This is a modern-English version of Canadian Fairy Tales, originally written by MacMillan, Cyrus. It has been thoroughly updated, including changes to sentence structure, words, spelling, and grammar—to ensure clarity for contemporary readers, while preserving the original spirit and nuance. If you click on a paragraph, you will see the original text that we modified, and you can toggle between the two versions.

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CANADIAN FAIRY TALES


BY THE SAME AUTHOR

CANADIAN WONDER TALES
With Illustrations in Colour by George Sheringham
and a Foreword by Sir William Peterson. Crown 4to.

McGILL AND ITS STORY, 1821-1921
Illustrated. Demy 8vo.

THE BODLEY HEAD

CANADIAN WONDER TALES
With Color Illustrations by George Sheringham
and a Foreword by Sir William Peterson. Crown size 4to.

McGILL AND ITS STORY, 1821-1921
Illustrated. Demy 8vo.

THE BODLEY HEAD



AND MANY OTHERS CAME, BUT THEY MET THE SAME FATE AND MANY OTHERS CAME, BUT THEY ENDED UP WITH THE SAME FATE

CANADIAN FAIRY TALES

BY CYRUS MACMILLAN

With Illustrations by MARCIA LANE FOSTER

And an Introduction by JOHN GRIER HIBBEN

TORONTO: S. B. GUNDY
LONDON: JOHN LANE THE BODLEY HEAD LTD

First Published in 1922

Printed in Great Britain by Butler & Tanner, Frome and London

TORONTO: S. B. GUNDY
LONDON: JOHN LANE THE BODLEY HEAD LTD

Originally published in 1922

Printed in Great Britain by Butler & Tanner, Frome and London


TO

THE MEMORY

OF

MY FATHER

DESCENDANT OF CANADIAN PIONEERS
WHO UPHELD THE OLD TRADITIONS
AND USED THE ANCIENT SPEECH.

TO

THE MEMORY

OF

MY FATHER

DESCENDANT OF CANADIAN PIONEERS
WHO KEPT THE OLD TRADITIONS
AND SPOKE THE ANCIENT LANGUAGE.


INTRODUCTION

Professor Macmillan has placed all lovers of fairy tales under a deep debt of obligation to him. The fairy tale makes a universal appeal both to old and young; to the young because it is the natural world in which their fancy delights to range, and to the old because they are conscious again of the spirit of youth as they read such tales to their children and grandchildren over and over again, and rejoice in the illusion that after all there is not a great difference of age which separates the generations.

Professor Macmillan has put all fans of fairy tales in his debt. Fairy tales have a universal charm for both the young and the old; for the young, because they explore a magical world that sparks their imagination, and for the old, because reading these stories to their children and grandchildren brings back feelings of youth and creates the comforting illusion that the age gap between generations isn't that significant after all.

The fairy tale makes this universal appeal because it deals with the elemental in our natures that is the same in every age and in every race. In the Canadian Tales which Professor Macmillan has so admirably gathered from Indian sources, we find the same types of character and scenes of adventure that we do in the tales of the German forests, of Scandinavia, England or France.

The fairy tale has a universal appeal because it addresses the basic elements of our nature that are consistent across all ages and cultures. In the Canadian Tales that Professor Macmillan has expertly collected from Indigenous sources, we see the same kinds of characters and adventurous scenes that we find in the stories from the German forests, Scandinavia, England, or France.

There is in us all an instinctive admiration for the adventurous spirit of the fairy tale which challenges the might that is cruel and devastating, and for the good offices of the fairies which help to vindicate the cause of the noble in its conflict with the ignoble, right with wrong.[Pg viii]

We all have a natural admiration for the adventurous spirit found in fairy tales that take on cruel and destructive forces, and for the helpful fairies that support the fight of the noble against the ignoble, and right against wrong.[Pg viii]

The origin of the fairy tale is to be traced always to the early stages of civilization, and it is very gratifying to be assured from time to time that man possesses certain natural impulses which spring from an inherent sense of honour, and the desire to redress the wrongs of the world.

The origin of the fairy tale can always be traced back to the early stages of civilization, and it’s reassuring to know that people have certain natural impulses that come from a deep sense of honor and a desire to fix the world's wrongs.

Professor Macmillan has been successful in presenting the Indian folk-lore in a most engaging manner. The stories have all the delightful charm and mystery of the Canadian forests; they have penetrated into the heart of nature, but also into the heart of man.

Professor Macmillan has done a great job of presenting Indian folklore in a really engaging way. The stories carry all the enchanting charm and mystery of the Canadian forests; they connect deeply with both nature and humanity.

JOHN GRIER HIBBEN.

JOHN GRIER HIBBEN.


PREFACE

The tales in this collection, like those in "Canadian Wonder Tales," were gathered in various parts of Canada—by river and lake and ocean where sailors and fishermen still watch the stars; in forest clearings where lumbermen yet retain some remnant of the old vanished voyageur life and where Indians still barter for their furs; in remote country places where women spin while they speak with reverence of their fathers' days. The skeleton of each story has been left for the most part unchanged, although the language naturally differs somewhat from that of the story-tellers from whose lips the writer heard them.

The stories in this collection, just like those in "Canadian Wonder Tales," were collected from various regions of Canada—by rivers, lakes, and the ocean where sailors and fishermen still gaze at the stars; in forest clearings where lumberjacks still hold on to remnants of the old traveler life and where Indigenous people continue to trade their furs; in remote rural areas where women spin while reminiscing about their fathers' times. The core of each story remains mostly intact, although the language obviously varies a bit from that of the storytellers from whom the writer heard them.

