <p> + So one day she collected all the provisions she had been able to reserve + from their daily use and brought a supply of wood to the door. Then she + said to her little brother: + </p> + <p> + "My brother, you must not stray from the lodge. I am going to seek our + elder brother. I shall be back soon." + </p> + <p> + She then set the lodge in perfect order and, taking her bundle, set off in + search of habitations. These she soon found, and in the enjoyment of the + pleasures and pastimes of her new acquaintances, she began to think less + and less of her little brother, Sheem. At last she accepted a proposal of + marriage, and from that time she utterly forgot the abandoned boy. + </p> + <p> + As for poor little Sheem, he was soon brought to the pinching turn of his + fate. As soon as he had eaten all of the food left in the lodge, he was + obliged to pick berries and live off such roots as could be dug with his + slender hands. As he wandered about in search of the wherewithal to stay + his hunger, he often looked up to heaven and saw the gray clouds going up + and down. And then he looked about upon the wide earth, but he never saw + his sister or brother returning from their long delay. + </p> + <p> + At last, even the roots and berries gave out. They were blighted by the + frost or hidden out of reach by the snow, for midwinter had come on, and + poor little Sheem was obliged to leave the lodge and wander away in search + of food. + </p> + <p> + Sometimes he had to pass the night in the clefts of old trees or in + caverns, and to break his fast with the refuse meals of the savage wolves. + </p> + <p> + These at last became his only resource, and he grew to be so little + fearful of these animals that he would sit by them while they devoured + their meat, and patiently await his share. + </p> + <p> + After a while, the wolves took to little Sheem very kindly, and seeming to + understand his outcast condition, they would always leave something for + him to eat. By and by they began to talk with him, and to inquire into his + history. When he told them that he had been forsaken by his brother and + his sister, the wolves turned about to each other, lifted up their eyes to + heaven, and wondered among themselves, with raised paws, that such a thing + should have been. + </p> + <p> + In this way Sheem lived on till the spring, and as soon as the lake was + free from ice, he followed his new friends to the shore. + </p> + <p> + It happened on the same day that his elder brother, Owasso, was fishing in + his magic canoe, a considerable distance out upon the lake. Suddenly he + thought he heard the cries of a child upon the shore. He wondered how any + human creature could exist on so bleak and barren a coast. + </p> + <p> + He listened again with all attention, and he heard the cry distinctly + repeated; and this time it was the well-known cry of his younger brother + that reached his ear. He knew too well the secret of his song, as he heard + him chaunting mournfully: + </p> + <p> + "My brother! My brother! Since you left me going in the canoe, a-hee-ee, I + am half changed into a wolf, E-wee. I am half changed into a wolf, E-wee." + Owasso made for the shore, and as he approached the lament was repeated. + The sounds were very distinct, and the voice of wailing was very sorrowful + for Owasso to listen to; and it touched him the more that it died away at + the close into a long-drawn howl, like that of the wolf. + </p> + <p> + In the sand, as he drew closer to the land, he saw the tracks as of an + animal fleeing away; and beside these the prints of human hands. But what + were the pity and astonishment that smote Owasso to the heart when he + espied his poor little brother—poor little forsaken Sheem—half + boy and half wolf, flying along the shore! + </p> + <p> + Owasso immediately leaped upon the ground and strove to catch him in his + arms, saying soothingly, "My brother! my brother! Come to me." + </p> + <p> + But the poor wolf-boy avoided his grasp, crying, as he fled, "Neesia, + neesia. Since you left me going in the canoe, a-he-ee, I am half changed + into a wolf, E-wee. I am half changed into a wolf, E-wee!" And he howled + between these words of lament. + </p> + <p> + The elder brother, sore at heart and feeling all of his brotherly + affection strongly returning, cried out with renewed anguish, "My brother! + my brother! my brother!" + </p> + <p> + But the nearer he approached to poor Sheem, and the faster Sheem fled, the + more rapidly the change from boy to wolf went on; the boy-wolf by turns + singing and howling, and calling out the name, first of his brother, next + of his sister, till the change was complete. Then he leaped upon a bank, + and looking back, cast upon Owasso a glance of deep reproach and grief. + </p> + <p> + "I am a wolf!" he cried and disappeared in the woods. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><a name="linkimage-0019" id="linkimage-0019"> </a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:20%;"> + <img src="images/5205.jpg" alt="5205 " width="100%" /><br /><a + href="images/5205.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0015" id="link2H_4_0015"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XIII. STRONG DESIRE AND THE RED SORCERER + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"> + <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">T</span>HERE was a man + called Odshedoph, or the Child of Strong Desires, who had a wife and one + son. He had withdrawn his family from the village, where they had spent + the winter, to the neighborhood of a distant forest, where game abounded. + This wood was a day's travel from his winter home, and under its ample + shadows the wife fixed the lodge, while the husband went out to hunt. + Early in the evening he returned with a deer, and being weary and athirst, + he asked his son, whom he called Strong Desire, to go to the river for + some water. The son replied that it was dark and he was afraid. His father + still urged him, saying that his mother as well as himself was tired, and + the distance to the water very short. But no persuasion could overcome the + young man's reluctance. He refused to go. + </p> + <p> + "Ah, my son," said the father at last, "I am ashamed of you. If you are + even afraid to go to the river, you will never kill the Red Head." + </p> + <p> + The stripling was deeply vexed by this observation; it seemed to touch him + to the very quick. He mused in silence. He refused to eat and made no + reply when spoken to. He sat by the lodge-door all the night through, + looking up at the stars and sighing like one sorely distressed. + </p> + <p> + The next day he asked his mother to dress the skin of the deer and to make + it into moccasins for him, while he busied himself in preparing a bow and + arrows. + </p> + <p> + As soon as these were in readiness, he left the lodge one morning at + sunrise, without saying a word to his father or mother. As he passed + along, he fired one of his arrows into the air, and it fell westward. He + took that course, and coming to the spot where the arrow had fallen, was + rejoiced to find it piercing the heart of a deer. He refreshed himself + with a meal of the venison, and the next morning fired another arrow. + Following its course, after traveling all day he found that he had + transfixed another deer. In this manner he fired four arrows, and every + evening discovered that he had killed a deer. + </p> + <p> + By a strange oversight he left the arrows sticking in the carcasses and + passed on without withdrawing them. Having in this way no arrow for the + fifth day, he was in great distress at night for the want of food. + </p> + <p> + At last he threw himself upon the earth in despair, concluding that he + might as well perish there as go farther. But he had not lain long before + he heard a hollow rumbling noise in the ground beneath him, like that of + an earthquake moving slowly along. + </p> + <p> + He sprang up and discovered at a distance the figure of a human being, + walking with a stick. He looked attentively and saw that the figure was + walking over the prairie on a wide beaten path that ran from a dusky lodge + to the waters of a black and turbid lake. + </p> + <p> + To his surprise this lodge, which had not been in view when he cast + himself upon the ground, was now near at hand. He approached a little + nearer, concealing himself, and in a moment discovered that the figure was + no other than that of the terrible witch, the Little Old Woman Who Makes + War. Her path to the lake was perfectly smooth and solid, and the noise + Strong Desire had heard was caused by the striking of her walking staff + upon the ground. The top of this staff was decorated with a string of the + toes and bills of every kind of bird, and at every stroke of the stick + these fluttered and sang their various notes in concert: + </p> + <p> + The witch entered her lodge and laid off her mantle, which was entirely + composed of the scalps of women. Before folding it, she shook it several + times, and at every shake the scalps uttered loud shouts of laughter, in + which the old hag joined. The boy, who now had arrived at the door, was + greatly alarmed, but he uttered no cry. + </p> + <p> + After laying by the cloak, the witch came directly to him. Looking at him + steadily, she informed him that she had known him from the time he had + left his father's lodge, and had watched his movements. She told him not + to fear or despair, for she would be his protector and friend. Then she + invited him into her lodge and gave him a supper. During the repast she + questioned him as to his motives for visiting her. He related his story + and stated the manner in which he had been disgraced and the difficulties + he labored under. + </p> + <p> + "Now tell me truly," said the Little Old Woman Who Makes War, "you were + afraid to go to the water in the dark." + </p> + <p> + "I was," Strong Desire answered promptly. + </p> + <p> + As he replied, the hag waved her staff. The birds set up a clamorous cry, + and the mantle shook violently as all the scalps burst into a hideous + shout of laughter. + </p> + <p> + "And are you afraid now?" she asked again. + </p> + <p> + "I am," again answered Strong Desire without hesitation. + </p> + <p> + "But you are not afraid to speak the truth," rejoined the little old + woman. "You will be a brave man yet, and to show you that I trust you I + will help you kill the Red Head." + </p> + <p> + Now Hah-Nudo-Tah, or the Red Head, was a most powerful sorcerer. Living + upon an island in the center of his realm of water, he was the terror of + all the country about. It was the ambition of every Indian youth to be the + one finally to overcome him, so Strong Desire was greatly cheered by this + assurance of the little old woman's friendship. + </p> + <p> + "Do to me as you will," he said, "I will try not to be unworthy of your + confidence." + </p> + <p> + "So be it," answered the little old woman, and began at once to exercise + her power upon him. His hair being very short, she took a great leaden + comb, and after she had drawn it through his locks several times, they + became of a handsome length like those of a beautiful young woman. She + then proceeded to dress him as a maiden, furnishing him with the necessary + garments and tinting his face with colors of the most charming dye. She + gave him, too, a bowl of shining metal. She directed him to put in his + girdle a blade of scented sword-grass and to proceed the next morning to + the banks of the lake, which was no other than that over which the Red + Head reigned. She then informed him that there would be many Indians upon + the island, who, as soon as they saw him use the shining bowl to drink + with, would come thinking him a woman, to offer marriage. These offers he + was to refuse, and to say that he was a maiden who had come a great + distance to be the wife of the Red Head, and that if the chief could not + seek her she would marry no one. + </p> + <p> + "Then," continued the little old woman, "as soon as Red Head hears of this + he will come for you in his own canoe, in which you must embark. On + reaching the shore," she added, "you must consent to be his wife; and in + the evening you are to induce him to take a walk out of the village. When + you have reached a lonesome spot, use the first opportunity to cut off his + head with the blade of grass." + </p> + <p> + The little old woman also gave Strong Desire advice about how he was to + conduct himself to sustain his assumed character of a woman. But by this + time his fear was so great that he could hardly consent to engage in an + adventure attended with so much danger; only the recollection of his + father's looks and reproaches for his want of courage decided him. + </p> + <p> + Early in the morning he left the lodge of the Little Old Woman Who Makes + War, and it was clouded in a heavy brackish fog, so thick and heavy to + breathe that he with difficulty made his way forth. When he turned to look + hack, the lodge was gone. + </p> + <p> + Then Strong Desire took the hard beaten path to the banks of the lake and + made for the water at a point directly opposite the Red Head's lodge. + </p> + <p> + He had not been long there, sauntering along the beach, when he displayed + the glittering bowl by dipping water from the lake. Very soon a number of + canoes came off from the island. The men admired his dress and were + charmed with his beauty and almost with one voice they all made proposals + of marriage. These Strong Desire promptly declined, in the manner of which + the little old woman had warned him. + </p> + <p> + When this was reported to Red Head, he ordered his royal bark to be + launched by his chosen men of the oar, and crossed over to see this + wonderful girl. As they approached the shore, Strong Desire saw that the + ribs of the sorcerer's canoe were formed of living rattlesnakes, whose + heads pointed outward to guard him from his enemies. Being invited, he had + no sooner stepped into the canoe, than they began to hiss and rattle + furiously, which put him in a great fright. + </p> + <p> + However this rather added to than detracted from the supposed maiden's + charms, and Red Head thought nothing of it, but spoke to the snakes, upon + which they became pacified and quiet. Shortly afterward the boat reached + the landing upon the island. The marriage took place immediately; and the + bride made presents of various rich gifts which had been furnished her by + the old witch who inhabited the cloudy lodge. + </p> + <p> + As they were sitting in the lodge, surrounded by the friends and + relatives, the mother of the Red Head regarded the face of her new + daughter-in-law for a long time with fixed attention. From this scrutiny + she was convinced that this singular and hasty marriage boded no good to + her son. She drew him aside, and disclosed to him her suspicions. + </p> + <p> + "This can be no maiden," said she. "She has the figure and manners of a + woman, but the countenance, and more especially the eyes, are beyond a + doubt those of a man." + </p> + <p> + The mother spoke truly, but Red Head rejected her suspicions and rebuked + her severely for entertaining, such notions of her own daughter-in-law. + She still urged her doubts, which so vexed the husband that he broke his + pipe-stem in her face and called her an owl. + </p> + <p> + This act astonished the company, who sought an explanation; and it was no + sooner given than the mock bride, rising with an air of offended dignity, + informed the Red Head that after receiving so gross an affront from his + relatives she could not think of remaining with him as his wife, but + should forthwith return to her own friends. + </p> + <p> + With a toss of the head, like that of an angry woman, Strong Desire left + the lodge and walked away until he came to the beach of the island, near + the spot where they had first landed. He was followed by Red Head, who + entreated him to remain, urging every motive and making all sorts of + magnificent promises—none of which seemed to make the least + impression. Strong Desire was very hard-hearted. During these appeals they + had seated themselves upon the ground, and Red Head, in great affliction, + reclined his head upon his fancied wife's lap. Strong Desire now changed + his manner, was very kind and soothing, and suggested in the most winning + accent that if Red Head would sleep soundly for a while he might possibly + dream himself out of all his troubles. Red Head, delighted at so happy a + prospect, said that he would fall asleep immediately. + </p> + <p> + "You have killed a good many men in your time, Red Head," said Strong + Desire, by way of suggesting agreeable thoughts to the sorcerer. + </p> + <p> + "Hundreds," answered Red Head, "and what is better, now that I am fairly + settled in life by this happy marriage, I shall be able to give my whole + attention to massacre." + </p> + <p> + "And you will kill hundreds more," interposed Strong Desire, in the most + insinuating manner imaginable. + </p> + <p> + "Just so, my dear," Red Head replied, with a great leer, "thousands. There + will be no end to my delicious murders. I love dearly to kill people. I + would like to kill you if you were not my wife." + </p> + <p> + "There, there," said Strong Desire, with the coaxing air of a little + coquette, "go to sleep; that's a good Red Head." + </p> + <p> + No other subject of conversation occurring to the chief, now that he had + exhausted the delightful topic of wholesale murder, he straightway fell + into a deep sleep. + </p> + <p> + The chance so anxiously sought for had come; and Strong Desire, with a + smiling eye, drawing his blade of grass with lightning swiftness once + across the neck of the Red Head, severed the huge and wicked head from the + body. + </p> + <p> + In a moment, stripping off his woman's dress, underneath which he had all + along worn his male attire, Strong Desire seized the bleeding trophy, + plunged into the lake, and swam safely over to the main shore. He had + scarcely reached it, when, looking back, he saw amid the darkness the + torches of persons come out in search of the newly married couple. He + listened until they had found the headless body, and he heard their + piercing shrieks of rage and sorrow as he took his way to the lodge of his + kind adviser. + </p> + <p> + The Little Old Woman Who Makes War was in an excellent humor, and she + received Strong Desire with rejoicing. She admired his prudence and + assured him his bravery should never be questioned again. Lifting up the + head, which she gazed upon with vast delight, she said he need only have + brought the scalp. Cutting off a lock of the hair for herself, she told + him he might now return with the head, which would be evidence of an + achievement that would cause his own people to respect him. + </p> + <p> + "On your way home," added the little old woman, "you will meet with but + one difficulty. Maunkahkeesh, the Spirit of the Earth, requires an + offering or sacrifice from all of her sons who perform extraordinary + deeds. As you walk along in a prairie there will be an earthquake; the + earth will open and divide the prairie in the middle. Take this partridge + and throw it into the opening, and instantly spring over it." + </p> + <p> + With many thanks to the little old witch, who had so faithfully befriended + him, Strong Desire took his leave. Doing as she said he safely passed the + earthquake, and in due time arrived near his own village. Then he secretly + hid his precious trophy. + </p> + <p> + On entering the village, he found that his parents had returned from the + place of their spring encampment by the wood-side, and that they were in + heavy sorrowing for their son, whom they supposed to be lost. One and + another of the young men had presented himself to the disconsolate parents + and said, "Look up, I am your son," but when they looked up, they beheld + not the familiar face of Strong Desire. + </p> + <p> + Having been often deceived in this manner, when their own son in truth + presented himself, they sat with their heads down and their eyes nearly + blinded with weeping. It was some time before they could be prevailed upon + to bestow a glance upon him. It was still longer before they could + recognize him as Strong Desire, who had feared to draw water from the + river at night. This youth's countenance was no longer that of a timid + stripling; it was the face of a man who has seen and done great things, + and who has the heart to do greater still. + </p> + <p> + When he recounted his adventures they believed him mad. The young men + laughed at him—him, Strong Desire—who feared to walk to the + river at night-time. + </p> + <p> + He left the lodge, and before their laughter had ceased, returned with his + trophy. He held aloft the head of the Red Sorcerer, still leering, at + prospect of a thousand future murders. It was easily recognized, and the + young men who had scoffed at Strong Desire shrank into the corners out of + sight. Strong Desire had conquered the terrible Red Head! All doubts of + the truth of his adventures were dispelled. + </p> + <p> + He was greeted with joy and placed among the first warriors of the nation. + He finally became a chief, and his family were ever after respected and + esteemed. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0016" id="link2H_4_0016"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XIV. THE MAGIC PACKET + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"> + <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">A</span> POOR man, called + Iena, or the Wanderer, was in the habit of roaming about from place to + place, forlorn, without relations, and almost helpless. He had often + wished for a companion to share his solitude; but who would think of + joining his fortunes with those of a poor wanderer, who had no shelter in + the world but such as his leather hunting-shirt provided, and no other + household than the packet in which his hunting-shirt was laid away? + </p> + <p> + One day Iena hung up his packet on the branch of a tree, and then set out + in quest of game. + </p> + <p> + On returning to the spot in the evening, he was surprised to find a small + but neat lodge built in the place where he had left his packet; and on + looking in he beheld a beautiful maiden sitting on the further side of the + lodge, with his packet lying beside her. + </p> + <p> + During the day Iena had so far prospered in his sport as to kill a deer, + which he now cast down at the lodge-door. + </p> + <p> + The maiden did not pause to take the least notice of the hunter, or to + give him a word of welcome, but ran out to see whether it was a large deer + that he had brought. In her haste she stumbled and fell at the threshold. + </p> + <p> + Iena looked at her with astonishment, and thought to himself, "I supposed + I was blessed, but I find my mistake. Night-Hawk," said he, speaking + aloud, "I will leave my game with you that you may feast on it." + </p> + <p> + He then took up his packet and departed. After walking some time he came + to another tree, on which he suspended his packet, as before, and the + following morning went for the second time in search of game. + </p> + <p> + Success again attended him, and he returned, bringing with him a deer. He + found that a lodge had sprung up as before, just where he had hung his + packet. He looked in and saw a beautiful maiden sitting alone, with his + packet by her side. + </p> + <p> + She arose and came out toward the deer which he had deposited at the door, + and he immediately went into the lodge and sat by the fire, as he was + weary with the day's hunt, which had carried him far away. + </p> + <p> + The woman did not return, and wondering at her delay, Iena at last arose, + peeped through the door of the lodge and beheld her greedily eating all + the fat of the deer. He exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + "I thought I was blessed, but I find I was mistaken." Then addressing the + woman, "Poor Marten," said he, "feast on the game I have brought." + </p> + <p> + He again took up his packet and departed. Then finding a tree, he hung it + upon a branch, and the next morning again wandered off in quest of game. + </p> + <p> + In the evening he returned, with his customary good luck, bringing in a + fine deer, and again found that a lodge had taken the place of his packet. + He gazed through an opening in the side of the lodge, and there was + another beautiful woman sitting alone, with his packet by her side. + </p> + <p> + "Oh!" he exclaimed, "it is the same as it was yesterday and the day before + that. I am Iena, the Wanderer, and it is not the will of the Great Spirit + that he should have a lodge, a woman, or the fat of the deer that he + kills." + </p> + <p> + So saying he entered the lodge, but the woman rose cheerfully, welcomed + him home, and without delay or complaining brought in the deer, cut it up + as it should be, and hung up the meat to dry. She then prepared a portion + of it for the supper of the weary hunter, who was thinking to himself, + "Now I am certainly blessed." + </p> + <p> + And so it went on. He continued his practise of hunting every day, and the + woman, on his return, always welcomed him, readily took charge of the + meat, and promptly prepared his evening meal; and he ever after lived a + contented and happy man. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0017" id="link2H_4_0017"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XV. THE MAN WITH HIS LEG TIED UP + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"> + <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">A</span>S a punishment for + having once upon a time used that foot against a venerable medicine man, + Aggo Dah Gauda had one leg looped up to his thigh, so that he was obliged + to get along by hopping. By dint of practise he had become very skilful in + this exercise, and he could make leaps which seemed almost incredible. + </p> + <p> + Aggo had a beautiful daughter, and his chief care was to secure her from + being carried off by the king of the buffalos, who was the ruler of all + the herds of that kind, and had them entirely at his command to make them + do as he willed. + </p> + <p> + Dah Gauda, too, was quite an important person in his own way, for he lived + in great state, having a log house of his own and a court-yard which + extended from the sill of his front-door as many hundred miles westward as + he chose to measure it. + </p> + <p> + Although he might claim this extensive privilege of ground, he advised his + daughter to keep within doors, and by no means to go far in the + neighborhood. Otherwise she would be sure to be stolen away, as he was + satisfied that the buffalo-king spent night and day lurking about, lying + in wait to seize her. + </p> + <p> + One sunshiny morning, when there were just two or three promising clouds + rolling moistly about the sky, Aggo prepared to go out a-fishing; but + before he left the lodge he reminded her of her strange and industrious + lover, whom she had never seen. + </p> + <p> + "My daughter," said he, "I am going out to fish, and as the day will be a + pleasant one, you must recollect that we have an enemy near, who is + constantly going about with two eyes that never close. Do not expose + yourself out of the lodge." + </p> + <p> + With this excellent advice, Aggo hopped off in high spirits. But he had + scarcely reached the fishing-ground, when he heard a voice singing at a + distance: + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Man with the leg tied up, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Man with the leg tied up, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Broken hip—hip— + </p> + <p class="indent30"> + Hipped. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Man with the leg tied up, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Man with the leg tied up, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Broken leg—leg— + </p> + <p class="indent30"> + Legged. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + There was no one in sight, but Aggo heard the words quite plainly, and as + he suspected the ditty to be the work of his enemies, the buffalos, he + hopped home as fast as his one leg could carry him. + </p> + <p> + Meantime, the daughter had no sooner been left alone in the lodge than she + thought to herself: + </p> + <p> + "It is hard to be thus forever kept in doors. But my father says it would + be dangerous to venture abroad. I know what I will do. I will get on the + top of the house, and there I can comb and dress my hair, and no one can + harm me." + </p> + <p> + She accordingly ascended the roof and busied herself in untying and + combing her beautiful hair; for it was truly beautiful, not only of a + fine, glossy quality, but so very long that it hung over the eaves of the + house and reached down to the ground, as she sat dressing it. + </p> + <p> + She was wholly occupied in this employment, without a thought of danger, + when all of a sudden the king of the buffalos came dashing up with his + herd of followers. Making sure of her by means of her drooping tresses, he + placed her upon the back of one of his favorite buffalos, and away he + cantered over the plains. Plunging into a river that bounded his land, he + bore her safely to his lodge on the other side. + </p> + <p> + And now the buffalo-king, having secured the beautiful person of Aggo Dah + Gauda's daughter, set to work to make her heart his own—a little + ceremony which it would have been, perhaps, wiser for his majesty, the + king of the buffalos, to have attended to before he carried her off, for + he now worked to little purpose. Although he labored with great zeal to + gain her affections, she sat pensive and disconsolate in the lodge among + the other women. She scarcely ever spoke, nor did she take the least + interest in the affairs of the king's household. + </p> + <p> + To the king himself she paid no heed, and although he breathed forth to + her every soft and gentle word he could think of, she sat still and + motionless, for all the world like one of the lowly bushes by the door of + her father's lodge when the summer wind had died away. + </p> + <p> + The king enjoined it upon the others in the lodge as a special edict, on + pain of instant death, to give to Aggo's daughter everything that she + wanted, and to be careful not to displease her. They set before her the + choicest food. They gave her the seat of honor in the lodge. The king + himself went out hunting to obtain the most dainty meats, both of animals + and wild fowl, to pleasure her palate; and he treated her every morning to + a ride upon one of the royal buffalos, who was so gentle in his motions as + not even to disturb a single one of the tresses of the beautiful hair of + Aggo's daughter as she paced along. + </p> + <p> + And not content with these proofs of his attachment, the king would + sometimes fast from all food, and having thus purified his spirit and + cleared his voice, he would take his Indian flute, sit before the lodge, + and give vent to his feelings in pensive echoes, something after this + fashion: + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + My sweetheart, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + My sweetheart, + </p> + <p class="indent30"> + Ah me! + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + When I think of you, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + When I think of you, + </p> + <p class="indent30"> + Ah me! + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + What can I do, do, do? + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + How I love you, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + How I love you, + </p> + <p class="indent30"> + Ah me! + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Do not hate me, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Do not hate me, + </p> + <p class="indent30"> + Ah me! + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Speak—e'en berate me. + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + When I think of you, + </p> + <p class="indent30"> + Ah me! + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + What can I do, do, do? + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + In the meantime, Aggo Dali Gauda reached home, and finding that his + daughter had been stolen, was so thoroughly aroused that he would have + forthwith torn every hair from his head in indignation, had he not been + entirely bald. This relief being out of the question, Aggo hopped off half + a mile in every direction as an easy and natural vent to his feelings. + First he hopped east, then he hopped west, next he hopped north, and again + he hopped south, all in search of his daughter; till the one leg was + fairly tired out. Then he sat down in his lodge, and resting himself a + little, reflected. After that he vowed that his single leg should never + know rest again until he had found his beautiful daughter and brought her + home. For this purpose he immediately set out. + </p> + <p> + Now that he proceeded more coolly, he could easily track the buffalo-king + until he came to the banks of the river, where he saw that he had plunged + in and swum over. There having been a frosty night or two since, the water + was so covered with thin ice that Aggo could not venture upon it, even + with one leg. So he encamped hard by till it became more solid, and then + crossed over and pursued the trail. + </p> + <p> + As he went along he saw branches broken off and strewed behind, which + guided him in his course; for these had been purposely cast along by the + daughter. And the manner in which she had accomplished it was this. Her + hair was all untied when she was caught up, and being very long it took + hold of the branches as they darted along, and it was these twigs that she + broke off as signs to her father. + </p> + <p> + When Aggo came to the king's lodge it was evening. Carefully approaching, + he peeped through the sides, and saw his daughter sitting disconsolate. + She immediately caught his eye, and knowing that it was her father come + for her, she all at once appeared to relent in her heart. Asking for the + royal dipper, she said to the king: + </p> + <p> + "I will go and get you a drink of water." + </p> + <p> + This token of submission delighted his majesty, and, high in hope, he + waited with impatience for her return. + </p> + <p> + Some time passed and at last he went out; but nothing could be seen or + heard of the captive daughter. Then calling together his followers, he + sallied forth with them upon the plains. They had not gone far when they + espied by the light of the moon, which was shining roundly just over the + edge of the prairie, Aggo Dali Gauda, his daughter in his arms, making all + speed with his one leg toward the west. + </p> + <p> + The buffalo, set on by their king, raised a great shout and scampered off + in pursuit. They thought to overtake Aggo in less than no time; but + although he had a single leg only, it was in such fine condition to go, + that to every pace of theirs he hopped the length of a cedar-tree. + </p> + <p> + But the buffalo-king was well assured that he would be able to overtake + Aggo, hop as briskly as he might. It would be a mortal shame, thought the + king, to be outstripped by a man with one leg tied up; so, shouting and + cheering and issuing orders on all sides, he set the swiftest of his herd + upon the track, with strict commands to take Aggo dead or alive. And a + curious sight it was to see. + </p> + <p> + At one time a buffalo would gain handsomely upon Aggo, and be just at the + point of laying hold of him, when off Aggo would hop, a good furlong, in + an oblique line, wide out of his reach; which bringing him nearly in + contact with another of the herd, away he would go again, just as far off + in another direction. + </p> + <p> + And in this way Aggo kept the whole company of the buffalos zigzagging + across the plain, with the poor king at their head, running to and fro, + shouting among them and hurrying them about in the wildest way. It was an + extraordinary road that Aggo was taking toward home; and after a time it + so puzzled and bewildered the buffalos that they were driven half out of + their wits, and they roared and brandished their tails and foamed, as if + they would put out of countenance and frighten out of sight the old man in + the moon, who was looking on all the time, just above the edge of the + prairie. + </p> + <p> + As for the king himself, he lost all patience at last at the absurd idea + of chasing a man with one leg all night long, so calling his herd + together, he fled in disgust toward the west, and never more appeared in + all that part of the country. + </p> + <p> + Aggo, relieved of his pursuers, hopped off a hundred steps in one, till he + reached the stream, crossed it in a twinkling of the eye, and bore his + daughter in triumph to his lodge. + </p> + <p> + In the course of time Aggo's beautiful daughter married a very worthy + young warrior, who was neither a buffalo-king nor so much as the owner of + any more of the buffalos than a splendid skin robe which he wore, with + great effect, thrown over his shoulders, on his wedding-day. On which + occasion, Aggo Dah Gauda hopped about on his one leg livelier than ever. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0018" id="link2H_4_0018"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XVI. LEELINAU, THE LOST DAUGHTER + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"> + <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">L</span>EELINAU was the + favorite daughter of a hunter, who lived on the lake shore near the base + of the lofty highlands called Kang Wudjoo. + </p> + <p> + From her earliest youth Leelinau was observed to be thoughtful and + retiring. She passed much of her time in solitude and seemed ever to + prefer the companionship of her own shadow to the society of the + lodge-circle. + </p> + <p> + Whenever she could leave her father's lodge she would fly to remote haunts + and recesses in the woods, or sit in lonely reverie upon some high + promontory of rock overlooking the lake. In such places she would often + linger long, with her face turned upward, in contemplation of the air, as + if she were invoking her guardian spirit and beseeching him to lighten her + sadness. + </p> + <p> + But of all the leafy haunts, none drew her steps toward it so often as a + forest of pines on the open shore, called Manitowok, or the Sacred Wood. + It was one of those hallowed places which is the resort of the little wild + men of the woods, and of the turtle spirits or fairies which delight in + romantic scenes. + </p> + <p> + Owing to this circumstance, its green retirement was seldom visited by + Indians, who feared to fall under the influence of its mischievous + inhabitants. Whenever they were compelled by stress of weather to make a + landing on this part of the coast, they never failed to leave an offering + of tobacco or some other token, to show that they desired to stand well + with the proprietors of the fairy ground. + </p> + <p> + To this sacred spot Leelinau had made her way at an early age, gathering + strange flowers and plants, which she would bring home to her parents, and + relating to them all the haps and mishaps that had occurred in her + rambles. + </p> + <p> + Although they discountenanced her frequent visits to the place, they were + not able to restrain them, for she was of so gentle and delicate a temper + that they feared to thwart her. + </p> + <p> + Her attachment to the fairy wood, therefore, grew with her years. If she + wished to solicit her guardian spirits to procure pleasant dreams, or any + other maiden favor, Leelinau repaired to the Manitowok. If her father + remained abroad in the hunt later than usual, and it was feared that he + had been overwhelmed by the tempest or had met with some other mischance, + Leelinau offered up her prayers for safety at the Manitowok. It was there + that she fasted, mused, and strolled. + </p> + <p> + She at length became so engrossed by the fairy pines that her parents + began to suspect that some evil spirit had enticed her to its haunts and + had cast upon her a charm which she had not the power to resist. + </p> + <p> + This belief was confirmed when, one day, her mother, who had secretly + followed her, overheard her murmuring to some unknown and invisible + companion, appeals like these: + </p> + <p> + "Spirit of the dancing leaves!" whispered Leelinau, "hear a throbbing + heart in its sadness. Spirit of the foaming stream! visit thou my nightly + pillow, shedding over it silver dreams of mountain brook and pebbly + rivulet. Spirit of the starry night! lead my foot-prints to the blushing + mis-kodeed, or where the burning passion-flower shines with carmine hue. + Spirit of the greenwood plume!" she concluded, turning with passionate + gaze to the beautiful young pines which stood waving their green beauty + over her head, "shed on me, on Leelinau the sad, thy leafy fragrance, such + as spring unfolds from sweetest flowers, or hearts that to each other show + their inmost grief. Spirits! hear, oh, hear a maiden's prayer!" + </p> + <p> + Day by day these strange communings with unseen beings drew away the heart + of Leelinau more and more from the simple duties of the lodge, and she + walked among her people, melancholy and silent, like a spirit who had + visited them from another land. + </p> + <p> + The pastimes which engaged the frolic moments of her young companions + passed by her as little trivial pageants in which she had no concern. + </p> + <p> + When the girls of the neighboring lodges assembled to play before the + lodge-door at the favorite game of pappus-e-kowaun, or the block and + string, Leelinan would sit vacantly by, or enter so feebly into the spirit + of the play as to show that it was irksome to her. + </p> + <p> + Again, in the evening, when the young people formed a ring around the + lodge, and the piepeendjigun, or leather and bone, passed rapidly from one + to the other, she either handed it along without attempting to play, or if + she took a part, it was with no effort to succeed. + </p> + <p> + The time of the corn-gathering had come, and the young people of the tribe + were assembled in the field, busy in plucking the ripened maize. One of + the girls, noted for her beauty, had found a red ear, and every one + congratulated her that a brave admirer was on his way to her father's + lodge. She blushed, and hiding the trophy in her bosom, thanked the Good + Spirit that it was a red ear, and not a crooked, that she had found. + </p> + <p> + Presently it chanced that one who was there among the young men espied in + the hands of Leelinau, who had plucked it indifferently, one of the + crooked kind, and at once the word "Wa-ge-min!" was shouted aloud through + the field, and the whole circle was set in a roar. + </p> + <p> + "The thief is in the corn-field!" exclaimed the young man, Iagoo by name, + and famous in the tribe for his mirthful powers of story-telling; "see you + not the old man stooping as he enters the field? See you not signs that he + crouched as he crept in the dark? Is it not plain by this mark on the + stalk that he was heavily bent in his hack? Old man! be nimble, or some + one will take thee while thou art taking the ear." + </p> + <p> + These questions Iagoo accompanied with the action of one bowed with age + stealthily entering' the cornfield. He went on: + </p> + <p> + "See how he stoops as he breaks off the ear. Nushka! He seems for a moment + to tremble. Walker, be nimble! Hooli! It is plain the old man is the + thief." + </p> + <p> + He turned suddenly where she sat in the circle, pensively regarding the + crooked ear which she held in her hand, and exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + "Leelinau, the old man is thine!" + </p> + <p> + Laughter rang merrily through the corn-field, but Leelinau, casting down + upon the ground the crooked ear of maize, walked pensively away. + </p> + <p> + The next morning the eldest son of a neighboring chief called at her + father's lodge. He was quite advanced in years; but he enjoyed such renown + in battle, and his name was so famous in the hunt, that the parents + accepted him as a suitor for their daughter. They hoped that his shining + qualities would draw back the thoughts of Leelinau from that spirit-land + whither she seemed to have wholly directed her affections. + </p> + <p> + It was this chief's son whom Iagoo had pictured as the corn-taker, but, + without objecting to his age or giving any other reason, Leelinau firmly + declined his proposals. The parents ascribed the young daughter's + hesitancy to maiden shyness, and paying no further heed to her refusal, + fixed a day for the marriage-visit to the lodge. + </p> + <p> + The young warrior came to the lodge-door, and Leelinau refused to see him, + informing her parents, at the same time, that she would never consent to + the match. + </p> + <p> + It had been her custom to pass many of her hours in her favorite place of + retirement under a broad-topped young pine, whose leaves whispered in + every wind that blew; but most of all in that gentle murmur of the air at + the evening hour, dear to lovers, when the twilight steals on. + </p> + <p> + Thither she now repaired, and, while reclining pensively against the young + pine-tree, she fancied that she heard a voice addressing her. At first it + was scarcely more than a sigh; presently it grew more clear, and she heard + it distinctly whisper— + </p> + <p> + "Maiden! think me not a tree; but thine own dear lover; fond to be with + thee in my tall and blooming strength, with the bright green nodding plume + that waves above thee. Thou art leaning on my breast, Leelinau; lean + forever there and be at peace. Fly from men who are false and cruel, and + quit the tumult of their dusty strife for this quiet, lonely shade. Over + thee I will fling my arms, fairer than the lodge's roof. I will breathe a + perfume like that of flowers over thy happy evening rest. In my bark canoe + I'll waft thee over the waters of the sky-bine lake. I will deck the folds + of thy mantle with the sun's last rays. Come and wander with me on the + mountains, a fairy free!" + </p> + <p> + Leelinau drank in with eager ear these magical words. Her heart was fixed. + No warrior's son should clasp her hand. She listened in the hope to hear + the airy voice speak more; but it only repeated, "Again! again!" and + entirely ceased. + </p> + <p> + On the eve of the day fixed for her marriage, Leelinau decked herself in + her best garments. She arranged her hair according to the fashion of her + tribe and put on all of her maiden ornaments in beautiful array. With a + smile, she presented herself before her parents. + </p> + <p> + "I am going," she said, "to meet my little lover, the Chieftain of the + Green Plume, who is waiting for me at the Spirit Grove." + </p> + <p> + Her face was radiant with joy, and the parents, taking what she had said + as her own fanciful way of expressing acquiescence in their plans, wished + her good fortune in the happy meeting. + </p> + <p> + "I am going," she continued, addressing her mother as they left the lodge, + "I am going from one who has watched my infancy and guarded my youth; who + has given me medicine when I was sick and prepared my food when I was + well. I am going from a father who has ranged the forest to procure the + choicest skins for my dress and kept his lodge supplied with the best + spoil of the chase. I am going from a lodge which has been my shelter from + the storms of winter and my shield from the heats of summer. Farewell, my + parents, farewell!" + </p> + <p> + So saying, she sped faster than any could follow her to the margin of the + fairy wood, and in a moment was lost to sight. + </p> + <p> + As she had often thus withdrawn herself from the lodge, the parents were + not in fear but confidently awaited her return. Hour chased hour, as the + clouds of evening rolled up in the west; darkness came on, but no daughter + returned. With torches they hastened to the wood, but although they lit up + every dark recess and leafy gloom, their search was in vain. Leelinau was + nowhere to be seen. They called aloud, in lament, upon her name, but she + answered not. + </p> + <p> + Suns rose and set, but nevermore in their light did the bereaved parents' + eyes behold the lost form of their beloved child. Their daughter was lost + indeed. Whither she had vanished no mortal tongue could tell; although it + chanced that a company of fishermen, who were spearing fish near the + Spirit Grove, descried something that seemed to resemble a maiden's figure + standing on the shore. As the evening was mild and the waters calm, they + cautiously pulled their canoe toward land, but the slight ripple of their + oars excited alarm. The figure fled in haste, but they could recognise in + the shape and dress as she ascended the hank, the lost daughter, and they + saw the green plumes of her fairy-lover waving over his forehead as he + glided lightly through the forest of young pines. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><a name="linkimage-0020" id="linkimage-0020"> </a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:20%;"> + <img src="images/5236.jpg" alt="5236 " width="100%" /><br /><a + href="images/5236.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0019" id="link2H_4_0019"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XVII. THE WINTER SPIRIT AND HIS VISITOR + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"> + <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">A</span>N old man was + sitting alone in his lodge by the side of a frozen stream. It was the + close of winter, and his fire was almost ont. He appeared very old and + very desolate. His locks were white with age, and he trembled in every + joint. Day after day passed in solitude, and he heard nothing but the + sounds of the tempest, sweeping before it the new-fallen snow. + </p> + <p> + One day as his fire was just dying, a handsome young man approached and + entered his dwelling. His cheeks were red with the blood of youth; his + eyes sparkled with life; and a smile played upon his lips. He walked with + a light and quick step. His forehead was bound with a wreath of sweet + grass, in place of the warrior's frontlet, and he carried a bunch of + flowers in his hand. + </p> + <p> + "Ah! my son," said the old man, "I am happy to see you. Come in. Come, + tell me of your adventures, and what strange lands you have been to see. + Let us pass the night together. I will tell you of my prowess and + exploits, and what I can perform. You shall do the same, and we will amuse + ourselves." + </p> + <p> + He then drew from his sack a curiously wrought antique pipe, and having + filled it with tobacco rendered mild by an admixture of certain dried + leaves, he handed it to his guest. "When this ceremony was attended to, + they began to speak. + </p> + <p> + "I blow my breath," said the old man, "and the streams stand still. The + water becomes stiff and hard as clear stone." + </p> + <p> + "I breathe," said the young man, "and flowers spring up all over the + plains." + </p> + <p> + "I shake my locks," retorted the old man, "and snow covers the land. The + leaves fall from the trees at my command, and my breath blows them away. + The birds rise from the water and fly to a distant land. The animals hide + themselves from the glance of my eye, and the very ground where I walk + becomes as hard as flint." + </p> + <p> + "I shake my ringlets," rejoined the young man, "and warm showers of soft + rain fall upon the earth. The plants lift up their heads out of the ground + like the eyes of children glistening with delight. My voice recalls the + birds. The warmth of my breath unlocks the streams. Music fills the groves + wherever I walk, and all nature welcomes my approach." + </p> + <p> + At length the sun began to rise. A gentle warmth came over the place. The + tongue of the old man became silent. The robin and the blue-bird began to + sing on the top of the lodge. The stream began to murmur by the door, and + the fragrance of growing herbs and flowers came softly on the breeze. + </p> + <h3> + WINTER SPIRIT AND HIS VISITOR + </h3> + <p> + Daylight fully revealed to the young man the character of his entertainer. + When he looked upon him he saw the visage of Peboan, the icy old + Winter-Spirit. Streams began to flow from the old man's eyes. As the sun + increased he grew less and less in stature, and presently he had melted + completely away. Nothing remained on the place of his lodge-fire but the + mis-kodeed, a small white flower with a pink border, which the young + visitor, Seegwun, the Spirit of Spring, placed in the wreath upon his + brow, as his first trophy in the North. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><a name="linkimage-0021" id="linkimage-0021"> </a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:20%;"> + <img src="images/5239.jpg" alt="5239 " width="100%" /><br /><a + href="images/5239.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0020" id="link2H_4_0020"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XVIII. THE ENCHANTED MOCCASINS + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"> + <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">A</span> LONG, long time + ago, a little boy was living with his sister entirely alone in an + uninhabited country far out in the north-west. He was called the Boy That + Carries the Ball on his Back, from an idea that he possessed magical + powers. This boy was in the habit of meditating alone and asking within + himself whether there were other beings similar to himself and his sister + on the earth. + </p> + <p> + When he grew up to manhood, he inquired of his sister whether she knew of + any human beings besides themselves. She replied that she did; and that + there was, at a great distance, a large village. + </p> + <p> + As soon as he heard this, he said to his sister: + </p> + <p> + "I am now a young man and very much in want of a companion." + </p> + <p> + He asked his sister to make him several pairs of moccasins. She complied + with his request; and as soon as he received the moccasins, he took up his + war-club and set out in quest of the distant village. + </p> + <p> + He traveled on till he came to a small wigwam, in which he discovered a + very old woman sitting alone by the fire. As soon as she saw the stranger, + she invited him in, and thus addressed him: + </p> + <p> + "My poor grandchild, I suppose you are one of those who seek for the + distant village, from which no person has ever yet returned. Unless your + guardian is more powerful than the guardians of those who have gone before + you, you will share a similar fate to theirs. Be careful to provide + yourself with the invisible bones those people use in the medicine-dance, + for without these you cannot succeed." After she had thus spoken, she gave + him the following directions for his journey: + </p> + <p> + "When you come near to the village which you seek, you will see in the + center a large lodge, in which the chief of the village, who has two + daughters, resides. Before the door there is a great tree, which is smooth + and without bark. On this tree, about the height of a man from the ground, + is hung a small lodge, in which these two false daughters dwell. It is + here that so many have been destroyed, and among them your two elder + brothers. Be wise, my grandchild, and abide strictly by my directions." + </p> + <p> + The old woman then gave to the young man the bones which were to secure + his success; and she informed him with great care how he was to proceed. + </p> + <p> + Placing them in his bosom, Onwee Bahmondang, or The Wearer of the Ball, + continued his journey and kept eagerly on until he arrived at the village + of which he was in search. Here, on gazing around, he saw both the tree + and the lodge which the old woman had mentioned. + </p> + <p> + He at once bent his steps toward the tree, and approaching, endeavored to + reach the suspended lodge. But all his efforts were in vain; for as often + as he attempted to reach it, the tree began to tremble, and it soon shot + up so that the lodge could hardly be perceived. + </p> + <p> + He bethought him of his guardian spirit, so invoking his aid and changing + himself into a squirrel, he mounted nimbly up again, in the hope that the + lodge would not now escape him. But to his disappointment away shot the + lodge, climb as briskly as he might. + </p> + <p> + Panting and out of breath, he at last remembered the instructions of the + old woman. Drawing from his bosom one of the bones, he thrust it into the + trunk of the tree and rested himself upon it to be ready to start again. + </p> + <p> + As often as he wearied of climbing, for even a squirrel cannot climb + forever, he repeated the little ceremony of the bones; but whenever he + came near the lodge and put forth his hand to touch it, the tree would + shoot up as before and carry the lodge up far beyond his reach. + </p> + <p> + At length the bones being all gone, and the lodge well-nigh out of sight, + he began to despair, for the earth, too, had long since vanished entirely + from his view. + </p> + <p> + Summoning his whole heart, he resolved to try once more. On and up he + went, but as soon as he put forth his hand to touch it, the tree again + shook, and away went the lodge. + </p> + <p> + One more endeavor, brave Onwee, and in he goes; for having now reached the + arch of heaven, the flyaway lodge could go no higher. + </p> + <p> + Onwee entered with a fearless step and beheld the two wicked sisters + sitting opposite each other. He asked their names. The one on his left + hand called herself Azhabee, and the one on the right, Negahna-bee. + </p> + <p> + After talking with them a little while, he discovered that whenever he + addressed the one on his left hand, the tree would tremble as before and + settle down to its former place; but when he addressed the one on his + right hand, it would again shoot upward. + </p> + <p> + When he thus perceived that by addressing the one on his left hand the + tree would descend, he continued to do so until it had again settled down + to its place near the earth. Then seizing his war-club, he said to the + sisters: + </p> + <p> + "You who have caused the death of so many of my brethren I will now put an + end to, and thus have revenge for those you have destroyed." + </p> + <p> + As he spoke this he raised the club and with one blow laid the two wicked + women dead at his feet. + </p> + <p> + Onwee then descended, and learned that these sisters had a brother living + with their father, who had shared in the spoils of all such as the wicked + sisters had betrayed. This youth would now pursue him for having put an + end to their wicked profits, so Onwee set off at random, not knowing + whither he went. + </p> + <p> + The father, coming in the evening to visit the lodge of his daughters, + discovered what had happened. He immediately sent word to his son that the + sisters had been slain, and that there were no more spoils to be had. Now + this news greatly inflamed the brother's temper, especially the woful + announcement at the end. He was chafing and half beside himself with rage. + </p> + <p> + "Oh," he cried. "The person who has done this must be that Boy That + Carries the Ball on his Back. I know his mode of going about his business, + and since he would not allow himself to be killed by my sisters, he shall + have the honor of dying by my hand. I will pursue him and have revenge." + </p> + <p> + "It is well, my son," replied the father; "the spirit of your life grant + you success. But I counsel you to be wary in the pursuit. Onwee Bahmondang + is a cunning youth. It is a strong spirit who has put him on to do this + injury to us, and he will try to deceive you in every way. Above all, + avoid tasting food till you succeed; for if you break your fast before you + see his blood, your power will be destroyed." + </p> + <p> + The son took this fatherly advice all in good part, except that portion + which enjoined upon him to abstain from staying his stomach; over that + command he made a number of wry faces, for the brother of the two wicked + sisters had, among numerous noble gifts, a very noble appetite. + Nevertheless, he took up his weapons and departed at the top of his speed + in pursuit of Onwee Bahmondang. + </p> + <p> + Onwee, finding that he was closely followed, climbed up into one of the + tallest sycamore-trees and shot forth the magic arrows with which he had + provided himself. + </p> + <p> + Seeing that his pursuer was not turned back by his arrows, Onwee renewed + his flight; and when he found himself hard pressed and his enemy close + behind him, he transformed himself into the skeleton of a moose that had + been killed many moons before. He then remembered the moccasins which his + sister had given him, and taking a pair of them, he placed them near the + skeleton. + </p> + <p> + "Go," said he to them, "to the end of the earth." + </p> + <p> + The moccasins then left him, and their tracks remained. + </p> + <p> + The angry brother at length came to the skeleton of the moose. When he + perceived that the track he had been long pursuing did not stop there, he + continued to follow it up till he arrived at the end of the earth, where, + for all his trouble, he found only a pair of moccasins. + </p> + <p> + Vexed that he had been outwitted by following a pair of moccasins instead + of their owner, he complained bitterly, resolving not to give up his + revenge and to be more wary in the future. + </p> + <p> + He then called to mind the skeleton he had met with on his way, and + concluded that it must be the object of his search. + </p> + <p> + So the brother retraced his steps toward the skeleton, but to his surprise + it had disappeared, and the tracks of the Wearer of the Ball were in + another direction. He now became faint with hunger, and lost heart; but + when he remembered the blood of his sisters, and that he should not be + allowed to enjoy a meal, or so much as a mouthful, until he had put an end + to Onwee Bahmondang, he plucked up his spirits and determined again to + pursue. + </p> + <p> + Onwee, finding that he was closely followed and that the hungry brother + was approaching very fast, changed himself into a very old man, with two + daughters. They lived in a large lodge in the center of a beautiful + garden, which was filled with everything that could delight the eye or was + pleasant to the taste. He made himself appear so very old as to be unable + to leave his lodge and to require his daughters to bring him food and wait + on him, as though he had been a mere child. The garden also had the + appearance of old age, with its ancient bushes and hanging branches and + decrepit vines loitering lazily about in the sun. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the brother kept on until he was nearly starved and ready to + sink to the earth. He exclaimed, with a long-drawn and most mournful sigh: + </p> + <p> + "Oh! I will forget the blood of my sisters, for I am starving. Oh! oh!" + </p> + <p> + But again he thought of the blood of his sisters, and what a fine appetite + he would have if he should ever be allowed to eat anything again, and once + more he resolved to pursue and to be content with nothing short of the + amplest revenge. + </p> + <p> + He pushed on till he came to the beautiful garden. He advanced toward the + lodge. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the fairy daughters perceived him, they ran and told their + father that a stranger approached. + </p> + <p> + Their father replied, "Invite him in, my children, invite him in." + </p> + <p> + They did so promptly, and, by the command of their father, they boiled + some corn and prepared several other palatable dishes. The savor was most + delicious to the nostrils of the hungry brother, who had not the least + suspicion of the sport that was going on at his expense. + </p> + <p> + He was faint and weary with travel, and he felt that he could endure + fasting no longer; for his appetite was terribly inflamed by the sight of + the choice food that was steaming before him. + </p> + <p> + He fell to and partook heartily of the meal; and by so doing he was + overcome and lost his right of revenge. All at once he forgot the blood of + his sisters, and even the village of his nativity; he also forgot his + father's lodge, and his whole past life. He ate so keenly, and came and + went to the choice dishes so often, that drowsiness at length overpowered + him, and he soon fell into a profound sleep. + </p> + <p> + Onwee Bahmondang watched his opportunity, and as soon as he saw that the + false brother's sleep was sound, he resumed his youthful form and sent off + the two fairy daughters and the old garden. Then drawing the magic-ball + from his back, and turning it into a great war-club, he fetched the + slumbering brother a mighty blow, which sent him away too. And thus did + Onwee Bahmondang vindicate his title as The Wearer of the Ball. + </p> + <p> + Such was the great force and weight of the club with which he had + despatched the brother of the two wicked women that it swung Onwee + straight around, and he found himself in a large village, surrounded by a + great crowd of people. At the door of a beautiful lodge stood his sister, + smiling, and ready to invite him in. Onwee entered, and hanging up his + war-club and the enchanted moccasins, he rested from his labors and smoked + his evening pipe, with the admiration and approval of the whole world. + </p> + <p> + With one exception only, Onwee Bahmondang had the hearty praises of all + the people. + </p> + <p> + Now it happened that there lived in this same village an envious and + boastful fellow, who had been once a chief. Always coming home badly + whipped, he had been put out of office, and now spent his time about the + place, proclaiming certain great things which he had in his eye and which + he meant to do—one of these days. + </p> + <p> + This man's name was Ko-ko, the Owl; and hearing much of the wonderful + achievements of the Wearer of the Ball, Ko-ko put on a big look and + announced that he was going to do something extraordinary himself. + </p> + <p> + Onwee Bahmondang, he said, had not half done his work, and he, Ko-ko, + meant to go on the ground and finish it up as it should he. + </p> + <p> + He began by procuring an oak ball, which he thrust down his back, and, + confident in its magical powers, he, too, called himself The Wearer of the + Ball. In fact it was the self-same hall that Onwee had employed, except + that the magic had entirely gone out of it. Coming by night in the shadow + of Onwee's lodge, this bad fellow thrust his arm in at the door and + stealthily possessed himself of the enchanted moccasins. He would have + taken away Onwee's war-club, too, if he could have carried it; but + although he was twice the size and girth of Onwee, he had not the strength + to lift it; so he borrowed a club from an old chief, who was purblind and + mistook Ko-ko for his brother, who was a brave man. This accomplished, + Ko-ko raised a terrible tumult with his voice and a great dust with his + heels, and set out. + </p> + <p> + He had traveled all day, when he came to a small wigwam, on looking into + which he discovered a very old woman sitting alone by the fire; just as + Onwee had before. + </p> + <p> + This is the wigwam, said Ko-ko, and this is the old woman. + </p> + <p> + "What are you looking for?" asked the old woman. + </p> + <p> + "I want to find the lodge with the wicked young women in it, those who + slay travelers and steal their trappings," answered Ko-ko. + </p> + <p> + "You mean the two young women who lived in the flying lodge?" asked the + old woman. + </p> + <p> + "The same," answered Ko-ko. "I am going to kill them." + </p> + <p> + With this he gave a great flourish with his borrowed club, and looked as + desperate and murderous as he could. + </p> + <p> + "They were slain yesterday by The Wearer of the Ball," said the old woman. + </p> + <p> + Ko-ko looked around for the door in a very owlish way and heaved a short + hem from his chest. Then he acknowledged that he had heard something to + that effect down in one of the villages. + </p> + <p> + "But there's the brother. I'll have a chance at him," said Ko-ko. + </p> + <p> + "He is dead, too," said the old woman. + </p> + <p> + "Is there then nobody left for me to kill!" cried Ko-ko. "Must I then go + back without any blood upon my hands?" + </p> + <p> + He made as if he could shed tears over his sad mishap. + </p> + <p> + "The father is still living; and you will find him in the lodge, if you + have a mind to call on him. He would like to see the Owl," the old woman + added. + </p> + <p> + "He shall," replied Ko-ko. "Have you any bones about the house; for I + suppose I shall have to climb that tree." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, yes; plenty," answered the old woman. "You can have as many as you + want." + </p> + <p> + And she gave him a handful of fish-bones, which Ko-ko thrust into his + bosom, taking them to be the Invisible Tallies which had helped Onwee + Bahmondang in climbing the magical tree. + </p> + <p> + "Thank you," said Ko-ko, taking up his club and striding toward the door. + </p> + <p> + "Will you not have a little advice," said the old woman. "This is a + dangerous business you are going on." + </p> + <p> + Ko-ko turned about and laughed to scorn the proposal. Then putting forth + his right foot from the lodge first, an observance in which he had great + hopes, he started for the lodge of the wicked father. + </p> + <p> + Ko-ko ran very fast, as if he feared he should lose the chance of + massacring any member of the wicked family, and soon came in sight of the + lodge hanging upon the tree. + </p> + <p> + He then slackened his pace and crept forward with a wary eye, lest + somebody might chance to be looking out at the door. All was still up + there, however, and Ko-ko clasped the tree and began to climb. + </p> + <p> + Away went the lodge, and up went Ko-ko, puffing and panting, after it. And + it was not a great while before the Owl had puffed and panted away all the + wind he had to spare; and yet the lodge kept flying aloft, higher, higher. + What was to be done! + </p> + <p> + Ko-ko, of course, bethought him of the bones, for that was just what, as + he knew, had occurred to Onwee Bahmondang under the like circumstances. + </p> + <p> + He had the bones in his bosom; but first it was necessary for him to be a + squirrel. He immediately called on several guardian spirits whom he knew + of by name, and requested them to convert him into a squirrel. But not one + of all of them seemed to pay the slightest attention to his request; for + there he hung, the same heavy-limbed, big-headed, be-clubbed, and + be-blanketed Ko-ko as ever. + </p> + <p> + He then desired that they would turn him into an opossum; an application + which met with the same luck as the previous one. After this he petitioned + to be a wolf, a gophir, a dog, or a bear—if they would be so + obliging. The guardian spirits were either all deaf, or indifferent to his + wishes, or absent on some other business. + </p> + <p> + Ko-ko, in spite of all his begging and supplication and beseeching, was + obliged to be still Ko-ko. + </p> + <p> + "However, the bones are good," he said to himself. "I shall get a nice + rest, at any rate, if I am forced to climb as I am." + </p> + <p> + With this he drew out one of the bones from his bosom, and shouting aloud, + "Ho! ho! who is there?" he thrust it into the trunk of the tree and would + have indulged himself in a rest; but being no more than a common + fish-bone, without the slightest savor of magic in it, it snapped with + Ko-ko, who came tumbling down, with the door of the lodge, which he had + shaken loose, rattling after him. + </p> + <p> + "Ho! ho! who is there?" cried the wicked father, making his appearance at + the opening and looking down. + </p> + <p> + "It is I, Onwee Bahmondang!" cried Ko-ko, thinking to frighten the wicked + father. + </p> + <p> + "Ah! it is you, is it? I will be there presently," called the old man. "Do + not be in haste to go away!" + </p> + <p> + Ko-ko, observing that the old man was in earnest, scrambled up from the + ground and set off promptly at his highest rate of speed. + </p> + <p> + When he looked back and saw that the wicked father was gaining upon him, + Ko-ko mounted a tree, as had Onwee Bahmondang before. Then he fired off a + number of arrows, but as they were no more than common arrows, he got + nothing by it, but was obliged to descend and run again for his life. + </p> + <p> + As he hurried on he encountered the skeleton of a moose, into which he + would have transformed himself; but not having the slightest confidence in + any one of all the guardians who should have helped him, he passed on. + </p> + <p> + The wicked father was hot in pursuit and Ko-ko was suffering terribly for + lack of wind, when luckily he remembered the enchanted moccasins. He would + not send them to the end of the earth, as had Onwee Bahmondang. + </p> + <p> + "I will improve on that dull fellow," said Ko-ko. "I will put them on + myself." + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, Ko-ko had just time to draw on the moccasins when the wicked + father came in sight. + </p> + <p> + "Go now!" cried Ko-ko, giving orders to the enchanted moccasins; and go + they did. But to the astonishment of the Owl, they turned immediately + about in the way in which the wicked father was furiously approaching. + </p> + <p> + "The other way! the other way!" cried Ko-ko. + </p> + <p> + Cry as loud as he would, the enchanted moccasins would keep on in their + own course; and before he could shake himself out of them, they had run + him directly into the face of the wicked father. + </p> + <p> + "What do you mean, you Owl?" cried the wicked father, falling upon Ko-ko + with a huge club, and counting his ribs at every stroke. + </p> + <p> + "I cannot help it, good man," answered Ko-ko. "I tried my best—" + </p> + <p> + Ko-ko would have gone the other way, but the enchanted moccasins kept + hurrying him forward. + </p> + <p> + "Stand off, will you?" cried the old man. + </p> + <p> + By this time the moccasins were taking him past, allowing the wicked + father chance to bestow no more than five-and-twenty more blows upon + Ko-ko. + </p> + <p> + "Stop!" cried the old man again. "You are running away. Ho! ho! you are a + coward!" + </p> + <p> + "I am not, good man," answered Ko-ko, carried away by the magical shoes, + "I assure you." But ere he could finish his avowal, the moccasins had + hurried him out of sight. + </p> + <p> + "At any rate, I shall soon be home at this speed," said Ko-ko to himself. + </p> + <p> + The moccasins seemed to know his thoughts; for just then they gave a + sudden leap, slipped away from his feet, and left the Owl flat upon his + back! while they glided home by themselves to the lodge of Onwee + Bahmondang, where they belonged. + </p> + <p> + A party of hunters passing that way after several days, found Ko-ko + sitting among the bushes, looking greatly bewildered. When they inquired + of him how he had succeeded with the wicked father at the lodge, he + answered that he had demolished the whole establishment, but that his name + was not Ko-ko, but Onwee Bahmondang; saying which, he ran away into the + woods, and was never seen more. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><a name="linkimage-0022" id="linkimage-0022"> </a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:20%;"> + <img src="images/5255.jpg" alt="5255 " width="100%" /><br /><a + href="images/5255.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0021" id="link2H_4_0021"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XIX. THE WEENDIGOES AND THE BONE-DWARF + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"> + <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">T</span>HERE once lived a + man and his wife and their son in a lonely forest. The father went forth + every day, according to the custom of the Indians, to hunt for food to + supply his family. + </p> + <p> + One day while he was absent, his wife, on going out of the lodge, looked + toward the lake that was near and saw a very large man walking on the + water, coming fast toward the lodge. He was already so near that she could + not escape by flight, even if she had wished to. + </p> + <p> + "What shall I say to the monster?" she thought to herself. + </p> + <p> + As he advanced rapidly, she ran in, and taking the hand of her son, a boy + of three or four years old, she led him out. Speaking very loud, "See, my + son," she said, "your grandfather"; and then added in a tone of appeal and + supplication, "he will have pity on us." The giant approached and said, + with a loud ha I ha! "Yes, my son"; and added, addressing the woman, "Have + you anything to eat?" + </p> + <p> + By good luck the lodge was well supplied with meats of various kinds. The + woman thought to please him by handing him these, which were savory and + carefully prepared. But he pushed them away in disgust, saying, "I smell + fire"; and not waiting to be invited, he seized upon the carcass of a deer + which lay by the door and despatched it almost without stopping to take + breath. + </p> + <p> + When the hunter came home he was surprised to see the monster, he was so + very frightful. He had again brought a deer, which he had no sooner put + down than the cannibal seized it, tore it in pieces, and devoured it as + though he had been fasting for a week. The hunter looked on in fear and + astonishment, and in a whisper he told his wife that he was afraid for + their lives, as this monster was one of those monsters whom Indians call + Weendigoes. He did not even dare to speak to him, nor did the cannibal say + a word, but as soon as he had finished his meal, stretched himself down + and fell asleep. + </p> + <p> + In the evening the Weendigo told the people that he should go out + a-hunting; and he strided away toward the North. Toward morning he + returned, all besmeared with blood, but he did not make known where he had + been or of what kind of game he had been in quest; but the hunter and his + wife had dreadful suspicions of the sport in which he had been engaged. + Withal his hunger did not seem to be staid, for he took up the deer which + the hunter had brought in and devoured it eagerly, leaving the family to + make their meal of the dried meats which had been reserved in the lodge. + </p> + <p> + In this manner the Weendigo and the hunter's family lived for some time, + and it surprised them that the monster did not attempt their lives; he + never slept at night, but always went out and returned by the break of day + stained with blood and looking very wild and famished. When there was no + deer to be had wherewith to finish his repast, he said nothing. In truth + he was always still and gloomy, and he seldom spoke to any of them; when + he did, his discourse was chiefly addressed to the boy. + </p> + <p> + One evening, after he had thus sojourned with them for many weeks, he + informed the hunter that the time had now arrived for him to take his + leave, but that before doing so, he would give him a charm that would + bring good luck to his lodge. He presented to him two arrows, and thanking + the hunter and his wife for their kindness, the Weendigo departed, saying, + as he left them, that he had all the world to travel over. + </p> + <p> + The hunter and his wife were happy when he was gone, for they had looked + every moment to have been devoured by him. Then they tried the arrows, + which never failed to bring down whatever they were aimed at. + </p> + <p> + So they lived on, prosperous and contented, for a year. One day when the + hunter was absent, his wife, going out of the lodge, saw something like a + black cloud approaching. + </p> + <p> + She looked until it came near, when she perceived that it was another + Weendigo, or Giant Cannibal. + </p> + <p> + Remembering the good conduct of the other, she had no fear of this one, + and asked him to look into the lodge. + </p> + <p> + He did so; but finding after he had glared around that there was no food + at hand, he grew very wroth, and being sorely disappointed, he took the + lodge and threw it to the winds. He seemed hardly at first to notice the + woman in his anger; but presently he cast a fierce glance upon her, and + seizing her by the waist, in spite of her cries and entreaties, he bore + her oft. To the little son, who ran to and fro lamenting, he paid no heed. + </p> + <p> + When the hunter returned from the forest at nightfall, he was amazed. His + lodge was gone, and he saw his son sitting near the spot where it had + stood, shedding tears. The son pointed in the direction the Ween-digo had + taken, and as the father hurried along he found the bones of his wife + strewn upon the ground. + </p> + <p> + The hunter blackened his face and vowed in his heart that he would have + revenge. He built another lodge, and gathering together the bones of his + wife, he placed them in the hollow part of a dry tree. + </p> + <p> + He left his boy to take care of the lodge while he was absent. Then he + went hunting and roaming about from place to place, striving to forget his + misfortune, and always searching for the wicked Weendigo. + </p> + <p> + One morning he had been gone but a little while, when his son shot his + arrows out through the top of the lodge; running out to look for them, he + could find them nowhere. The boy had been trying his luck, and he was + puzzled that he had shot his shafts entirely out of sight. + </p> + <p> + His father made him more arrows, and when he was again left alone, he shot + one of them out; but although he looked as sharply as he could toward the + spot where it fell, and ran thither at once, he could not find it. He shot + another, which was lost in the same way. Returning to the lodge to + replenish his quiver, he happened to espy one of the lucky arrows which + the first Weendigo had given to his father, hanging upon the side of the + lodge. He reached up, and having secured it, he shot it out at the + opening. Immediately running out to find where it fell, he was surprised + to see a beautiful boy just in the act of taking it up and hurrying away + with it to a large tree. There he disappeared. + </p> + <p> + The hunter's son followed, and having come to the tree, beheld the face of + the boy looking out through an opening in the hollow part. + </p> + <p> + "Ha! ha!" he said, "my friend, come out and play with me." And he urged + the boy till he consented. They played and shot their arrows by turns. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly the young boy said, "Your father is coming. We must stop. Promise + me that you will not tell him." + </p> + <p> + The hunter's son promised, and the other disappeared in the tree. + </p> + <p> + When the hunter returned from the chase, his son sat demurely by the fire: + In the course of the evening he asked his father to make him a new bow; + and when he was questioned as to the use he could find for two bows, he + answered that one might break or get lost. + </p> + <p> + The father, pleased at his son's diligence in the practise of the bow, + made him the new weapon; and the next day, as soon as his father had gone + away, the boy ran to the hollow tree and invited his little friend to come + out and play, at the same time presenting to him the new bow. They went + and played in the lodge together, and in their sport they raised the ashes + all over it. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly again the youngest said, "Your father is coming, I must leave." + </p> + <p> + He again exacted a promise of secrecy and went back to his tree. The + eldest took his seat near the fire. + </p> + <p> + When the hunter came in he was surprised to see the ashes scattered about. + "Why, my son," he said, "you must have played very hard to-day to raise + such a dust all alone." + </p> + <p> + "Yes," the boy answered, "I was very lonesome, and I ran round and round—that + is the cause of it." + </p> + <p> + The next day the hunter made ready for the chase as usual. The boy said: + </p> + <p> + "Father, try and hunt all day, and see what you can kill." + </p> + <p> + He had no sooner set out than the boy called his friend, and they played + and chased each other round the lodge. They had great delight in each + other's company and made merry by the hour. The hunter was again + returning, and came to a rising ground which caught the winds as they + passed, when he heard his son laughing and making a noise; but the sounds + as they reached him on the hill-top, seemed as if they arose from two + persons playing. + </p> + <p> + At the same time the younger boy stopped, and after saying, "Your father + is coming," stole away under cover of the high grass to his hollow tree, + which was not far off. + </p> + <p> + The hunter, on entering, found his son sitting by the fire, very quiet and + unconcerned, although he saw that all the articles of the lodge were lying + thrown about in all directions. + </p> + <p> + "Why, my son," he said, "you must play very hard every day; and what is it + that you do, all alone, to throw the lodge in such confusion?" + </p> + <p> + The boy again had his excuse. "Father," he answered, "I play in this + manner: I chase and drag my blanket around the lodge, and that is the + reason you see the ashes spread about." + </p> + <p> + The hunter was not satisfied until his son had shown him how he played + with the blanket, which he did so adroitly as to set his father laughing + and at last drive him out of the lodge with the great clouds of ashes that + he raised. + </p> + <p> + The next morning the boy renewed his request that his father should be + absent all day, and see if he could not kill two deer. The hunter thought + this a strange desire on the part of his son, but as he had always humored + the boy, he went into the forest as usual, bent on accomplishing his wish, + if he could. + </p> + <p> + As soon as he was out of sight, his son hastened to his young companion at + the tree, and they continued their sports. + </p> + <p> + The father on nearing his home in the evening again heard the sounds of + play and laughter; and as the wind brought them straight to his ear, he + was now certain that there were two voices. + </p> + <p> + The boy from the tree had no more than time to escape, when the hunter + entered and found his son sitting as usual near the fire. When he cast his + eyes around, he saw that the lodge was in greater confusion than before. + </p> + <p> + "My son," he said, "you must be very foolish to play so when alone. But, + tell me, my son; I heard two voices, I am sure," and he looked closely on + the prints of the footsteps in the ashes. "True," he continued, "here is + the print of a foot which is smaller than yours," and he was now satisfied + that his suspicions were well founded, and that some very young person had + been the companion of his son during his absence. + </p> + <p> + The boy could not now refuse to tell his father what had happened. + </p> + <p> + "Father," he said, "I found a boy in the hollow of that tree near the + lodge, where you placed my mother's bones." + </p> + <p> + Strange thoughts came over the mind of the hunter; did his wife live again + in this beautiful child? + </p> + <p> + Fearful of disturbing the dead, he did not dare to visit the place where + he had deposited her remains. + </p> + <p> + He, however, engaged his son to entice the boy to a dead tree by the edge + of a wood, where they could kill many flying-squirrels by setting it on + fire. He said that he would conceal himself near-by and take the boy. + </p> + <p> + The next day the hunter accordingly went into the woods, and his son, + calling the boy from the tree, urged him to go with him to kill the + squirrels. The boy objected that the father was near, but he was at length + prevailed on to go, and after they had fired the tree, and while they were + busy killing or taking the squirrels, the hunter suddenly made his + appearance and clasped the strange boy in his arms. + </p> + <p> + "Kago, kago, don't, don't," cried the child. "You will tear my clothes!" + For he was clad in a fine apparel, which shone as if it had been made of a + beautiful transparent skin. The father reassured him by every means in his + power. + </p> + <p> + By constant kindness and gentle words the boy was reconciled to remain + with them; but chiefly by the presence of his young friend, the hunter's + son, to whom he was fondly attached. The children were never parted from + each other; and when the hunter looked upon the strange boy, he seemed to + see living in him the better spirit of his lost wife. He was thankful to + the Great Spirit for this act of goodness, and in his heart he felt + assured that in time the boy would show great virtue and in some way + avenge him on the wicked Weendigo who had destroyed the companion of his + lodge. + </p> + <p> + The hunter grew at ease in his spirit and gave all of the time he could + spare from the chase to the society of the two children; but what affected + him most, both of his sons, although they were well-formed and beautiful, + grew no more in stature but remained children still. Every day they + resembled each other more and more, and they never ceased to sport and + divert themselves in the innocent ways of childhood. + </p> + <p> + One day the hunter had gone abroad with his bow and arrows, leaving behind + in the lodge, at the request of the strange boy, one of the two shafts + which the friendly Weendigo had given to him. + </p> + <p> + When he returned, what were his surprise and joy to see stretched dead by + his lodge-door the black giant who had slain his wife. He had been + stricken down by the magic shaft in the hands of the little stranger from + the tree; and ever after the boy, or the Bone-Dwarf as he was called, was + the guardian and good genius of the lodge. No evil spirit, giant, or + Weendigo, ever again dared approach it to mar their peace. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0022" id="link2H_4_0022"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XX. THE FIRE-PLUME + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"> + <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">W</span>ASSAMO was living + with his parents on the shore of a large bay far out in the north-east. + One day, when the season had commenced for fish to be plenty, the mother + of Wassamo said to him: "My son, I wish you would go to yonder point and + see if you cannot procure me some fish, and ask your cousin to accompany + you." + </p> + <p> + Wassamo did so. He set out with his cousin, and in the course of the + afternoon they arrived at the fishing-ground. + </p> + <p> + The cousin, being the elder, attended to the nets. When these were set in + the lake, the youths encamped near-by, using the bark of the birch for a + lodge to shelter them through the night. + </p> + <p> + They lit a fire, and while they sat conversing with each other, the moon + arose. Not a breath of wind disturbed the smooth surface of the lake. Not + a cloud was seen. Wassamo looked out on the water toward their nets, and + he saw that the little black spots, which were no other than the floats, + had disappeared. + </p> + <p> + "Netawis," he said, "let us visit our nets; perhaps we are fortunate." + </p> + <p> + When they drew up the nets they were rejoiced to see the meshes shining + white, all over, with the glittering prey. They landed in fine spirits, + and put away their canoe in safety from the winds. + </p> + <p> + "Wassamo," said the cousin, "you cook that we may eat." + </p> + <p> + Wassamo set about the work at once and soon had his great kettle swung + upon its branch, while the cousin lay at his ease upon the other side of + the fire. + </p> + <p> + "Cousin," Said Wassamo, "tell me stories or sing me some love-songs." + </p> + <p> + The cousin obeyed, and sang his plaintive songs, frequently breaking off + in the midst of a mournful chant to recite a mirthful story, then in the + midst of Wassamo's laughter returning to the plaintive ditty—just as + it suited his fancy; for Netawis was gay of spirit and shifted his humor + faster than the fleecy clouds that appeared and disappeared in the + night-sky over their heads. In this changeful pastime the cousin ran his + length and then fell away into a silvery sleep, murmuring parts of his + song or story, while the moon glided through the branches and gilded his + face as though she were enamored of his fair looks. + </p> + <p> + Wassamo in the meanwhile had lost the sound of his cousin's voice in the + rich simmer of the kettle; and when its music pleased his ear the most, as + announcing that the fish were handsomely cooked, he lifted the kettle from + the fire. He spoke to his cousin, but he received no answer. + </p> + <p> + He went on with his housekeeping alone and took the wooden ladle and + skimmed the kettle neatly, for the fish were very plump and fat. But he + had a torch of twisted hark in one hand to give light, and when he came to + take out the fish, there was no one to have charge of the torch. + </p> + <p> + The cousin was so happy in his sleep, with the silver moon kissing his + cheeks, that Wassamo had not the heart to call him up. + </p> + <p> + Binding his girdle upon his brow, in this he thrust the torch and went + forward to prepare the evening meal with the light dancing through the + green leaves at every turn of his head. + </p> + <p> + He again spoke to his cousin, but gently, to learn whether he was in truth + asleep. The cousin murmured, but made no reply; and Wassamo stepped softly + about with the dancing fire-plume lighting up the gloom of the forest at + every turn he made. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly he heard a laugh. It was double, or the one must be the perfect + echo of the other. To Wassamo there appeared to be two persons at no great + distance. + </p> + <p> + "Cousin," said Wassamo, "some person is near us. I hear a laugh; awake and + let us look out!" + </p> + <p> + The cousin made no answer. + </p> + <p> + Again Wassamo heard the laughter in mirthful repetition, like the ripple + of the water-brook upon the shining pebbles of the stream. Peering out as + far as the line of the torchlight pierced into the darkness, he beheld two + beautiful young maidens smiling on him. + </p> + <p> + Their countenances appeared to be perfectly; white, like the fresh snow. + </p> + <p> + He crouched down and pushed his cousin, saying in a low voice, "Awake! + awake! here are two young women." + </p> + <p> + But he received no answer. His cousin seemed lost to all earthly sense and + sound; for he lay unmoved, smiling, in the calm light of the moon. Wassamo + started up alone and glided toward the strange maidens. + </p> + <p> + As he approached them he was more and more enraptured with their beauty; + but just as he was about to speak to them, he suddenly fell to the earth, + and they all three vanished together. The moon shone where they had just + stood, but saw them not. Only a gentle sound of music and soft voices + accompanied their vanishing, and this wakened the cousin. + </p> + <p> + As Netawis opened his eyes in a dreamy way, he saw the kettle near him. + Some of the fish, he observed, were in the bowl. The fire flickered and + made light and shadow; but nowhere was Wassamo to be seen. He waited, and + waited again, in the expectation that Wassamo would appear. + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps," thought the cousin, "he is gone out again to visit the nets." + </p> + <p> + He looked off that way, but the canoe still lay close by the rock at the + shore. He searched and found footsteps in the ashes, and out upon the + green ground a little distance, and then they were utterly lost. + </p> + <p> + He was now greatly troubled in spirit, and he called aloud, "Wassamo! + cousin! cousin!" but there was no answer to his call. He called again in + his sorrow, louder and louder, "Wassamo! Wassamo! cousin! cousin! whither + are you gone?" But no answer came to his voice of wailing. He started for + the edge of the woods, crying as he ran, "My cousin!" and "Oh, my cousin!" + </p> + <p> + Hither and thither through the forest he sped with all his fleetness of + foot and quickness of spirit; and when at last he found that no voice + would answer him, he burst into tears and sobbed aloud. + </p> + <p> + He returned to the fire and sat down. He mused upon the absence of Wassamo + with a sorely troubled heart. "He may have been playing me a trick," he + thought; but it was full time that the trick should be at an end, and + Wassamo returned not. The cousin cherished other hopes, but they all died + away in the morning light, when he found himself alone by the + Hunting-fire. + </p> + <p> + "How shall I answer to his friends for Wassamo?" thought the cousin. + "Although his parents are my kindred and are well assured that their son + is my bosom-friend, will they receive that belief in the place of him who + is lost? No, no; they will say that I have slain him, and they will + require blood for blood. Oh! my cousin, wither are you gone?" + </p> + <p> + He would have rested to restore his mind to its peace, but he could not + sleep; and without further regard to net or canoe, he set off for the + village, running all the way. + </p> + <p> + As they saw him approaching at such speed and alone, they said, "Some + accident has happened." + </p> + <p> + When he had come into the village, he told them how Wassamo had + disappeared. He stated all the circumstances. He kept nothing to himself. + He declared all that he knew. + </p> + <p> + Some said, "He has killed him in the dark." Others said, "It is + impossible; they were like brothers; they would have fallen for each + other. It cannot be." + </p> + <p> + At the cousin's request, many of the men visited the fish-fire. There were + no marks of blood. No hasty steps were there to show that any conflict or + struggle had occurred. Every leaf on every tree was in its place; and they + saw, as the cousin had seen, that the foot-prints of Wassamo stopped in + the wood, as if he had gone no farther upon the earth but had ascended + into the air. + </p> + <p> + They returned to the village, and no man was the wiser as to the strange + and sudden vanishing of Wassamo. None ever looked to see him more; only + the parents, who still hoped and awaited their son's return. + </p> + <p> + The Spring, with all its blossoms and its delicate newness of life, came + among them; the Indians assembled from all the country round to celebrate + their spring feast. + </p> + <p> + Among them came the sad cousin of Wassamo. He was pale and thin as the + shadow of the shaft that flies. The pain of his mind had changed his + features, and wherever he turned his eyes, they were dazzled with the + sight of the red blood of his friend. + </p> + <p> + The parents of Wassamo, far gone in despair and weary with watching for + his return, now demanded the life of Netawis. The village was stirred to + its very heart by their loud lamentings; and after a struggle of pity, + they decided to give the young man's life to the parents. They said that + they had waited long enough. A day was appointed on which the cousin was + to yield his life for his friend's. + </p> + <p> + He was a brave youth, and they bound him only by his word to be ready at + the appointed hour. He said that he was not afraid to die; for he was + innocent of the great wrong they laid to his charge. + </p> + <p> + A day or two before the time set to take his life, he wandered sadly along + the shore of the lake. He looked at the glassy water, and more than once + the thought to end his griefs by casting himself in its depths came upon + him with such sudden force that only by severe self-control was he able to + turn his steps in another direction. He reflected— + </p> + <p> + "They will say that I was guilty if I take my own life. No. I will give + them my blood for that of my cousin." + </p> + <p> + He walked on with slow steps, but he found no comfort, turn where he + would; the sweet songs of the forest jarred upon his ear; the beauty of + the blue sky pained his sight; and the soft green earth, as he trod upon + it, seemed harsh to his foot and sent a pang through every nerve. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, where is my cousin?" he kept saying to himself. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, when Wassamo fell senseless before the two young women in the + wood, he lost all knowledge of himself until he awakened in a distant + scene. He heard persons conversing. One spoke in a tone of command, + saying: + </p> + <p> + "Foolish ones, is this the way that you rove about at nights without our + knowledge? Put that person you have brought on that couch of yours, and do + not let him lie upon the ground." + </p> + <p> + Wassamo felt himself moved, he knew not how, and placed upon a couch. Some + time after, the spell seemed to be a little lightened, and on opening his + eyes, he was surprised to find that he was lying in a spacious and shining + lodge extending as far as the eye could reach. One spoke to him and said: + </p> + <p> + "Stranger, awake, and take something wherewith to refresh yourself." + </p> + <p> + He obeyed the command and sat up. On either side of the lodge he beheld + rows of people seated in orderly array. At a distance he could see two + stately persons, who looked rather more in years than the others, and who + appeared to exact obedience from all around them. One of them, whom he + heard addressed as the Old Spirit-man, spoke to Wassamo. + </p> + <p> + "My son," said he, "know it was those foolish maidens who brought you + hither. They saw you at the fishing-ground. When you attempted to approach + them you fell senseless, and at the same moment they transported you to + this place. You are now under the earth. But be at ease. We will make your + stay with us pleasant. I am the Guardian Spirit of the Sand Mountains. + They are my charge. I pile them up and blow them about and do whatever I + will with them. It keeps me very busy, but I am hale for my age, and I + love to be employed. I have often wished to get one of your race to marry + among us. If you can make up your mind to remain, I will give you one of + my daughters—the one who smiled on you first the night you were + brought away from your parents and friends." + </p> + <p> + Wassamo dropped his head and made no answer. The thought that he should + behold his kindred no more made him sad. + </p> + <p> + He was silent, and the Old Spirit continued: "Your wants will all be + supplied; but you must be careful not to stray far from the lodge. I am + afraid of that Spirit who rules all islands lying in the lakes. He is my + bitter enemy, for I have refused him my daughter in marriage; and when he + learns that you are a member of my family, he will seek to harm you. There + is my daughter," added the Old Spirit, pointing toward her. "Take her. She + shall be your wife." + </p> + <p> + Forthwith Wassamo and the Old Spirit's daughter sat near each other in the + lodge, and they were man and wife. + </p> + <p> + One evening the Old Spirit came in after a busy day's work ont among the + sand-hills, in the course of which he had blown them all ont of shape with + great gusts of wind, strewn them about in a thousand directions and + brought them back and piled them up in all sorts of misshapen heaps. + </p> + <p> + At the close of this busy day, when the Old Spirit came in very much out + of breath, he said to Wassamo: + </p> + <p> + "Son-in-law, I am in want of tobacco. None grows about this dry place of + mine. You shall return to your people and procure me a supply. It is + seldom that the few who pass these sand-hills offer me a piece of tobacco—it + is a rare plant in these parts—but when they do, it immediately + comes to me. Just so," he added, putting his hand out of the side of the + lodge and drawing in several pieces of tobacco. Some one passing at that + moment had offered it as a fee to the Old Spirit, to keep the sand-hills + from blowing about till they had got by. + </p> + <p> + Other gifts besides tobacco came in the same way to the side of the lodge—sometimes + a whole bear, then a wampum-robe, then a string of birds—and the + Sand-Spirits altogether led an easy life; for they were not at the trouble + to hunt or clothe themselves; and whenever the housekeeping began to fall + short, nothing would happen but a wonderful storm of dust, all the + sand-hills being straightway put in an uproar, and the contributions would + at once begin to pour in at the side windows of the lodge, till all wants + were supplied. + </p> + <p> + After Wassamo had been among these curious people several months, the old + Sand-Spirit said to him: + </p> + <p> + "Son-in-law, you must not be surprised at what you will see next; for + since you have been with us you have never known us to go to sleep. It has + been summer, when the sun never sets here where we live. But now, what you + call winter is coming on. You will soon see us lie down, and we shall not + rise again till the spring. Take my advice. Do not leave the lodge. I have + sure knowledge that that knavish Island Spirit is on the prowl, and as he + has command of a particular kind of storm, which comes from the + south-west, he only waits his opportunity to catch you abroad and do you + mischief. Try and amuse yourself. That cupboard," pointing to a corner of + the lodge, "is never empty; for it is there that all the offerings are + handed in while we are asleep. It is never empty, and—" But ere the + old Sand-Spirit could utter another word, a loud rattling of thunder was + heard, and instantly not only the Old Spirit but every one of his family + vanished out of sight. + </p> + <p> + When the storm had passed by, they all reappeared in the lodge. This + sudden vanishing and reappearance occurred at every tempest. + </p> + <p> + "You are surprised," said the Old Spirit, "to see us disappear when it + thunders. The reason is this: that noise which you fancy is thunder is our + enemy the Island Spirit hallooing on his way home from the hunt. We get + out of sight that we may escape the necessity of asking him to come in and + share our evening meal. We are not afraid of him, not in the least." + </p> + <p> + Just then it chanced to thunder again, and Wassamo observed that his + father-in-law made, extraordinary despatch to conceal himself, although no + stranger was in view, at all resembling in any way the Island Spirit. + </p> + <p> + Shortly after this the season of sleep began, and one by one they laid + themselves down to the long slumber. + </p> + <p> + The Old Spirit was the last to drop away; and before he yielded, he went + forth and had his last sport with the sand-hills. He so tossed and vexed + the poor hills, scattered them to and fro, and whirled them up in the air + and far over the land, that it was days and days before they got hack to + anything like their natural shape. + </p> + <p> + While his relations were enjoying this long sleep, Wassamo amused himself + as best he could. The cupboard never failed him once; for visit it when he + i would, he always found a fresh supply of game and every other dainty + which his heart desired. + </p> + <p> + But his chief pastime was to listen to the voices of the travelers who + passed by the window at the side of the lodge, where they made their + requests for comfortable weather and an easy journey. + </p> + <p> + These were often mingled with loud complainings, such as "Ho! how the sand + jumps about!" + </p> + <p> + "Take away that hill!" + </p> + <p> + "I am lost!" + </p> + <p> + "Old Sand-Spirit, where are you? Help this way!" which indicated that such + as were journeying through the hills had their own troubles to encounter. + </p> + <p> + As the spring-light of the first day of spring shone into the lodge, the + whole family arose and went about the affairs of the day as though they + had been slumbering only for a single night. The rest seemed to have done + the Old Spirit much good, for he was very cheerful. Putting his head forth + from the window for a puff at a sand-hill, which was his prime luxury in a + morning, he said to Wassamo: + </p> + <p> + "Son-in-law, you have been very patient with our long absence from your + company, and you shall be rewarded. In a few days you may start with your + wife to visit your relations. You can be absent one year, but at the end + of that time, you must return. When you get to your home village, you must + first go in alone. Leave your wife at a short distance from the lodge, and + when you are welcome, then send for her. When there, do not be surprised + that she disappears whenever you hear it thunder." He added, with a sly + look, "That old Island Spirit has a brother down in that part of the + country. You will prosper in all things, for my daughter is very diligent. + All the time that you pass in sleep, she will be at work. The distance is + short to your village. A path leads directly to it, and when you get + there, do not forget my wants as I stated to you before." + </p> + <p> + Wassamo promised obedience to these directions, and at the appointed time + set out in company with his wife. They traveled on a pleasant course, his + wife leading the way, until they reached a rising ground. + </p> + <p> + At the highest point of this ground, she said, "We shall soon get to your + country." + </p> + <p> + It suddenly became broad day, as they came upon a high bank. Then they + passed, unwet, for a short distance under the lake and presently emerged + from the water at the sand-banks, just off the shore where Wassamo had set + his nets on the night when he had been borne away by the two strange + females. + </p> + <p> + Wassamo now left his wife sheltered in a neighboring wood, while he + advanced toward the village alone. When he turned the first point of land + by the lake he beheld his cousin as he walked the shore, musing sadly, and + from time to time breaking forth in mournful cries. + </p> + <p> + With the speed of lightning the cousin rushed forward. "Wassamo! Wassamo!" + he cried, "is it indeed you? Whence have you come, oh, my cousin?" They + fell upon each other's necks and wept aloud. And then, without further + delay or question, the cousin ran off with breathless despatch to the + village. He seemed like a shadow upon the open ground, he sped so fast. + </p> + <p> + He entered the lodge where sat the mother of Wassamo in mourning for her + son. "Hear me," said the cousin. "I have seen him whom you accuse me of + having killed. He will be here even while we speak." + </p> + <p> + He had scarcely uttered these words when the whole village was astir in an + instant. All ran out and strained their eyes to catch the first view of + him whom they had thought dead. And when Wassamo came forward, they at + first fell from him as though he had been in truth one returned from the + Spiritland. He entered the lodge of his parents. They saw that it was + Wassamo, living, breathing and as they had ever known him. And joy lit up + the lodge-circle as though a new fire had been kindled in the eyes of his + friends and kinsfolk. + </p> + <p> + He related all that had happened to him from the moment of his leaving the + temporary night-lodge with the flame on his head. He told them of the + strange land in which he had sojourned during his absence. He added to his + mother, apart from the company, that he was married, and that he had left + his wife at a short distance from the village. + </p> + <p> + She went out immediately in search of her; they soon found her in the + wood, and all the women in the village conducted her in honor to the lodge + of her new relations. The Indian people were astonished at her beauty, at + the whiteness of her skin, and still more, that she was able to talk with + them in their own language. + </p> + <p> + The village was happy, and the feast went on as long as the supply held + out. All were delighted to make the acquaintance of the old Sand-Spirit's + daughter; and as they had heard that he was a magician and guardian of + great power, the tobacco which he had sent for by his son-in-law came in + great abundance with every visitor. + </p> + <p> + The summer and fall which Wassamo thus passed with his parents and the + people of his tribe were prosperous with all the country. + </p> + <p> + The cousin of Wassamo recovered heart and sang once more his sad or + mirthful chants, just as the humor was upon him; but he kept close by + Wassamo and watched him in all his movements. He made it a point to ask + many questions of the country he came from; some of which his cousin + replied to, but others he left entirely unanswered. + </p> + <p> + At every thunderstorm, as the old Sand-Spirit had foreboded, the wife of + Wassamo disappeared, much to the astonishment of her Indian company. And + to their greater wonder she was never idle, night or day. + </p> + <p> + When the winter came on, Wassamo prepared for her a comfortable lodge to + which she withdrew for her long sleep; and he gave notice to his friends + that they must not disturb her, as she would not be with them again until + the spring returned. + </p> + <p> + Before lying down, she said to her husband, "No one but yourself must pass + on this side of the lodge." The winter passed away with snows outside, and + sports and stories in the lodge; and when the sap of the maple began to + flow, the wife of Wassamo wakened and immediately set about work as + before. She helped at the maple-trees with the others; and as if luck were + in her presence, the sugar-harvest was greater than had been ever known in + all that region. + </p> + <p> + The gifts of tobacco after this came in even more freely than they had at + first; and as each giver brought his bundle to the lodge of Wassamo, he + asked for the usual length of life, for success as a hunter, and for a + plentiful supply of food. They particularly desired that the sand-hills + might be kept quiet, so that their lands might be moist and their eyes + clear of dust to sight the game. + </p> + <p> + Wassamo replied that he would mention each of their requests to his + father-in-law. + </p> + <p> + The tobacco was stored in sacks, and on the outside of the skins, that + there might be no mistake as to their wants, each one who had given + tobacco had painted and marked in distinct characters the totem or family + emblem of his family and tribe. These the old Sand-Spirit could read at + his leisure and do what he thought best for each of his various + petitioners. + </p> + <p> + When the time for his return arrived, Wassamo warned his people that they + should not follow him or attempt to take note how he disappeared. He then + took the moose-skin sacks filled with tobacco and bade farewell to all but + Netawis. The latter insisted on the privilege of attending Wassamo and his + wife for a distance, and when they reached the sand-banks he expressed the + strongest wish to proceed with them on their journey. Wassamo told him + that it could not be; that only spirits could exert the necessary power, + and that there were no such spirits at hand. + </p> + <p> + They then took an affectionate leave of each other, Wassamo enjoining upon + his cousin, at risk of his life, not to look back when he had once started + to return. + </p> + <p> + The cousin, sore at heart but constrained to obey, parted from them; and + as he walked sadly away, he heard a gliding noise as of the sound of + waters that were cleaved. + </p> + <p> + He returned home and told his friends that Wassamo and his wife had + disappeared, but that he knew not how. No one doubted his word in anything + now. + </p> + <p> + Wassamo with his wife soon reached their home at the hills. The old + Sand-Spirit was in excellent health and delighted to see them. He hailed + their return with open arms; and he opened his arms so very wide, that + when he closed them he not only embraced Wassamo and his wife, but all of + the tobacco-sacks which they had brought with them. + </p> + <p> + The requests of the Indian people were made known to him; he replied that + he would attend to all, but that he must first invite his friends to smoke + with him. Accordingly he at once despatched his pipe-bearer and + confidential aid to summon various Spirits of his acquaintance, and set + the time for them to come. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile he had a word of advice for his son-inlaw, Wassamo. "My son," + said he, "some of these Manitos that I have asked to come here are of a + very wicked temper, and I warn you especially of that Island Spirit who + wished to marry my daughter. He is a very bad-hearted Monedo, and would + like to do you harm. Some of the company, however, you will find to be + very friendly. A caution for you. When they come in, do you sit close by + your wife; if you do not, you will be lost. She only can save you; for + those who are expected to come are so powerful that they will otherwise + draw you from your seat and toss you out of the lodge as though you were a + feather. You have only to observe my words and all will be well." + </p> + <p> + Wassamo took heed to what the Old Spirit said and answered that he would + obey. + </p> + <p> + About midday the company began to assemble; and such a company Wassamo had + never looked on before. There were Spirits from all parts of the country; + such strange-looking persons, and in dresses so wild and outlandish! One + entered who smiled on him. This, Wassamo was informed, was a Spirit who + had charge of the affairs of a tribe in the North, and he was as pleasant + and cheery a Spirit as one would wish to see. Soon after, Wassamo heard a + great rumbling and roaring, as of waters tumbling over rocks; and + presently, with a vast bluster, and fairly shaking the lodge with his + deep-throated hail of welcome to the old Sand-Spirit, in rolled another, + who was the Guardian Spirit and special director of a great cataract or + water-fall not far off. + </p> + <p> + Then came with crashing steps the owner of several whirlwinds, which were + in the habit of raging about in the neighboring country. And following + this one glided in a sweet-spoken, gentle-faced little Spirit, who was + understood to represent a summer gale that was accustomed to blow in at + the lodge-doors, toward evening, and to be particularly well disposed + toward young lovers. + </p> + <p> + The last to appear was a great rocky-headed fellow; and he was twice as + stony in his manners. He swaggered and strided in, and raised such a + commotion with his great green blanket when he shook it, that Wassamo was + nearly taken off his feet; and it was only by main force that he was able + to cling by his wife. This, which was the last to enter, was that wicked + Island Spirit, who looked grimly enough at Wassamo's wife as he passed in. + </p> + <p> + Soon after, the old Sand-Spirit, who was a great speech-maker, arose and + addressed the assembly. + </p> + <p> + "Brothers," he said, "I have invited you to partake with me of the + offerings made by the mortals on earth, which have been brought by our + relation," pointing to Wassamo. "Brothers, you see their wishes and + desires plainly set forth here," laying his hand upon the figured + moose-skins. "The offering is worthy of our consideration. Brothers, I see + nothing on my part to hinder our granting their requests; they do not + appear to be unreasonable. Brothers, the offer is gratifying. It is + tobacco—an article which we have lacked until we scarcely knew how + to use our pipes. Shall we grant their requests? One thing more I would + say. Brothers, it is this: There is my son-in-law; he is mortal. I wish to + detain him with me, and it is with us jointly to make him one of us." + </p> + <p> + "Hoke! hoke!" ran though the whole company of Spirits, and "Hoke! hoke!" + they cried again. And it was understood that the petitioners were to have + all they asked, and that Wassamo was thenceforward fairly accepted as a + member of the great family of Spirits. + </p> + <p> + As a wedding-gift the Old Spirit promised his son-in-law one request, + which should be promptly granted. + </p> + <p> + "Let there be no sand-squalls among my father's people for three months to + come," said Wassamo. + </p> + <p> + "So shall it be," answered the old Sand-Spirit. + </p> + <p> + The tobacco was now divided in equal shares among the company. They filled + their pipes—and huge pipes they were! And such clouds they blew, + that they rushed forth out of the lodge and brought on night in all the + country round about, several hours before its time. + </p> + <p> + After a time passed in silence, the Spirits rose up, and bearing off their + tobacco-sacks, went smoking through the country, losing themselves in + their own fog, till a late hour in the morning, when all of their pipes + being burned out, each departed on his own business. + </p> + <p> + The very next day the old Sand-Spirit, who was very much pleased with the + turn affairs had taken at his entertainment, addressed Wassamo: + </p> + <p> + "Son-in-law, I have made up my mind to allow you another holiday as an + acknowledgment of the handsome manner in which you acquitted yourself of + your embassy. You may visit your parents and relatives once more, to tell + them that their wishes are granted and to take your leave of them forever. + You can never, after, visit them again." + </p> + <p> + Wassamo at once set out, reached his people, and was heartily welcomed. + </p> + <p> + They asked for his wife, and Wassamo informed them that she had tarried at + home to look after a son, a fine little Sand-Spirit, who had been born to + them since his return. + </p> + <p> + Having delivered all of his messages and passed a happy time, Wassamo + said, "I must now bid you all farewell forever." + </p> + <p> + His parents and friends raised their voices in loud lamentation; they + clung to him, and as a special favor, which he could now grant, being + himself a spirit, he allowed them to accompany him to the sand-banks. + </p> + <p> + They all seated themselves to watch his last farewell. The day was mild, + the sky clear, not a cloud appearing to dim the heavens, or a breath of + wind to ruffle the tranquil waters. A perfect silence fell upon the + company. They gazed with eager eyes fastened on Wassamo, as he waded ont + into the water, waving his hands. They saw him descend, more and more, + into the depths. They beheld the waves close over his head, and a loud and + piercing wail went up which rent the sky. + </p> + <p> + They looked again; a red flame, as if the sun had glanced on a billow, + lighted the spot for an instant; but the Feather of Flames, Wassamo of the + Fire-Plume, had disappeared from home and kindred and the familiar paths + of his youth, forever. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><a name="linkimage-0023" id="linkimage-0023"> </a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:20%;"> + <img src="images/5288.jpg" alt="5288 " width="100%" /><br /><a + href="images/5288.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0023" id="link2H_4_0023"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XXI. THE BIRD LOVER + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"> + <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">I</span>N a region of + country where the forest and the prairie strove which should be the most + beautiful—the open plain with its free sunshine and winds and + flowers, or the close wood with its delicious twilight walks and green + hollows—there lived a wicked manito in the disguise of an old + Indian. + </p> + <p> + Although the country furnished an abundance of game and whatever else a + good heart could wish for, it was the study of this wicked genius to + destroy such people as fell into his hands. He made use of all his arts to + decoy men into his power for the purpose of killing them. The country had + been once thickly peopled, but this Mudjee Monedo had so thinned it by his + cruel practices that he now lived almost solitary in the wilderness. + </p> + <p> + The secret of his success lay in his great speed. He had the power to + assume the shape of any four-footed creature, and it was his custom to + challenge to a race all those he sought to destroy. He had a beaten path + on which he ran, leading around a large lake, and he always ran around + this circle so that the starting and the winning-post was the same. + Whoever failed, as every one had, yielded up his life at this post; and + although he ran every day, no man was ever known to beat this evil genius; + for whenever he was pressed hard, he changed himself into a fox, wolf, + deer, or other swift-footed animal, and was thus able to leave his + competitor behind. + </p> + <p> + The whole country was in dread of this same Mudjee Monedo, and yet the + young men were constantly running with him; for if they refused, he called + them cowards, which was a reproach they could not bear. They would rather + die than be called cowards. + </p> + <p> + To keep up his sport, the manito made light of these deadly foot-matches. + Instead of assuming a braggart air and going about in a boastful way with + the blood of such as he had overcome upon his hands, he adopted very + pleasing manners and visited the lodges around the country as any other + sweet-tempered and harmless old Indian might. + </p> + <p> + His secret object in these friendly visits was to learn whether the young + boys were getting old enough to run with him; he kept a very sharp eye + upon their growth, and the day he thought them ready, he did not fail to + challenge them to a trial on his racing-ground. + </p> + <p> + There was not a family in all that beautiful region which had not in this + way been visited and thinned out; and the manito had quite naturally come + to be held in abhorrence by all the Indian mothers in the country. + </p> + <p> + It happened that there lived near him a poor widow woman whose husband and + seven sons he had made way with. She was now living with an only daughter + and a son of ten or twelve years old. + </p> + <p> + This widow was very poor and feeble, and she suffered so much from lack of + food and other comforts of the lodge, that she would have been glad to die + but for her daughter and her little son. The Mudjee Monedo had already + visited her lodge to observe whether the boy was sufficiently grown to be + challenged to the race; and so crafty in his approaches and so soft in his + manners was the monedo, that the mother feared he would yet decoy the son + in spite of all her struggles and make way with him as he had done with + her husband and the seven elder sons. + </p> + <p> + And yet she strove with all her might to strengthen her son in every good + course. She taught him, as best she could, what was becoming for the wise + hunter and the brave warrior. She remembered and set before him all that + she could recall of the skill and the craft of his father and his brothers + who were lost. + </p> + <p> + The widow woman also instructed her daughter in whatever would make her + useful as a wife; and in the leisure-time of the lodge, she gave her + lessons in the art of working with the quills of porcupine, and bestowed + on her such other accomplishments as should make her an ornament and a + blessing to her husband's household. The daughter, Minda by name, + disdained no labor of the lodge, was kind and obedient to her mother, and + never failed in her duty. Their lodge stood high up on the banks of a + lake, which gave them a wide prospect of country embellished with groves + and open fields, which waved with the blue light of their long grass, and + made, at all hours of sun and moon, a cheerful scene to look upon. + </p> + <p> + Across this beautiful prairie, Minda had one morning made her way to + gather dry limbs for their fire. And while enjoying the sweetness of the + air and the green beauty of the woods, she strolled far away. + </p> + <p> + She had come to a bank painted with flowers of every hue, and was + reclining on its fragrant couch, when a bird, of red and deep-blue plumage + softly blended, alighted on a branch near-by and began to pour forth its + carol. It was a bird of strange character, such as she had never before + seen. Its first note was so delicious to the ear of Minda, it so pierced + to her young heart, that she listened as she had never before to any + mortal or heavenly sound. It seemed like the human voice, forbidden to + speak and uttering its language through this wild wood-chant with a + mournful melody, as if it bewailed the lack of the power or the right to + make itself more plainly intelligible. + </p> + <p> + The voice of the bird rose and fell and circled round and round; but + whithersoever floated or spread out its notes, they seemed ever to have + their center where Minda sat; and she looked with sad eyes into the sad + eyes of the mournful bird, that sat in his red and deep-blue plumage just + opposite to the flowery bank. + </p> + <p> + The poor bird strove more and more with his voice and seemed ever more and + more anxiously to address his notes of lament to Minda's ear, till at last + she could not refrain from speaking to him. + </p> + <p> + "What aileth thee, sad bird?" she asked. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><a name="linkimage-0024" id="linkimage-0024"> </a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:65%;"> + <img src="images/0295m.jpg" alt="0295m " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0295.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + As if he had but waited to be spoken to, the bird left his branch, and + alighting upon the bank, smiled on Minda. Shaking his shining plumage, he + answered: + </p> + <p> + "I am bound in this condition until a maiden shall accept me in marriage. + I have wandered through these forests and sung to many and many of the + Indian girls, but none ever heeded my voice till you. Will you be mine?" + he added, and poured forth a flood of melody which sparkled and spread + itself with its sweet murmurs over all the scene, fairly entrancing the + young Minda, who sat silent, as if she feared to break the charm by + speech. + </p> + <p> + The bird, approaching nearer, asked her, if she loved him, to get her + mother's consent to their marriage. "I shall be free then," said the bird, + "and you shall know me as I am." + </p> + <p> + Minda lingered and listened to the sweet voice of the bird, either in its + own forest notes, or else filling each pause with gentle human discourse. + For it questioned her as to her home, her family, and the little incidents + of her daily life. + </p> + <p> + She returned to the lodge later than usual, but she was too timid to speak + to her mother of that which the bird had charged her. She returned again + and again to the fragrant haunt in the wood; and every day she listened to + the songs of her bird admirer with more pleasure, and he every day + besought her to speak to her mother of the marriage. This she could not, + however, muster heart and courage to do. + </p> + <p> + At last the widow began herself to have a suspicion that her daughter's + heart was in the wood, from her long delays in returning and the little + success she had in gathering the fire-branches for which she went in + search. + </p> + <p> + Then, in answer to her mother's questions, Minda revealed the truth and + made known her lover's request; and the mother gave her consent, + considering the lonely and destitute condition of her little household. + </p> + <p> + The daughter hastened, with light steps, to carry the news to the wood. + The bird lover, of course, heard it with delight and fluttered through the + air in happy circles, pouring forth a song of joy which thrilled Minda to + the heart. + </p> + <p> + He said that he would come to the lodge at sunset, and immediately took + wing, while Minda hung fondly upon his flight, till he was lost far away + in the blue sky. + </p> + <p> + With the twilight the bird lover appeared at the door of the lodge. But + now his name was Monedowa, and he had returned to his true form of a + hunter, with a red plume on his head and a mantle of blue upon his + shoulders. + </p> + <p> + He addressed the widow as his friend, and she directed him to sit down + beside her daughter, and they were regarded as man and wife. + </p> + <p> + Early on the following morning he asked for the bow and arrows of those + who had been slain by the wicked manito, then went out a-hunting. As soon + as he had got out of sight of the lodge, he changed himself into the + wood-bird he had been before his marriage, and took his flight through the + air. + </p> + <p> + Although game was scarce in the neighborhood of the widow's lodge, + Monedowa returned at evening, in his character of a hunter, with two deer. + This was his daily practice, and the widow's family never more lacked for + food. It was noticed, however, that Monedowa himself ate but little, and + that of a peculiar kind of meat flavored with berries, which fact, with + other circumstances, convinced his wife that he was not as the Indian + people around him. His mother-in-law told him that in a few days the + manito would come to pay them a visit, to see how the young man, her son, + prospered. + </p> + <p> + Monedowa answered that he should on that day be absent. + </p> + <p> + When the time arrived, he flew upon a tall pine-tree overlooking the lodge + and took his station there as the wicked manito passed in. + </p> + <p> + The Mudjee Monedo cast sharp glances at the scaffolds so well laden with + meat, and as soon as he had entered, he said, "Why, who is it that is + furnishing you with meat so plentifully?" + </p> + <p> + "No one but my son," she answered. "He is just beginning to kill deer." + </p> + <p> + "No, no," he retorted; "some one is living with you." + </p> + <p> + "Kaween, no indeed!" replied the widow. "You are only making sport of my + hapless condition. Who do you think would come and trouble themselves + about me?" + </p> + <p> + "Very well," answered the manito, "I will go; but on such a day I will + again visit you and see who it is that furnishes the meat, and whether it + is your son or not." + </p> + <p> + He had no sooner left the lodge and got out of sight, than the son-in-law + made his appearance with two more deer. On being made acquainted with the + conduct of the manito, he said, "Very well, I will be at home the next + time, to see him." + </p> + <p> + Both the mother and the wife urged Monedowa to beware of the manito. They + made known all of his cruel courses, and assured him that no man could + escape from his power. + </p> + <p> + "No matter," said Monedowa. "If he invites me to the race-ground, I will + not be backward. What follows may teach him, my mother, to show pity on + the vanquished and not to trample on the widow and those who are without + fathers." + </p> + <p> + When the day of the visit of the manito arrived, Monedowa told his wife to + prepare certain pieces of meat, which he pointed out to her, together with + two or three buds of the birch tree, which he requested her to put in the + pot. He directed also that the manito should be hospitably received, as if + he had been just the kind-hearted old Indian he professed to be. Monedowa + then dressed himself as a warrior, embellishing his visage with tints of + red to show that he was prepared for either war or peace. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the Mudjee Monedo arrived, he eyed this strange warrior whom he + had never seen before; but he dissembled, as usual, and with a gentle + laugh said to the widow, "Did I not tell you that some one was staying + with you? For I knew your son was too young to hunt." + </p> + <p> + The widow excused herself by saying that she did not think it necessary to + tell him, inasmuch as he was a manito and must have known before he asked. + </p> + <p> + The manito was very pleasant with Monedowa, and after much other + gentle-spoken discourse, he invited him to the racing-ground, saying it + was a manly amusement, that he would have an excellent chance to meet + there with other warriors, and that he should himself be pleased to run + with him. + </p> + <p> + Monedowa would have excused himself, saying that he knew nothing of + running. + </p> + <p> + "Why," replied the Mudjee Monedo, trembling in every limb as he spoke, + "don't you see how old I look, while you are young and full of life? We + must at least run a little to amuse others." + </p> + <p> + "Be it so, then," replied Monedowa. "I will oblige you. I will go in the + morning." + </p> + <p> + Pleased with his crafty success, the manito would have now taken his + leave, but he was pressed to remain and partake of their hospitality. The + meal, consisting of one dish, was immediately prepared. + </p> + <p> + Monedowa partook of it first, to show his guest that he need fear nothing. + </p> + <p> + "It is a feast," he said, "and as we seldom meet, we must eat all that is + placed on the dish, as a mark of gratitude to the Great Spirit, not only + for permitting me to kill animals, but also for giving me the pleasure of + seeing you and partaking of it with you." They ate and talked of this and + that, until they had nearly despatched the meal, when the manito took up + the dish and drank off the broth at a breath. On setting it down he + immediately turned his head and commenced coughing with great violence. + The old body in which he had disguised himself was well-nigh shaken in + pieces, for he had, as Monedowa expected, swallowed a grain of the + birch-bud, and this, relished by Monedowa because of his bird nature, + greatly distressed the old manito, who partook of the character of an + animal, or four-footed thing. + </p> + <p> + He was at last put to such confusion of face by his constant coughing that + he was forced to leave, saying, or rather hiccoughing, as he left the + lodge, that he should look for the young man at the racing-ground in the + morning. + </p> + <p> + When the morning came, Monedowa was early astir, oiling his limbs and + enamelling his breast and arms with red and blue, resembling the plumage + in which he had first appeared to Minda. Upon his brow he placed a tuft of + feathers of the same shining tints. + </p> + <p> + By his invitation his wife, her mother and her brother attended Monedowa + to the manito's racing-ground. + </p> + <p> + The lodge of the manito stood upon a high ground, and near it stretched + out a long row of other lodges, said to be possessed by wicked kindred of + Mudjee Monedo, who shared in the spoils of his cruelty. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the young hunter and his party approached, the inmates appeared + at their lodge-doors and cried out: + </p> + <p> + "We are visited." + </p> + <p> + At this cry, the Mudjee Monedo came forth and descended with his + companions to the starting-post on the plain. From this the course could + be seen, winding in a long girdle about the lake. As they were now all + assembled, the old manito began to speak of the race, belting himself up + and pointing to the post, which was an upright pillar of stone. + </p> + <p> + "But before we start," said he, "I wish it to be understood that when men + run with me I make a wager, and I expect them to abide by it—life + against life." + </p> + <p> + "Very well—be it so," answered Monedowa. "Aye shall see whose head + is to be dashed against the stone." + </p> + <p> + "Aye shall," rejoined the Mudjee Monedo. "I am very old, but I shall try + and make a run." + </p> + <p> + "Very well," again rejoined Monedowa; "I hope we shall both stand to our + bargain." + </p> + <p> + "Good!" said the old manito. And at the same time he cast a sly glance at + the young hunter and rolled his eyes toward where stood the pillar of + stone. + </p> + <p> + "I am ready," said Monedowa. + </p> + <p> + The starting shout was given, and they set off at high speed, the manito + leading and Monedowa pressing closely after. As he closed upon him, the + old manito began to show his power, and changing himself into a fox he + passed the young hunter with ease, then went leisurely along. + </p> + <p> + Monedowa now, with a glance upward, took the shape of the strange bird of + red and deep-blue plumage, and with one flight, which took him some + distance ahead of the manito, resumed his mortal shape. + </p> + <p> + The Mudjee Monedo espied his competitor before him. "Whoa! whoa!" he + exclaimed; "this is strange," and he immediately changed himself into a + wolf and sped past Monedowa. + </p> + <p> + As he galloped by, Monedowa heard a noise from his throat and knew that he + was still in distress from the birch-bud which he had swallowed. + </p> + <p> + Monedowa again took wing, and shooting into the air, descended suddenly + with great swiftness and took the path far ahead of the old manito. + </p> + <p> + As he passed the wolf he whispered in his ear: + </p> + <p> + "My friend, is this the extent of your speed?" + </p> + <p> + The manito began to be troubled with bad forebodings, for on looking ahead + he saw the young hunter in his own manly form, running along at leisure. + The Mudjee Monedo, seeing the necessity of more speed, now passed Monedowa + in the shape of a deer. + </p> + <p> + They were now far around the circle of the lake and fast closing in upon + the starting-post, when Monedowa, putting on his red and blue plumage, + glided along the air and alighted upon the track far in advance. + </p> + <p> + To overtake him the old manito assumed the shape of the buffalo; and he + pushed on with such long gallops that he was again the foremost on the + course. The buffalo was the last change he could make, and it was in this + form that he had most frequently conquered. + </p> + <p> + The young hunter, once more a bird, in the act of passing the manito, saw + his tongue lolling from his mouth with fatigue. + </p> + <p> + "My friend," said Monedowa, "is this all your speed?" + </p> + <p> + The manito made no answer. Monedowa had resumed his character of a hunter + and was within a run of the winning-post, when the wicked manito had + nearly overtaken him. + </p> + <p> + "Bakah! bakah! nejee!" he called out to Monedowa. "Stop, my friend, I wish + to talk to you." + </p> + <p> + Monedowa laughed aloud as he replied: + </p> + <p> + "I will speak to you at the starting-post. When men run with me I make a + wager, and I expect them to abide by it—life against life." + </p> + <p> + One more flight as the blue and red bird, and Monedowa was so near to the + goal that he could easily reach it in his mortal shape. Shining in beauty, + his face lighted up like the sky, with tinted arms and bosom gleaming in + the sun, and the parti-colored plume on his brow waving in the wind, + Monedowa, cheered by a joyful shout from his own people, leaped to the + post. The manito came on with fear in his face. + </p> + <p> + "My friend," he said, "spare my life"; and then added in a low voice, as + if he would not that the others should hear it, "Let me live." And he + began to move off as if the request had been granted. + </p> + <p> + "As you have done to others," replied Monedowa, "so shall it be done to + you." + </p> + <p> + And seizing the wicked manito, he dashed him against the pillar of stone. + His kindred, who were looking on in horror, raised a cry of fear and fled + away in a body to some distant land, whence they have never returned. + </p> + <p> + The widow's family left the scene, and when they had all come out into the + open fields, they walked on together until they had reached the fragrant + bank and the evergreen wood where the daughter had first encountered her + bird lover. + </p> + <p> + Monedowa, turning to her, said: + </p> + <p> + "My mother, here we must part. Your daughter and myself must now leave + you. The Good Spirit, moved with pity, has allowed me to be your friend. I + have done that for which I was sent. I am permitted to take with me the + one whom I love. I have found your daughter ever kind, gentle and just. + She shall be my companion. The blessing of the Good Spirit be ever with + you. Farewell, my mother—my brother, farewell." + </p> + <p> + While the widow woman was still lost in wonder at these words, Monedowa + and Minda his wife changed at the same moment and rose into the air as + beautiful birds, clothed in shining colors of red and blue. + </p> + <p> + They caroled together as they flew, and their songs were happy, falling, + falling, like clear drops, as the birds rose, and rose, and winged their + way far upward. A delicious peace came into the mind of the poor widow + woman, and she returned to her lodge deeply thankful at heart for all the + goodness that had been shown to her by the Master of Life. + </p> + <p> + From that day forth she never knew want. Her young son proved a comfort to + her lodge, and the tuneful carol of Monedowa and Minda, as it fell from + heaven, was a music always sounding peace and joy in her ear, go whither + she would. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0024" id="link2H_4_0024"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XXII. BOKWEWA, THE HUMPBACK + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"> + <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">B</span>OKWEWA and his + brother lived in a far-off part of the country. By those who knew them, + Bokwewa, the elder, although deformed and feeble of person, was considered + a manito who had assumed mortal shape; while his younger brother, Kwasynd, + manly in appearance, active, and strong, partook of the nature of the + present race of beings. + </p> + <p> + They lived off the path, in a wild, lonesome place. Far retired from + neighbors and undisturbed by cares,' they passed their time content and + happy. The days glided by as serenely as the river that flowed by their + lodge. + </p> + <p> + Owing to his lack of strength, Bokwewa never engaged in the chase but gave + his attention entirely to the affairs of the lodge. In the long winter + evenings he passed the time in telling his brother stories of the giants, + spirits, weendigoes, and fairies of the older age, who in those days had + the exclusive charge of the world. He also at times taught his brother the + manner in which game should be pursued, pointed out to him the ways of the + different beasts and birds of the chase, and assigned the seasons at which + they could be hunted with most success. + </p> + <p> + For a while the brother was eager to learn and keenly attended to his + duties as the provider of the lodge; but at length he grew weary of their + tranquil life and began to have a desire to show himself among men. He + became restive in their retirement and was seized with a longing to visit + remote places. + </p> + <p> + One day Kwasynd told his brother that he should leave him; that he wished + to visit the habitations of men and to procure a wife. + </p> + <p> + Bokwewa objected; but his brother overruled all that he said, and in spite + of every remonstrance, he departed on his travels. + </p> + <p> + He traveled for a long time. At length he fell in with the footsteps of + men. They were moving by encampments, for he saw the poles at several + spots where they had passed. It was winter; and coming to a place where + one of their company had died, he found upon a scatfold, lying at length + in the cold blue air, the body of a beautiful young woman. + </p> + <p> + "She shall be my wife!" exclaimed Kwasynd. + </p> + <p> + He lifted her up, and bearing her in his arms, he returned to his brother. + </p> + <p> + "Brother," he said, "cannot you restore her to life? Oh, do me that + favor!" + </p> + <p> + He looked upon the beautiful maiden with a longing gaze; but she lay as + cold and silent as when he had found her upon the scatfold. + </p> + <p> + "I will try," said Bokwewa. + </p> + <p> + These words had been scarcely breathed, when the young woman rose up, + opened her eyes, and looked upon Bokwewa with a smile, as if she had known + him before. + </p> + <p> + To Kwasynd she paid no heed whatever. But presently Bokwewa, seeing how + she lingered in her gaze upon himself, said to her, "Sister, that is your + husband," pointing to Kwasynd. + </p> + <p> + She listened to his voice, and crossing the lodge, sat by Kwasynd, and + they were man and wife. + </p> + <p> + For a long time they all lived contentedly together. Bokwewa was very kind + to his brother and sought to render his days happy. He was ever within the + lodge, seeking to have it in readiness against the return of Kwasynd from + the hunt. And by following his directions, which were those of one deeply + skilled in the chase, Kwasynd always succeeded in returning with a good + store of meat. + </p> + <p> + But the charge of the two brothers was greatly lightened by the presence + of the spirit-wife; for without labor of the hand she ordered the lodge, + and as she willed everything took its place and was at once in proper + array. The wish of her heart seemed to control whatever she looked upon, + and all obeyed her desire. + </p> + <p> + But to the surprise of her husband, she never partook of food, or shared + in any way the longings and appetites of a mortal creature. She was never + seen arranging her hair, like other women, nor did she work upon her + garments, and yet they were ever seemly and without blemish or disorder. + </p> + <p> + Behold her at any hour, she was ever beautiful, and she seemed to need no + ornament, or nourishment, or other aid, to give grace or strength to her + looks. + </p> + <p> + Kwasynd, when the first wonder of her ways had passed, paid little heed to + her discourse; he was engrossed with the hunt, and chose to be abroad, + pursuing the wild game, or when in the lodge, enjoying its savory spoil, + rather than the society of his spirit-wife. + </p> + <p> + But Bokwewa watched closely every word that fell from her lips, and often + in conferring with her, forgot all mortal appetite and care of the body, + noting what she had to say of spirits and fairies, of stars, and streams + that never ceased to flow, the delight of the happy hunting-grounds, and + the groves of the blessed. + </p> + <p> + One day Kwasynd had gone out as usual, and Bokwewa was sitting in the + lodge on the opposite side to his brother's wife, when a tall youth + entered. His face was like the sun in its brightness, and he stood + straight as a cedar tree. Taking her by the hand, he led her to the door. + </p> + <p> + The woman made no resistance, but turned as she left the lodge and cast + upon Bokwewa a smile of kind regard. Then saying, "I must leave you," she + was at once gone from his view, with her companion. + </p> + <p> + He ran to the door, and looking far off in the sky, thought that he could + discover, at a great distance, a shining track, and the dim figures of two + who were vanishing into the clouds. + </p> + <p> + When his brother returned, Bokwewa related all to him exactly as it had + happened. + </p> + <p> + The face of Ivwasynd changed and was dark as the night. For several days + he would not taste food. Sometimes he would fall to weeping for a long + time, and now for the first time seemed to realise how gentle and + beautiful had been the ways of her who was lost. At last he said that he + would go in search of her. + </p> + <p> + Bokwewa tried to dissuade him from it; but he would not be turned aside + from his purpose. + </p> + <p> + "Since you are resolved," said Bokwewa, "listen to my advice. You will + have to go South. It is a long distance to the present abiding-place of + your wife, and there are so many charms and temptations by the way that I + fear you will be led astray and forget your errand. The people whom you + will see in the country through which you have to pass, do nothing but + amuse themselves. They are very idle, gay and effeminate, and I fear that + they will lead you astray. Your path is beset with dangers. I will mention + two things which you must be especially on your guard against. + </p> + <p> + "In the course of your journey you will come to a large grape-vine lying + across your path. You must not even taste its fruit, for it is poisonous. + Step over it. It is a snake. You will nest come to something that looks + like bear's fat, of which you are so fond. Touch it not, or you will be + overcome by the soft habits of the idle people. It is frog's eggs. These + are snares laid by the way for you." + </p> + <p> + Kwasynd promised that he would observe the advice, and bidding his brother + farewell, he set out. After traveling a long time he came to the enchanted + grape-vine. It looked so tempting, with its swelling purple clusters, that + he forgot his brother's warning and tried the fruit. Then he went on till + he came to the frog's eggs. They so much resembled delicious bear's fat + that Kwasynd tasted them. He still went on. + </p> + <p> + At length he came to a wide plain. As he emerged from the forest the sun + was falling in the west, and cast its scarlet and golden shades far over + the country. The air was perfectly calm, and the whole prospect had the + air of an enchanted land. Fruits and flowers and delicate blossoms lured + the eye and delighted the senses. + </p> + <p> + At a distance he beheld a large village, swarming with people, and as he + drew near he discovered women beating corn in silver mortars. + </p> + <p> + When they saw Kwasynd approaching, they cried out: + </p> + <p> + "Bokwewa's brother has come to see us." + </p> + <p> + Throngs of men and women in bright apparel hurried out to meet him. + </p> + <p> + Having already yielded to temptation by the way, he was soon overcome by + their fair looks and soft speeches; and it was not long afterward that he + was seen beating corn with the women, having entirely abandoned all + further quest for his lost wife. + </p> + <p> + Meantime, Bokwewa, alone in the lodge, waited patiently his brother's + return. After the lapse of several years he set out in search of him, and + he arrived in safety among the soft and idle people of the South. He had + met the same allurements by the way, and the people gathered around him on + his coming just as they had around his brother Kwasynd; but Bokwewa was + proof against their flattery. He only grieved in his heart that any should + yield. + </p> + <p> + He shed tears of pity to see that his brother had laid aside the arms of a + hunter, and that he was beating corn with the women, indifferent to the + fate and the fortune of his lost wife. + </p> + <p> + Bokwewa ascertained that she had passed on to a country beyond. + </p> + <p> + After deliberating for a time and spending several days in a severe fast, + he set out in the direction in which she had gone. + </p> + <p> + It was far off, but Bokwewa had a stout heart; and strong in the faith + that he was now on the broad path toward the happy land, he pressed + forward. For many days he traveled without encountering anything unusual. + Then plains of vast extent, rich in waving grass, began to pass before his + eyes. He saw many beautiful groves and beard the songs of countless birds. + </p> + <p> + At length he began to fail in strength for lack of food; when he suddenly + reached a high ground. From this he caught the first glimpse of the other + land. But it appeared to be still far off, and all the country between, + partly veiled in silvery mists, glittered with lakes and streams of water. + As he pressed on, Bok-wewa came in sight of innumerable herds of stately + deer, moose, and other animals which walked near his path, and they + appeared to have no fear of man. + </p> + <p> + And now again as he wound about in his course, and faced the north once + more, he beheld coming toward him an immense number of men, women, and + children, pressing forward in the direction of the shining land. + </p> + <p> + In this vast throng Bokwewa beheld persons of every age, from the little + infant, the sweet and lovely penaisee, or younger son, to the feeble, gray + old man, stooping under the burden of his years. + </p> + <p> + All whom Bokwewa met, of every name and degree, were heavily laden with + pipes, weapons, bows, arrows, kettles and other wares and implements. + </p> + <p> + One man stopped him and complained of the weary load he was carrying. + Another offered him a kettle; another his bow and arrows; but he declined + all, and, free of foot, hastened on. + </p> + <p> + And now he met women who were carrying their basket-work and painted + paddles, and little boys with their embellished war-clubs and bows and + arrows, the gifts of their friends. + </p> + <p> + With this mighty throng, Bokwewa was borne along for two days and nights, + when he arrived at a country so still and shining, and so beautiful in its + woods and groves and plains, that he knew it was here that he should find + the lost spirit-wife. + </p> + <p> + He had scarcely entered this fair country, with a sense of home and the + return to things familiar strong upon him, when there appeared before him + the lost spirit-wife herself, who, taking him by the hand, gave him + welcome, saying: + </p> + <p> + "My brother, I am glad to see you. Welcome! welcome! You are now in your + native land! Here you shall dwell in peace and plenty all your days." + </p> + <p> + Then Bokwewa, finding himself no longer misshapen and awkward, but strong + and straight, followed her into the lodge. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><a name="linkimage-0025" id="linkimage-0025"> </a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:20%;"> + <img src="images/5314.jpg" alt="5314 " width="100%" /><br /><a + href="images/5314.jpg"><i>Original</i></a> + </div> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0025" id="link2H_4_0025"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XXIII. THE LITTLE BOY-MAN + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"> + <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">A</span> BOY remarkable + for the smallness of his stature lived alone with his sister in a little + lodge on a lake shore. Around their habitation were scattered many large + rocks, and it had a very wild and out-of-the-way look. + </p> + <p> + The boy grew no larger as he advanced in years, and yet, small as he was, + he had a big spirit of his own and loved dearly to play the master in the + lodge. One day in winter he told his sister to make him a ball to play + with, as he meant to have some sport along the shore on the clear ice. + When she handed him the ball, his sister cautioned him not to go too. + </p> + <p> + He laughed at her and posted off in high glee, throwing his ball before + him and running after it at full speed; and he went as fast as his ball. + At last the ball flew to a great distance, and he after it. When he had + run forward for some time, he saw what seemed four dark spots upon the ice + straight before him. + </p> + <p> + When he came up to the shore he was surprised to see four large, tall men + lying on the ice, spearing fish. They were four brothers, who looked + exactly alike. + </p> + <p> + As the little boy-man approached them, the nearest looked up, and in his + turn was surprised to see such a tiny being. Turning to his brothers, he + said: + </p> + <p> + "Tia! look! see what a little fellow is here." + </p> + <p> + The three others thereupon looked up, too, and seeing these four faces, as + alike as if they had been one, the little spirit or boy-man said to + himself: + </p> + <p> + "Four in one! What a time they must have in choosing their + hunting-shirts!" + </p> + <p> + After they had all stared for a moment at the boy, they covered their + heads, intent in searching for fish. The boy thought to himself: + </p> + <p> + "These four-faces fancy that I am to be put off without notice because I + am so little and they are so broad and long. They shall find out. I may + find a way to teach them that I am not to be treated so lightly." + </p> + <p> + After the men were covered up, the boy-man, looking sharply about, saw + that among them they had caught one large trout, which was lying just by + their side. Stealing along, he slyly seized it, and placing his fingers in + the gills and tossing his ball before him, he ran off at full speed. + </p> + <p> + They heard the pattering of his little steps upon the ice, and when the + four looked up all together, they saw their fine trout sliding away at a + great rate, as if of itself, the boy being so small that he could not be + distinguished from the fish. + </p> + <p> + "See!" they cried out, "our fish is running away on the dry land!" + </p> + <p> + When they stood up they could just see, over the fish's head, that it was + the boy-man who was carrying it off. + </p> + <p> + The little spirit reached the lodge, and having left the trout at the + door, he told his sister to go out and bring in the fish he had brought + home. + </p> + <p> + She exclaimed, "Where could you have got it? I hope you have not stolen + it. '7 + </p> + <p> + "Oh," he replied, "I found it on the ice. It was caught in our lake. Have + we no right to a little lake of our own? I shall claim all the fish that + come out of its waters." + </p> + <p> + "How," the sister asked again, "could you have got it there?" + </p> + <p> + "No matter," said the boy; "go and cook it." + </p> + <p> + It was as much as the girl could do to drag the great trout within doors. + Then she cooked it, and its flavor was so delicious that she asked no more + questions as to how he had come by it. + </p> + <p> + The next morning the little spirit or boy-man set off as he had the day + before. + </p> + <p> + He made all sorts of sport with his ball as he frolicked along—high + over his head he would toss it; straight up into the air; then far before + him; and again, in mere merriment of spirit, he would send it bounding + back, as if he had plenty of speed and enough to spare in running back + after