It is too often forgotten that long before the time of Arthur and his Round Table these tales were known and treasured by the early inhabitants of our land. However much they may have changed in the oral passing from generation to generation the germ of the story goes back to very early days beyond the dawn of Canadian history. Canada is rich in this ancient lore. The effort to save it from oblivion needs no apology. Fairy literature has an important place in the development of the child mind, and there is no[Pg x] better fairy lore than that of our own country. Through the eyes of the Indian story-teller and the Indian dreamer, inheriting his tales from a romantic past, we can still look through "magic casements opening on the foam of perilous seas in fairy lands forlorn"; we can still feel something of the atmosphere of that mysterious past in which our ancestors dwelt and laboured. The author's sincerest hope in publishing this volume is that to the children of to-day the traditions of our romantic Canadian past will not be lost in our practical Canadian present.

It’s often overlooked that long before Arthur and his Round Table, these stories were known and cherished by the early inhabitants of our land. No matter how much they may have changed through oral tradition over generations, the essence of the stories originates from a very early time, even before Canadian history began. Canada is rich in this ancient knowledge. The effort to preserve it deserves every bit of acknowledgment. Fairy tales play a crucial role in children's development, and there’s no[Pg x] better fairy tales than those from our own country. Through the perspectives of the Indigenous storytellers and dreamers, who pass down their tales from a romantic past, we can still gaze through “magic windows opening onto the waves of dangerous seas in forgotten fairy lands”; we can still sense some of the atmosphere of that enigmatic past where our ancestors lived and worked. The author's deepest hope in publishing this book is that today’s children won’t lose the traditions of our rich Canadian past in our practical Canadian present.

McGill University,
May, 1921.

McGill University,
May 1921.


CONTENTS

PAGE

How Glooskap Made the Birds 1

Rabbit and the Grain Buyers 10

Saint Nicholas and the Children 19

The Fall of the Spider Man 31

The Boy who was Called Thick-head 40

Rabbit and the Indian Chief 47

Great Heart and the Three Tests 58

The Boy of the Red Twilight Sky 67

How Raven Brought Fire to the Indians 73

The Girl who Always Cried 82

Ermine and the Hunter 89

How Rabbit Deceived Fox 96

The Boy and the Dragon 104

Owl with the Great Head and Eyes 112

The Tobacco Fairy from the Blue Hills 122

Rainbow and the Autumn Leaves 127

Rabbit and the Moon-Man 134

The Children with One Eye 140

[Pg xii]The Giant with the Grey Feathers 146

The Cruel Stepmother 153

The Boy who was Saved by Thoughts 160

The Song-Bird and the Healing Waters 167

The Boy who Overcame the Giants 172

The Youth and the Dog-Dance 180

Sparrow's Search for the Rain 187

The Boy in the Land of Shadows 195

PAGE

How Glooskap Made the Birds 1

Rabbit and the Grain Sellers 10

Santa Claus and the Kids 19

The Fall of Spider-Man 31

The Boy Who Was Called Thick-Head 40

Rabbit and the Indigenous Leader 47

Great Heart and the Three Challenges 58

The Boy of the Red Twilight Sky 67

How Raven Gave Fire to the People 73

The Girl Who Always Cried 82

Ermine and the Hunter 89

How Rabbit Outsmarted Fox 96

The Boy and the Dragon 104

Owl with the Big Head and Eyes 112

The Tobacco Fairy from the Blue Hills 122

Rainbow and Autumn Leaves 127

Rabbit and the Moon Guy 134

The Children with One Eye 140

[Pg xii]The Giant with Gray Feathers 146

The Wicked Stepmother 153

The Boy Who Was Saved by His Thoughts 160

The Songbird and the Healing Waters 167

The Boy Who Beat the Giants 172

The Young Man and the Dog Dance 180

Sparrow's Search for Rain 187

The Boy in the Land of Shadows 195


LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS IN COLOUR

And many others came, but they met the same fate Frontispiece

TO FACE PAGE

And the children all came to him each asking for a boon 6

So Duck crawled under the over-turned basket and sat very still 14

They stood for a time in the shadow of the great trees before the door and made ready to blow together 24

He came one day upon a man clad in scarlet sitting on the side of a rocky hill tying stones to his feet 60

The coat of Ermine was replaced by a sleek and shining white coat as spotless as the new snow in winter 94

Then Fox untied the bag and let Rabbit out and got into the bag himself 100

The giant frowning angrily, the woman carrying the stick, and the boy leading the dog 148

For some days the boy lay in terror in the nest ... and far out on the ocean he could see great ships going by 162

"Strike hard," said the boy, "or it will do you no good" 178

And they sat down together on the edge of the lake 182

Then the old man gave the boy a large pipe and some tobacco 198

And many others showed up, but they ended up facing the same situation Frontispiece

And all the kids came to him, each asking for a favor 6

So Duck crawled under the overturned basket and stayed very still 14

They stood for a while in the shadow of the big trees before the door, getting ready to blow together 24

One day he came upon a man dressed in scarlet sitting on the side of a rocky hill, tying stones to his feet 60

The coat of Ermine was replaced by a sleek, shining white coat as clean as fresh snow in winter 94

Then Fox untied the bag, freed Rabbit, and got into the bag himself 100

The giant, frowning angrily, the woman carrying the stick, and the boy leading the dog 148

For a few days, the boy lay in fear in the nest ... and far out on the ocean, he could see huge ships passing by 162

"Strike hard," the boy said, "or it won’t do you any good" 178

And they sat down together on the edge of the lake 182

Then the old man gave the boy a big pipe and some tobacco 198

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS IN BLACK AND WHITE

TO FACE PAGE

He said farewell to the sky-country and let himself down to earth by one of his own strands of yarn 32

[Pg xiv]That night an old Wolf came through the forest in search of food 44

He went to Beaver's house by the stream, hobbling along with a stick 56

And she makes to him an offering of tiny white feathers plucked from the breasts of birds 70

Then Raven asked Mole to try, but Mole said: "Oh no, I am better fitted for other work. My fur would all be singed" 78

And with his magic power he changed her into a Fish-Hawk, and sent her out to the ocean 86

The man gave him another pair of mocassins in exchange for those he was wearing 108

Wolf trotting along like a little horse, and Rabbit laughing to himself, sitting in the saddle 116

Suddenly a large flock of birds, looking like great black clouds, came flying from the blue hills 124

Throughout the long winter months Deer looked longingly for Rainbow 128

He sat very quiet, waiting for the man of the long foot to appear 136

The boy went into the forest with his bow and arrows.... He had not gone far when he saw
a fat young deer, which he killed 142

The bull rushed at the mountain with all his force 158

Then the young man lay down to sleep, and the Fox stood guard beside him 170

TO FACE PAGE

He said goodbye to the sky-world and lowered himself to earth using one of his own strands of yarn 32

[Pg xiv]That night, an old Wolf wandered through the forest looking for food 44

He made his way to Beaver's house by the stream, limping along with a stick 56

And she offered him tiny white feathers plucked from bird breasts 70

Then Raven asked Mole to give it a try, but Mole replied, "Oh no, I'm better suited for other tasks. My fur would all get burnt" 78

And using his magic, he transformed her into a Fish-Hawk and sent her out to the ocean 86

The man traded him another pair of moccasins for the ones he was wearing 108

Wolf trotted along like a little horse, while Rabbit chuckled to himself, sitting in the saddle 116

Suddenly, a large flock of birds, resembling big black clouds, flew in from the blue hills 124

Throughout the long winter months, Deer longed for Rainbow 128

He sat very quietly, waiting for the man with the big foot to show up 136

The boy entered the forest with his bow and arrows.... He hadn’t gone far when he spotted
a plump young deer, which he killed 142

The bull charged at the mountain with all his strength 158

Then the young man lay down to sleep, and the Fox kept watch beside him 170


CANADIAN FAIRY TALES


HOW GLOOSKAP MADE THE BIRDS

Once upon a time long before the white men came to Canada there lived a wicked giant who caused great trouble and sorrow wherever he went. Men called him Wolf-Wind. Where he was born no man knows, but his home was in the Cave of the Winds, far in the north country in the Night-Night Land, and there men knew he was hiding on calm days when the sun was hot and the sea was still, and on quiet nights when not a leaf or a flower or a blade of grass was stirring. But whenever he appeared, the great trees cracked in fear and the little trees trembled and the flowers bent their heads close to the earth, trying to hide from his presence. Often he came upon them without warning and with little sign of his coming. And then the corn fell flat never to rise again, and tall trees crashed in the forest, and the flowers dropped dead because of their terror; and often the great waters grew white and moaned or screamed loudly or dashed themselves against the rocks trying to escape from Wolf-Wind. And in the darkness of[Pg 2] the night when Wolf-Wind howled, there was great fear upon all the earth.

Once upon a time, long before white men arrived in Canada, there was a wicked giant who caused a lot of trouble and sorrow wherever he went. People called him Wolf-Wind. No one knows where he was born, but his home was in the Cave of the Winds, far in the north in the Night-Night Land. People knew he was around on calm days when the sun was hot and the sea was still, and on quiet nights when not a leaf, flower, or blade of grass was moving. But whenever he showed up, the great trees cracked in fear, the little trees trembled, and the flowers bent their heads close to the ground, trying to hide from him. Often, he would come upon them suddenly and without warning. Then, the corn would fall flat, never to rise again, tall trees would crash in the forest, and flowers would drop dead from fear; and often, the great waters would turn white and moan or scream loudly or crash against the rocks in an attempt to escape from Wolf-Wind. And in the darkness of[Pg 2] the night when Wolf-Wind howled, there was great fear throughout the land.

It happened once in those old times that Wolf-Wind was in a great rage, and he went forth to kill and devour all who dared to come in his path. It chanced in that time that many Indian families were living near the sea. The men and women were fishing far off the coast. They were catching fish to make food for the winter. They went very far away in small canoes, for the sea had long been still and they thought there was no danger. The little children were alone on shore. Suddenly as the sun went down, without a sign of his coming, out of the north came Wolf-Wind in his great rage looking for prey, and roaring loudly as he came. "I am Wolf-Wind, the giant," he howled, "cross not my path, for I will kill all the people I meet, and eat them all up." His anger only grew as he stalked along, and he splashed and tossed the waters aside in his fury as he came down upon the fishermen and fisher-women far out to sea. The fishers had no time to get out of his reach or to paddle to the shore, so quick was Wolf-Wind's coming, and the giant caught them in his path and broke up their boats and killed them all. All night long he raged over the ocean looking for more fishers.

It once happened in those old days that Wolf-Wind was really angry, and he set out to kill and consume anyone who dared to cross his path. At that time, many Native American families were living by the sea. The men and women were fishing far off the coast, trying to catch enough food to last through the winter. They ventured far out in small canoes, as the sea had been calm for a while, and they thought there was no danger. The little children were left alone on the shore. Suddenly, as the sun set, without any warning, Wolf-Wind came roaring out of the north, filled with rage and looking for prey. "I am Wolf-Wind, the giant," he bellowed, "do not cross my path, as I will kill everyone I encounter and eat them all." His anger only intensified as he moved along, splashing and tossing the water aside in his fury as he approached the fishermen and fisherwomen far at sea. The fishers had no time to escape or paddle to the shore; Wolf-Wind was too quick, and the giant caught them in his path, wrecking their boats and killing them all. All night long, he raged over the ocean, searching for more fishers.