it. And the ball leaped and bounced about and glided through the air + as if it were a live thing, enjoying the sport as much as the boy-man + himself. + </p> + <p> + When he came within hail of the four large men, who were fishing there + every day, he cast his ball with such force that it rolled into the + ice-hole about which they were busy. The boy, standing on the shore of the + lake, called out: + </p> + <p> + "Four-in-one, pray hand me my ball." + </p> + <p> + "No, indeed," they answered, setting up a grim laugh which curdled their + four dark faces all at once, "we will not"; and with their fishing-spears + they thrust the ball under the ice. + </p> + <p> + "Good!" said the boy-man, "we shall see." + </p> + <p> + Saying which he rushed upon the four brothers and thrust them at one push + into the water. His ball bounded back to the surface, and, picking it up, + he ran off, tossing it before him in his own sportive way. Outstripping it + in speed, he soon reached home and remained within till the next morning. + </p> + <p> + The four brothers, rising up from the water at the same time, dripping and + wroth, roared out in one voice a terrible threat of vengeance, which they + promised to execute the next day. They knew the boy's speed, and that they + could by no means overtake him. + </p> + <p> + Betimes in the morning, the four brothers were stirring in their lodge and + getting ready to look after their revenge. + </p> + <p> + Their old mother, who lived with them, begged them not to go. + </p> + <p> + "Better," said she, "now that your clothes are dry, to think no more of + the ducking, than to go and all four of you get your heads broken, as you + surely will; for that boy is a monedo or he could not perform such feats + as he does." + </p> + <p> + Her sons, however, paid no heed to this wise advice. Raising a great + war-cry, which frightened the birds overhead nearly out of their feathers, + they started for the boy's lodge among the rocks. + </p> + <p> + The little spirit or boy-man heard them roaring forth their threats as + they approached, but he did not appear to be disquieted in the least. His + sister as yet had heard nothing; after a while she thought she could + distinguish the noise of snowshoes on the snow, at a distance, but rapidly + advancing. She looked out, and seeing the four large men coming straight + to their lodge she was in great fear. Running in, she exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + "He is coming, four times as strong as ever!" for | she supposed that the + one man whom her brother had offended had become so angry as to make four + of himself in order to wreak his vengeance. + </p> + <p> + The boy-man said, "Why do you mind them? Give me something to eat." + </p> + <p> + "How can you think of eating at such a time?" she replied. + </p> + <p> + "Do as I request you, and be quick." + </p> + <p> + She then gave the little spirit his dish, and he commenced eating. + </p> + <p> + Just then the brothers came to the door. + </p> + <p> + "See!" cried the sister, "the man with four heads!" + </p> + <p> + The brothers were about to lift the curtain at the door, when the boy-man + turned his dish upside down, and immediately the door was closed with a + stone. The four brothers set to work upon this and hammered with their + clubs with great fury, until at length they succeeded in making a slight + opening. One of the brothers presented his face at this little window and + rolled his eye about at the boy-man in a very threatening way. + </p> + <p> + The little spirit, who, when he had closed the door, had returned to his + meal and gone on quietly eating, took up his bow and arrow which lay by + his side, and let fly the shaft. It struck the man in the head, and he + fell back. The boy-man merely called out, "Number one," as he fell, and + went on with his meal. + </p> + <p> + In a moment a second face, just like the first, presented itself; and as + he raised his bow, his sister said to him: + </p> + <p> + "What is the use? You have killed that man already." + </p> + <p> + Little spirit fired his arrow—the man fell—he called out, + "Number two," and continued his meal. + </p> + <p> + The two others of the four brothers were despatched in the same quiet way + and counted off as "Number three" and "Number four." + </p> + <p> + After they were all well disposed of in this way, the boy-man directed his + sister to go ont and see them. She presently ran back, saying: + </p> + <p> + "There are four of them." + </p> + <p> + "Of course," the boy-man answered, "and there always shall be four of + them." + </p> + <p> + Going out himself, the boy-man raised the brothers to their feet, and + giving each a push, one with his face to the East, another to the West, a + third to the South, and the last to the North, he sent them off to wander + about the earth; and whenever you see four men just alike, they are the + four brothers whom the little spirit or boy-man despatched upon their + travels. + </p> + <p> + But this was not the last display of the boy-man's power. + </p> + <p> + When spring came on, and the lake began to sparkle in the morning sun, the + boy-man said to his sister: "Make me a new set of arrows and a bow." + Although he provided for their support, the little spirit never performed + household or hard work of any kind, and his sister obeyed. + </p> + <p> + When she had made the weapons, which, though they were very small, were + beautifully wrought and of the best stuff the field and wood could + furnish, she again cautioned him not to shoot into the lake. + </p> + <p> + "She thinks," said the boy-man to himself, "I can see no farther into the + water than she. My sister shall learn better." + </p> + <p> + Regardless of her warnings, he on purpose discharged a shaft into the lake + and waded out into the water till he got to its depth. Then he paddled + about for his arrow, so as to call the attention of his sister, as if to + show that he hardily braved her advice. + </p> + <p> + She hurried to the shore, calling on him to return; but instead of heeding + her, he cried out: + </p> + <p> + "You of the red fins, come and swallow me!" Although his sister did not + clearly understand whom her brother was addressing, she too called out: + "Don't mind the foolish boy!" + </p> + <p> + The boy-man's order seemed to be best attended to, for immediately a + monstrous fish came and swallowed him. Before disappearing entirely, + catching a glimpse of his sister standing in despair upon the shore, the + boy-man hallooed out to her: + </p> + <p> + "Me-zush-ke-zin-ance!" + </p> + <p> + She wondered what he meant. At last it occurred to her that it must be an + old moccasin. She accordingly ran to the lodge, brought a moccasin, tied + it to a string attached to a tree, and quickly cast it into the water. + </p> + <p> + The great fish said to the boy-man under water: "What is that floating?" + </p> + <p> + To which the boy-man replied: + </p> + <p> + "Go, take hold of it, swallow it as fast as you can; it is a great + delicacy." + </p> + <p> + The fish darted toward the old shoe and swallowed it, making of it a mere + mouthful. + </p> + <p> + The boy-man laughed to himself but said nothing, till the fish was fairly + caught; when he took hold of the line and began to pull himself ashore in + his fish-carriage. + </p> + <p> + The sister, who was watching all this time, opened wide her eyes as the + huge fish came up and up upon the shore; and she opened them still more + when the fish seemed to speak, and she heard from within a voice, saying, + "Make haste and release me from this nasty place." + </p> + <p> + It was her brother's voice, which she was accustomed to obey; and she made + haste with her knife to open a door in the side of the fish, from which + the boy-man presently leaped forth. He lost no time in ordering her to cut + up the fish and dry it; telling her that their spring supply of meat was + now provided. + </p> + <p> + The sister now began to believe that her brother was an extraordinary boy; + yet she was not altogether satisfied in her mind that he was greater than + the rest of the world. + </p> + <p> + They sat one evening in the lodge, musing with each other in the dark, by + the light of each other's eyes, when the sister said: + </p> + <p> + "My brother, it is strange that you, who can do so much, are no wiser than + the Ko-ko, who gets all his light from the moon; which shines or not, as + it pleases." + </p> + <p> + "And is not that light enough?" asked the little spirit. + </p> + <p> + "Quite enough," the sister replied. "If it would but come within the lodge + and not sojourn out in the tree-tops and among the clouds." + </p> + <p> + "We will have a light of our own, sister," said the boy-man; and, casting + himself upon a mat by the door, he commenced singing: + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Fire-fly, fire-fly, bright little thing, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Light me to bed and my song I will sing; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Give me your light, as you fly o'er my head, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + That I may merrily go to my bed. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Give me your light o'er the grass as you creep, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + That I may joyfully go to my sleep; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Come, little fire-fly, come little beast, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Come! and I'll make you to-morrow a feast. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Come, little candle, that flies as I sing, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Bright little fairy-bug, night's little king; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Come and I'll dream, as you guide me along; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Come and I'll pay you, my bug, with a song. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + As the boy-man chanted this call, the fire-flies came into the lodge, + first one by one, then in couples, till at last, swarming in little + armies, they lighted the lodge with a thousand sparkling lamps, just as + the stars were lighting the mighty hollow of the sky without. + </p> + <p> + The faces of the sister and brother shone upon each other from their + opposite sides of the lodge with a kindly gleam of mutual trustfulness; + and never more from that hour did a doubt of each other darken their + little household. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0026" id="link2H_4_0026"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XXIV. WUNZH, THE FATHER OF INDIAN CORN + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"> + <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">I</span>N time past—we + cannot tell exactly how many, many years ago—a poor Indian was + living with his wife and children in a beautiful part of the country. He + was not only poor, but he had the misfortune to be inexpert in procuring + food for his family, and his children were all too young to give him any + assistance. + </p> + <p> + Although of a lowly condition and straitened in his circumstances, he was + a man of kind and contented disposition. He was always thankful to the + Great Spirit for everything he received. He even stood in the door of his + lodge to bless the birds that flew past in the summer evenings; although, + if he had been of a complaining temper, he might have repined that they + were not rather spread upon the table for his evening meal. + </p> + <p> + The same gracious and sweet disposition was inherited by his eldest son, + who had now arrived at the proper age to undertake the ceremony of the + fast to learn what kind of a spirit would be his guide and guardian + through life. + </p> + <p> + Wunzh, for this was his name, had been an obedient boy from his infancy—pensive, + thoughtful, and gentle—so that he was beloved by the whole family. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the first buds of spring appeared and the delicious fragrance + of the young year began to sweeten the air, his father, with the help of + his younger brothers, built for Wunzh the customary little lodge at a + retired spot some distance from their own, where he would not be disturbed + during the solemn rite. + </p> + <p> + To prepare himself, Wunzh sought to clear his heart of every evil thought + and to think of nothing that was not good, and beautiful, and kindly. + </p> + <p> + That he might store his mind with pleasant ideas for his dreams, for the + first few days he amused himself by walking in the woods and over the + mountains, examining the early plants and flowers. + </p> + <p> + As he rambled far and wide through the wild country, he felt a strong + desire to know how the plants and herbs and berries grew, without any aid + from man, and why it was that some kinds were good to eat, and that others + were possessed of medicinal or poisonous power. + </p> + <p> + After he had become too languid from fasting to walk about, and confined + himself strictly to the lodge, he recalled these thoughts. Turning them in + his mind, he wished he could dream of something that would prove a benefit + to his father and family, and to all others of his fellow-creatures. + </p> + <p> + "True," thought Wunzh, "the Great Spirit made all things, and it is to him + that we owe our lives. Could he not make it easier for us to get our food + than by hunting animals and taking fish? I must try to find this out in my + visions." + </p> + <p> + On the third day Yfunzh became weak and faint, and lay flat in a kind of + stupor. Suddenly he fancied that a bright light came in at the lodge door, + and ere he was aware, he saw a handsome young man, with a complexion of + the softest and purest white, coming down from the sky and advancing + toward him. + </p> + <p> + The beautiful stranger was richly and gaily dressed, having on a great + many garments of green and yellow colors, but differing in their deeper or + lighter shades. He had a plume of waving feathers on his head, and all his + motions were graceful, reminding Wunzh of the deep green of the summer + grass, the clear amber of the summer sky, and the gentle blowing of the + summer wind. As Wunzh gazed at his visitor, he paused on a little mound of + earth just before the door of the lodge. + </p> + <p> + "I am sent to you, my friend," said this celestial visitor, in a voice + most soft and musical to listen to, "I am sent to you by that Great Spirit + who made all things in the sky and on the earth. He has seen and knows + your motives in fasting. He sees that it is from a kind and benevolent + wish to do good to your people and to procure a benefit for them; and that + you do not seek for strength in war, or the praise of the men of the + bloody hand. So I am sent to instruct you and to show you how you can do + your kindred good." + </p> + <p> + He then told Wunzh to arise and to prepare to wrestle with him, as it was + only by this means that he could hope to succeed in his desires. + </p> + <p> + Wunzh knew how weak he was from fasting, but the voice of the stranger was + cheery and put such a courage in his heart, that he promptly sprang up, + determined to die rather than fail. + </p> + <p> + He began the trial, and after a long-sustained struggle, was almost + overpowered, when the beautiful stranger said: + </p> + <p> + "My friend, it is enough for once; I will come again to try you," and + smiling on him, he returned through the air in the same direction in which + he had come. + </p> + <p> + The next day, although Wunzh saw how sweetly the wild-flowers bloomed upon + the slopes and the birds warbled from the woodland, he longed to see the + celestial visitor and to hear his voice. + </p> + <p> + To his great joy he reappeared at the same hour, toward the going down of + the sun, and re-challenged Wunzh to a trial of strength. + </p> + <p> + The brave Wunzh felt that his strength of body was even less than on the + day before, but the courage of his mind seemed to grow. Observing this, + and how Wunzh put his whole heart into the struggle, the stranger again + spoke to him in the words he used before, adding: + </p> + <p> + "To-morrow will be your last trial. Be strong, my friend, for this is the + only way in which you can overcome me and obtain the boon you seek." + </p> + <p> + The light which shone after him as he left Wunzh was brighter than before. + </p> + <p> + On the third day he came again and renewed the struggle. Very faint in + body was poor Wunzh, but he was stronger at heart than ever, and + determined to prevail now or perish. He put forth his utmost powers, and + after a contest more severe than either of the others, the stranger ceased + his efforts and declared himself conquered. + </p> + <p> + For the first time he entered Wunzh's little fasting-lodge, and sitting + down beside the youth, he began to deliver his instructions to him and to + inform him in what manner he should proceed to take advantage of his + victory. + </p> + <p> + "You have won your desire of the Great Spirit," said the beautiful + stranger. "You have wrestled manfully. To-morrow will be the seventh day + of your fasting. Your father will give you food to strengthen you, and as + it is the last day of trial you will prevail. I know this, and now tell + you what you must do to benefit your family and your people. To-morrow," + he repeated, "I shall meet you and wrestle with you for the last time. As + soon as you have prevailed against me, you will strip off my garments and + throw me down, clean the earth of roots and weeds, make it soft, and bury + me in the spot. When you have done this, leave my body in the earth and do + not disturb it, but come at times to visit the place, to see whether I + have come to life, and above all be careful never to let the grass or + weeds grow upon my grave. Once a month cover me with fresh earth. If you + follow these my instructions you will accomplish your object of doing good + to your fellow-creatures by teaching them the knowledge I now teach you." + </p> + <p> + He then shook Wunzh by the hand and disappeared, but he was gone so soon + that Wunzh could not tell what direction he took. + </p> + <p> + In the morning, Wunzh's father came to his lodge with some slight + refreshments, saying: + </p> + <p> + "My son, you have fasted long enough. If the Great Spirit will favor you, + he will do it now. It is seven days since you have tasted food, and you + must not sacrifice your life. The Master of Life does not require that." + </p> + <p> + "My father," replied Wunzh, "wait till the sun goes down. I have a + particular reason for extending my fast to that hour." + </p> + <p> + "Very well," said the old man, "I shall wait till the hour arrives, and + you shall be inclined to eat." + </p> + <p> + At his usual hour of appearing, the beautiful sky-visitor returned, and + the trial of strength was renewed. Although he had not availed himself of + his father's offer of food, Wunzh felt that new strength had been given + him. His heart was mighty within him to achieve some great purpose. Within + the bosom of the brave Wunzh courage was like the eagle that spreads his + wings within the tree-top for a great flight. + </p> + <p> + He grasped his challenger with supernatural strength, threw him down, and, + mindful of his instructions, tore away his beautiful garments and plume. + Finding him dead, he immediately buried him on the spot, using all the + precautions he had been told of, and very confident was Wunzh, all the + time, that his friend would again come to life. + </p> + <p> + Wunzh now returned to his father's lodge, where he was warmly welcomed. + For as it had been appointed to him during the days of his fasting to walk + apart, he had not been permitted to see any human face save that of his + father, the representative to the little household upon earth of the great + Father of all people. + </p> + <p> + Wunzh partook sparingly of the meal that had been prepared for him, and + once more mingled in the cares and sports of the family. But he never for + a moment forgot the grave of his friend. He carefully visited it + throughout the spring, weeded out the grass, and kept the ground in a soft + and pliant state; and sometimes, when the brave Wunzh thought of his + friend that was gone from his sight, he dropped a tear upon the earth + where he lay. + </p> + <p> + Watching and tending and moistening the earth with his tears, it was not + long before Wunzh saw the tops of green plumes coming through the ground; + and the more faithful he was in obeying his instructions in keeping the + ground in order and in cherishing the memory of his friend, the faster + they grew. He was, however, careful to conceal all these things from his + father. + </p> + <p> + Days and weeks had passed in this way; the summer was drawing toward a + close, when one day Wunzh invited his father to follow him to the quiet + and lonesome spot of his former fast. + </p> + <p> + The little fasting-lodge had been removed and the weeds kept from growing + on the circle where it had stood; but in its place rose a tall and + graceful plant, surmounted with nodding plumes, stately leaves, and golden + clusters. There was in its aspect and bearing the deep green of the summer + grass, the clear amber of the summer sky, and the gentle blowing of the + summer wind. + </p> + <p> + "It is my friend!" shouted Wunzh, "it is the friend of all mankind. It is + Mondawmin: it is our Indian Corn! We need no longer rely on hunting alone, + for as long as this gift is cherished and taken care of, the ground itself + will give us a living." + </p> + <p> + He then pulled an ear. + </p> + <p> + "See, my father," said he, "this is what I fasted for. The Great Spirit + has listened to my voice and sent us something new. Henceforth our people + will not alone depend upon the chase or upon the waters." + </p> + <p> + Wunzh then communicated to his father the instructions given to him by the + stranger. He told him that the broad husks must be torn away, as he had + pulled off the stranger's garments in his wrestling. Then he showed him + how the ear must be held before the fire till the outer skin becomes + brown, while all the milk is retained in the grain. + </p> + <p> + The whole family, in high spirits and deeply grateful, assisted in a feast + on the newly grown ears of corn. + </p> + <p> + So came that mighty blessing into the world, and we owe all of those + beautiful fields of healthful grain to the dream of the brave boy Wunzh. + </p> + <h3> + THE END + </h3> + <div style="height: 6em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + +<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 48469 ***</div> +</body> +</html> diff --git a/48469-h/images/0008.jpg b/48469-h/images/0008.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..ef88133 --- /dev/null +++ b/48469-h/images/0008.jpg diff --git a/48469-h/images/0008m.jpg b/48469-h/images/0008m.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..ac6e319 --- /dev/null +++ b/48469-h/images/0008m.jpg diff --git a/48469-h/images/0009.jpg 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