In the morning Wolf-Wind's anger was not yet spent. Far away in front of him he saw the little children of the fishers playing on the shore. He knew they were alone, for[Pg 3] he had killed their fathers and mothers. He resolved to catch them and kill them too, and after them he went, still in a great rage. He went quickly towards the land, roaring as he went and dashing the waters against the rocks in his madness. As he came near the beach he howled in his anger, "I will catch you and kill you all and eat you and bleach your bones upon the sand." But the children heard him and they ran away as fast as they could, and they hid in a cave among the great rocks and placed a big stone at the mouth of the cave and Wolf-Wind could not get in. He howled loudly at the door all day and all night long, but the stone was strong and he could not break it down. Then he went on his way still very angry and still roaring, and he howled, "I will come back and catch you yet. You cannot escape from me."

In the morning, Wolf-Wind's anger was still strong. Far away, he saw the little children of the fishermen playing on the shore. He knew they were alone because [Pg 3] he had killed their fathers and mothers. He decided to catch them and kill them too, and he charged toward them, still very angry. He rushed toward the land, roaring as he went, crashing the waves against the rocks in his fury. As he got closer to the beach, he howled in his rage, "I will catch you and kill you all, eat you, and bleach your bones on the sand." But the children heard him and ran away as fast as they could, hiding in a cave among the large rocks, placing a big stone at the entrance so Wolf-Wind couldn't get in. He howled loudly at the entrance all day and all night, but the stone was too strong, and he couldn't break it down. Then he went on his way, still very angry and still roaring, and he howled, "I will come back and catch you yet. You can't escape from me."

The children were very frightened and they stayed long in the cave after Wolf-Wind had gone, for far away they could still hear him howling and crashing in the forest. Then they came out. They knew that Wolf-Wind had killed their fathers and mothers on the sea. They ran away into the forest, for they thought that there they would be safe. They went to the Willow-Willow Land where they found a pleasant place with grass and flowers and streams. And between them and the north country where Wolf-Wind lived were many great trees with thick leaves which they knew would protect them from the giant.[Pg 4]

The children were really scared, and they stayed in the cave for a long time after Wolf-Wind left because they could still hear him howling and crashing around in the forest from far away. Eventually, they came out. They understood that Wolf-Wind had killed their parents at sea. They ran into the forest, thinking it would be a safer place for them. They headed to the Willow-Willow Land, where they discovered a nice area filled with grass, flowers, and streams. Between them and the northern country where Wolf-Wind lived were many large trees with thick leaves, which they believed would protect them from the giant.[Pg 4]

But one day Wolf-Wind, true to his promise, came again in a rage to find them. He came into the land killing all he met in his path. But he could not catch the children, for the trees with their thick leaves kept him away. They heard him howling in the forest far distant. For many days in the late summer he tried to find them but their home was close to the trees, and the great branches spread over them and the thick leaves saved them, and only the sun from the south, coming from the Summer-Flower country, could look in upon them. Try as he could with all his might old Wolf-Wind could not harm them although he knew that they were there; and they were always safe while they lived in the Willow-Willow Land.

But one day, Wolf-Wind, true to his promise, returned in a rage to find them. He came into the land, attacking everyone in his way. But he couldn't catch the children since the thick leaves of the trees kept him away. They heard him howling in the forest far off. For many days in late summer, he tried to hunt for them, but their home was close to the trees, and the large branches spread over them while the thick leaves protected them. Only the sun from the south, coming from the Summer-Flower country, could peek in at them. No matter how hard he tried, old Wolf-Wind could not harm them, even though he knew they were there; they were always safe as long as they lived in the Willow-Willow Land.

Wolf-Wind was more angry than ever because of his failure, for he liked to feed on his little children, and rage knew no bounds. He swore that he would have vengeance on the trees. So he came back again and he brought with him to aid him another giant from the north country who had with him a strange and powerful charm, the Charm of the Frost. And the two giants tried to kill the trees that had saved the little children. But over many of the trees they had no power, for when they came, the trees only laughed and merely swayed and creaked and said, "You cannot harm us; we are strong, for we came at first from the Night-Night Land in the far north country, and over us the Charm of the Frost has no power." These were the Spruce and the Fir, the[Pg 5] Hemlock and the Pine and the Cedar. But on the other trees Wolf-Wind had vengeance as he had vowed. One night when the harvest moon was shining in the sky he came without warning, and with the help of the giant bearing the Charm of the Frost he killed all the leaves that had kept him from the children, and threw them to the ground. One after one the leaves came off from the Beech and the Birch, the Oak and the Maple, the Alder and the Willow. Some fell quickly, some fluttered slowly down, and some took a long time in dying. But at last the trees stood bare and cold against the sky and there was stillness and sadness in the forest. And Wolf-Wind laughed and played in silence through the leafless branches with the giant from Night-Night Land. And he said, "Now I have overcome the leaves that kept me away, and now when I please I can kill the children." But the children only moved closer to the strong and sturdy trees that had come at first from the far north country and over which the Charm of the Frost had no power, and Wolf-Wind could not reach them and they were still for ever safe from the giants.

Wolf-Wind was angrier than ever because he had failed, since he loved to prey on his little children, and his rage had no limits. He vowed to take revenge on the trees. So he returned and brought with him another giant from the north, who had a strange and powerful charm, the Charm of the Frost. The two giants tried to destroy the trees that had saved the little children. But many of the trees were unaffected by them, for when the giants came, the trees just laughed and swayed, saying, "You can't harm us; we are strong because we originally came from the Night-Night Land in the far north, and the Charm of the Frost has no power over us." These were the Spruce, the Fir, the Hemlock, the Pine, and the Cedar. However, Wolf-Wind did exact his vengeance on the other trees, just as he had vowed. One night, when the harvest moon lit up the sky, he came without warning, and with the help of the giant carrying the Charm of the Frost, he stripped all the leaves that had protected him from the children and tossed them to the ground. One by one, the leaves fell from the Beech, the Birch, the Oak, the Maple, the Alder, and the Willow. Some fell quickly, others drifted slowly down, and some took their time dying. But eventually, the trees stood bare and cold against the sky, and there was silence and sadness in the forest. Wolf-Wind laughed and played in silence through the leafless branches with the giant from Night-Night Land. He said, "Now I have defeated the leaves that kept me away, and now I can kill the children whenever I want." But the children simply moved closer to the strong, sturdy trees that had come from the far north, over which the Charm of the Frost had no power, and Wolf-Wind couldn't reach them; they were forever safe from the giants.

The children were very sad when they saw what Wolf-Wind had done to their friends and protectors, the trees. Summer had gone back to the Southland following as she always did the Rainbow Road to her home in the Wilderness of Flowers. It was lonely now in the forest and silent; there was not a whisper in the trees; there were no[Pg 6] leaves, for it was autumn and Wolf-Wind had killed them all.

The kids were really upset when they saw what Wolf-Wind had done to their friends and protectors, the trees. Summer had returned to the Southland, as she always did, following the Rainbow Road back to her home in the Wilderness of Flowers. The forest felt lonely and quiet; there wasn't a single whisper in the trees; there were no[Pg 6] leaves left because it was autumn and Wolf-Wind had destroyed them all.

At last it came to that time of year when Glooskap, who ruled upon the earth and was very great in those days, gave his yearly gifts to little children. And he came into the land on a sled drawn by his faithful dogs to find out for himself what the children wished for. And the children all came to him each asking for a boon. Now Glooskap had great power upon the earth in that old time. He could always do what he willed. And the little children whom Wolf-Wind had tried to harm in his rage came to Glooskap, the Magic Master of gifts, and they were all very sad because the leaves had gone.

At last, it was that time of year when Glooskap, who ruled the earth and was mighty in those days, came to give his annual gifts to the little children. He arrived in the land on a sled pulled by his loyal dogs to find out what the children wanted. The children gathered around him, each asking for a favor. Glooskap had immense power on earth back then. He could always do as he pleased. The little children, who Wolf-Wind had tried to hurt in his fury, came to Glooskap, the Magic Master of gifts, and they were all very sad because the leaves had fallen.

"What do you wish?" said Glooskap. "We wish nothing for ourselves," said the children, "but we ask that the leaves that were killed by Wolf-Wind because they saved us from his rage be brought back to life and put back again in their old home in the trees." Glooskap was silent for a long time and he sat and thought as was his custom, and he smoked hard at his mighty pipe, for he was a great smoker. Now in that time there were no little forest birds upon the earth, for Glooskap had not yet brought them into being. There were only the birds that dwelt near the sea and over whom Wolf-Wind had no power—Sea-gull and Crane, Wild-duck and Loon, Kingfisher and Brant and Curlew. These only laughed at the giant in his rage and screamed in mockery as they flew from him and hid when he came, among the shallows or the rocks or the thick grass in the marshes. And there were also the sturdy birds that dwelt with men and worked for them, giving them eggs and food. These were Hen and Goose and Duck and Wild Turkey. They gave men food, but they were not fair to look upon; they waddled along and could not fly well and they made no sweet music upon the earth, for their song was a quack and a cackle.

"What do you want?" asked Glooskap. "We don't want anything for ourselves," replied the children, "but we ask that the leaves that were killed by Wolf-Wind because they protected us from his anger be brought back to life and returned to their old home in the trees." Glooskap was silent for a long time; he sat and thought, as was his habit, and he smoked deeply from his powerful pipe, for he was a heavy smoker. Back then, there were no small forest birds on earth, as Glooskap had not yet created them. The only birds around were those that lived by the sea, over whom Wolf-Wind had no control—Sea-gull and Crane, Wild-duck and Loon, Kingfisher and Brant and Curlew. These birds only laughed at the giant in his fury and screamed in mockery as they flew from him and hid when he approached, amongst the shallows, rocks, or thick grass in the marshes. There were also the sturdy birds that lived with humans and worked for them, providing eggs and food. These included Hen, Goose, Duck, and Wild Turkey. They supplied food to people, but they weren't pleasant to look at; they waddled along, couldn't fly well, and made no sweet music on the earth, for their song was just a quack and a cackle.

AND THE CHILDREN ALL CAME TO HIM EACH ASKING FOR A BOON And the children all came to him, each asking for a favor.

Glooskap decided to bring other birds into the world, not to give food but to bring happiness to the children on the days when summer dwells in the land, with their pretty feathers and their pleasant songs. So after he had smoked long in silence he hit upon a plan. And he said to the children asking for their yearly gifts, "I cannot bring back to the trees the leaves that Wolf-Wind has killed and stripped off, for it is now too late. But I will take the fallen leaves and change them into little birds. And the birds shall never forget how they were born. When autumn comes they shall go with summer far away to the Summer-Flower Land, but in the spring-time they shall always come back and they shall live as close as they can to the leaves from which they have sprung. And they shall nest, most of them, in the trees under the leaves, and even those that nest in the grass shall love the trees and linger in them. And they shall all be beautiful in colour like the leaves that gave them birth; and they shall have power to rest at times upon the air like a leaf fluttering; and the voice of the air and the laughing[Pg 8] waters shall be in their throats and they shall sing sweet songs for little children. And I give the children charge over them to keep them from harm just as the leaves which gave them birth have saved the little children from the giants. And I will give the trees that Wolf-Wind has stripped power to bring forth new leaves every spring-time so that when Summer comes back from the Wilderness of Flowers the trees shall not be bare. And although Wolf-Wind may strip them off when the Giant of the Frost comes with him from the Night-Night Land they shall always be replaced in the spring-time. And I will take away much of Wolf-Wind's power so that he can no longer harm little children as wickedly as he has done before."

Glooskap decided to create other birds in the world, not to provide food but to bring joy to the children during the summer days, with their beautiful feathers and lovely songs. After thinking in silence for a long time, he came up with a plan. He said to the children who were asking for their yearly gifts, "I cannot return the leaves that Wolf-Wind has killed and stripped from the trees, as it is now too late. But I can take the fallen leaves and turn them into little birds. And these birds will always remember where they came from. When autumn arrives, they will go with summer to the Summer-Flower Land, but in the spring, they will always return to live as close as possible to the leaves from which they were born. Most of them will nest in the trees under the leaves, and even those that nest in the grass will cherish the trees and linger among them. They will all be colorful like the leaves that gave them life, and they will be able to rest in the air like a leaf fluttering. The voices of the breeze and the playful waters will be in their throats, and they will sing sweet songs for little children. I entrust the children to take care of them and protect them from harm, just as the leaves that gave them life have protected the little children from the giants. I will also give the trees that Wolf-Wind has stripped the ability to grow new leaves every spring so that when summer returns from the Wilderness of Flowers, the trees will not be bare. And although Wolf-Wind may strip them away again when the Frost Giant comes with him from the Night-Night Land, they will always be replaced in the spring. I will take away much of Wolf-Wind's power so that he can no longer harm little children as wickedly as he has done before."

Glooskap waved his magic wand as was his custom, and at once great flocks of little birds sprang from the ground where the fallen leaves had lain. And they twittered and sang in a great chorus and flew back to the trees. They were of beautiful colours like the leaves that had given them birth. There were Robin Red-breasts and Thrushes all brown and red, from the red and brown leaves of the Oak. And there were Finches and Humming-birds all yellow and green and brown from the leaves of the Alder and the Willow, and they glowed like willows in the sunlight and fluttered like a leaf upon the air. There were Yellowbirds and Canadian Warblers from the golden Beech and Birch leaves. And there were Scarlet Tanagers and Orioles and Grosbeaks all[Pg 9] of changing colours, red and purple and brown, from the leaves of the Canadian Maple. And they all sang to the children and the children were all very happy again.

Glooskap waved his magic wand as he always did, and immediately, large flocks of little birds emerged from the ground where the fallen leaves had been. They chirped and sang in a beautiful chorus and flew back to the trees. Their colors were as stunning as the leaves that had produced them. There were Robins with red breasts and Thrushes in shades of brown and red, matching the red and brown leaves of the Oak. There were Finches and Hummingbirds in bright yellow, green, and brown from the Alder and Willow leaves, shining like willows in the sunlight and fluttering through the air like leaves. There were Yellowbirds and Canadian Warblers from the golden Beech and Birch leaves. And there were Scarlet Tanagers, Orioles, and Grosbeaks in ever-changing colors of red, purple, and brown from the Canadian Maple leaves. They all sang to the children, who were very happy once again.

Then Glooskap sent the little birds all away to a warm country until the rule of the Giant of the Frost from the Night-Night Land was over, for it was winter in all the land and it was very cold. But in the spring-time the little birds always come back from the Summer-Flower Land. And they build their nests among the trees as close as they can to their kindred, the leaves from which they came. And all day long they sing among the leaves for little children. At day-break they wake the children with their choir of dawn, and at twilight they lisp and twitter to lull the children to sleep. And at night they hide among the leaves from Wolf-Wind and are very still with never a twitter or a song. For they do not forget that they are the children's gift from Glooskap and that they came from the leaves stripped from the trees by Wolf-Wind because the leaves saved the little children from the giant long ago.

Then Glooskap sent the little birds away to a warm place until the Giant of Frost from Night-Night Land was gone, because it was winter everywhere and really cold. But in the spring, the little birds always return from Summer-Flower Land. They build their nests in the trees, as close as possible to their relatives, the leaves from which they came. All day long, they sing among the leaves for little kids. At dawn, they wake the children with their morning songs, and at dusk, they chirp softly to help the kids fall asleep. At night, they hide among the leaves from the Wolf-Wind and stay perfectly quiet without a chirp or song. They remember that they are Glooskap's gift to the children and that they came from the leaves stripped from the trees by the Wolf-Wind because those leaves once saved the little children from the giant long ago.


RABBIT AND THE GRAIN BUYERS

Once long ago when the Indians lived in Canada before the white men came, Rabbit was very lazy. He had worked long for Glooskap, the great ruler of the people, as a forest guide, but his toil was not appreciated or rewarded. He saw all the other animals idling their time away, taking their ease all day long, and doing nothing but filling their bellies with food, and sleeping all the afternoon in the hot sunshine. And he said, "Why should I work for other people when nobody works for me? I will take mine ease like all the other animals." So he sulked in his little house for a long time and could not be coaxed or driven to do any work. But as he was a lonely fellow who always lived by himself with very few friends in the world except little children, he soon got tired of this lazy life. For by nature he was industrious and energetic and he always liked to be doing something or prowling alone in the forest. So he said, "I must find some work to do or I shall surely lose my wits. But it must be labour that brings profit to myself and not to other people."

Once upon a time, when the Indigenous people lived in Canada before the arrival of white settlers, Rabbit was very lazy. He had worked hard for Glooskap, the great ruler of the people, as a forest guide, but his efforts weren’t appreciated or rewarded. He watched all the other animals passing their time, relaxing all day, doing nothing but eating and sleeping in the warm sunshine. He thought, "Why should I work for others when no one works for me? I’ll take it easy like all the other animals." So he sulked in his little house for a long time and wouldn’t be persuaded or forced to do any work. But since he was a lonely guy who mostly lived alone with very few friends, apart from some little children, he quickly grew tired of this lazy life. By nature, he was hardworking and energetic, always wanting to do something or wander alone in the forest. He then said, "I need to find some work or I’ll definitely lose my mind. But it has to be work that benefits me, not just others."

For a long time Rabbit puzzled his brains thinking on[Pg 11] a business or a profession to follow. But nothing seemed to be to his liking. At last one day he saw some Indians trading skins and knives. One was selling and others were buying and they seemed to be making a great deal of money without doing very much work. Rabbit thought that here indeed was an easy way to make a living. Then he saw Duck coming along carrying a basket of eggs. He said to Duck, "How do you get along in the world? You seem to do nothing but eat and cackle and swim in the pond. You never seem to work." And Duck said, "I lay eggs and sell them in exchange for corn. Why don't you lay eggs? It is all very easy." But Rabbit knew that Duck was only laughing at him, and that he was not meant to make a living in that way.

For a long time, Rabbit thought hard about what kind of job or career to pursue. But nothing really appealed to him. One day, he saw some Indians trading furs and knives. One was selling while the others were buying, and they appeared to be making a lot of money without much effort. Rabbit figured this was an easy way to make a living. Then he noticed Duck coming by with a basket of eggs. He asked Duck, "How do you manage in the world? You seem to just eat, quack, and swim in the pond. It looks like you don't work at all." Duck replied, "I lay eggs and sell them for corn. Why don't you lay eggs? It's really simple." But Rabbit realized that Duck was just teasing him, and he wasn't meant to earn a living that way.

Then he met Bee on the forest path and he said, "How do you make a living, you wandering bee? You do nothing but gad about all day long, going from flower to flower dressed in your good clothes of yellow and black and always singing your tuneless song?" And Bee said, "I make honey and wax and sell them. I have a great store for sale now. Why don't you do as I do? I am always happy. I always sing at my work, and what's more, my song is not tuneless. And just for your impudence, take that." And so saying he stung Rabbit on the nose and went on his way, singing his droning song. Rabbit rubbed his nose in the earth to ease his pain and he swore vengeance on Bee, for he knew that[Pg 12] Bee too was only laughing at him. But he could think of no way to make an easy living, for he had nothing to sell but his coat, and he could not very well barter that, for winter would soon be coming on. He was very angry and troubled and he envied Duck and Bee their good fortune because of their eggs and honey and wax.

Then he ran into Bee on the forest path and asked, "How do you make a living, you wandering bee? You spend all day flitting from flower to flower, dressed in your nice yellow and black outfit and always singing your off-key song?" Bee replied, "I make honey and wax and sell them. I've got plenty for sale right now. Why don't you do what I do? I'm always happy. I sing while I work, and by the way, my song isn't off-key. And just for your cheekiness, take that." With that, he stung Rabbit on the nose and went on his way, humming his droning tune. Rabbit rubbed his nose in the dirt to relieve the pain and vowed to get back at Bee, knowing that Bee was only mocking him. But he couldn't think of a way to make a quick buck, as he had nothing to sell except his coat, which he couldn't really trade since winter was coming soon. He was very angry and upset, and he envied Duck and Bee for their good luck with their eggs, honey, and wax.

At last he thought of the Indians he had watched buying and selling skins. "I have it," he cried, "I have it. I will become a great merchant. I will be a great trader. I will live on a farm where they grow corn and vegetables, and I will steal them and sell them to the other animals and thereby make a great store of money. I shall be very rich in a short time." So, very happy, he went to a field near which was a vegetable garden. And in it were growing Indian corn and all kinds of grain which he knew the other birds and animals would gladly buy. So he made a sign and put it up in front of his house, and it said, "Buy Rabbit's corn, the best in all the land; it will grow without rain; there is only a small quantity left. Orders taken here." Then he sat in his house and waited.

Finally, he thought about the Native Americans he had seen buying and selling furs. "I've got it!" he exclaimed. "I will become a great merchant. I will be an excellent trader. I will live on a farm where they grow corn and vegetables, and I will take them without permission and sell them to the other animals, making a lot of money. I’ll be very rich in no time." Feeling cheerful, he went to a field that had a vegetable garden nearby. It was full of Indian corn and all sorts of grains he knew the other birds and animals would be eager to buy. So, he made a sign and put it up in front of his house that read, "Buy Rabbit's corn, the best in the land; it will grow without rain; there's only a small amount left. Orders taken here." Then he sat in his house and waited.

Soon many buyers began to arrive. They were curious, and they wanted to see what kind of a merchant Rabbit would make. Rabbit explained to them that he was only an agent, that they must pay him their money, and he would take it to the farmer, and deliver their grain at his house one week from that day. The buyers paid him the money[Pg 13] and went away, for they were afraid the farmer would kill them if they went themselves for the corn. They left a great store of money with Rabbit. That night when the moon rose over the hills Rabbit went to the field of corn near-by. But the farmer had spied him thieving that afternoon, and he had placed around his corn a fence of strong netting which poor Rabbit could not get through. And he had also placed around the field many watch-dogs which growled and snarled and frightened thieves away. Night after night Rabbit tried to slip into the field, but without success, and the week passed and still he had no corn for the customers who, he knew, would soon be arriving for their goods. And meanwhile he had spent all their money and he knew they would all fall upon him and kill him if he failed to keep his word and deliver their purchases.

Soon, a lot of buyers started to show up. They were curious and wanted to see what kind of merchant Rabbit would be. Rabbit told them that he was just an agent, that they needed to give him their money, and he would take it to the farmer and deliver their grain to their homes one week from that day. The buyers handed over their money[Pg 13] and left because they were afraid the farmer would harm them if they went themselves for the corn. They left a large sum of money with Rabbit. That night, when the moon rose over the hills, Rabbit went to the nearby cornfield. But the farmer had seen him stealing that afternoon, and he had set up a strong netting fence around his corn that poor Rabbit couldn’t get through. He had also placed several watch-dogs around the field that growled and snarled, scaring off any thieves. Night after night, Rabbit tried to sneak into the field, but he failed each time, and the week went by without him being able to get any corn for the customers who he knew would soon come for their orders. Meanwhile, he had spent all their money, and he was aware that they would turn on him and harm him if he didn’t keep his word and deliver their goods.

At last when the day agreed on arrived, he saw his customers coming for their grain. And he hoped that his tricks would save him as they had saved him many times before. He sat in his yard playing his flute, when Earth-Worm, the first customer arrived. "Good day," said Rabbit. "Good day," said Earth-Worm, "I have come for my corn, for a week has gone by." "Very good," said Rabbit, "but first we shall have dinner. It will be ready in a few minutes. You must be hungry after your long journey." As they sat waiting for their dinner they saw Duck, another customer, waddling up the path with her basket on her neck. And[Pg 14] Rabbit said, "Will not old Duck who comes here want to eat you up?" And Earth-Worm said, "Yes, yes, where shall I hide?" and he was much excited. "Hide under this clam-shell," said Rabbit. So Earth-Worm crawled under the clam-shell and sat very still, trembling for his life.

At last, when the agreed-upon day arrived, he saw his customers coming for their grain. He hoped that his tricks would save him, just like they had many times before. He sat in his yard playing his flute when Earth-Worm, the first customer, arrived. "Good day," said Rabbit. "Good day," replied Earth-Worm, "I’ve come for my corn; it's been a week." "Very good," said Rabbit, "but first, we should have dinner. It will be ready in a few minutes. You must be hungry after your long journey." As they waited for dinner, they saw Duck, another customer, waddling up the path with her basket around her neck. And [Pg 14] Rabbit said, "Isn't old Duck who comes here going to want to eat you?" Earth-Worm replied, "Yes, yes, where can I hide?" and he was quite anxious. "Hide under this clam-shell," said Rabbit. So Earth-Worm crawled under the clam-shell and sat very still, trembling for his life.

When Duck arrived, Rabbit said, "Good morning." "Good morning, Mr. Merchant," said Duck, wishing to be polite. "I have come for my corn, for it is the appointed day of delivery." "True, true," said Rabbit, "but first we shall have dinner. It will be ready in a few minutes. It will be an honour for me to have you dine with me." As they sat waiting for their dinner, Rabbit said, "Would you care to eat an Earth-Worm before your dinner? It would be a good appetizer for you." And Duck said, "Thank you very much. I am very fond of Earth-Worms." Rabbit lifted the clam-shell and poor Earth-Worm was quickly gobbled up by Duck. And Rabbit, laughing to himself, thought, "Now I am getting rid of my customers."

When Duck arrived, Rabbit said, "Good morning." "Good morning, Mr. Merchant," Duck replied, trying to be polite. "I’ve come for my corn; today is the delivery day." "That's right," said Rabbit, "but first we should have dinner. It'll be ready in a few minutes. It’s an honor to have you dine with me." As they waited for their dinner, Rabbit asked, "Would you like to eat an Earth-Worm as an appetizer before your meal? It would be a nice starter." Duck said, "Thank you very much. I really like Earth-Worms." Rabbit lifted the clam-shell, and poor Earth-Worm was quickly gobbled up by Duck. Rabbit, chuckling to himself, thought, "Now I'm getting rid of my customers."

As Rabbit and Duck sat talking, they saw Fox trotting up the path. He was another customer coming for his corn. And Rabbit said courteously, "Madam, I see your old enemy Fox approaching. He will probably wish to eat you up; you had better hide." And Duck with her feathers all ruffled with excitement said, "Yes, yes, where shall I hide?" And Rabbit said, "Hide under this basket." So Duck crawled under the over-turned basket and sat very still.

As Rabbit and Duck were chatting, they noticed Fox walking up the path. He was another customer coming for his corn. Rabbit said politely, "Madam, I see your old enemy Fox coming. He’ll probably want to eat you; you should hide." Duck, her feathers all ruffled with excitement, replied, "Yes, yes, where should I hide?" Rabbit suggested, "Hide under this basket." So Duck crawled under the overturned basket and sat very still.

SO DUCK CRAWLED UNDER THE OVER-TURNED BASKET AND SAT VERY STILL So Duck crawled under the overturned basket and sat very still.

Fox soon came in and said, "Good day, Rabbit. I have come for my corn, for I am in sore need of it to catch chickens, and the seven days have passed." "You are very punctual," said Rabbit, "but first let us have dinner. It will be ready in a few minutes. It will make you stronger to carry your heavy load." As they sat waiting for their dinner, Rabbit said, "Listen, Fox. Would you care to eat a fat Duck now? It would be a tasty bit for you before you dine." And Fox said, "You are very kind. I always like to eat a Duck before my dinner." Rabbit knocked over the basket and Fox quickly devoured poor Duck until not a feather remained. And Rabbit laughed to himself and said, "Surely I am getting rid of my customers very easily."

Fox soon came in and said, "Hey, Rabbit. I’m here for my corn, because I really need it to catch some chickens, and seven days have passed." "You're very punctual," Rabbit replied, "but let’s have dinner first. It’ll be ready in a few minutes. It will make you stronger to carry your heavy load." As they waited for their dinner, Rabbit asked, "Hey, Fox. Would you like to eat a fat Duck now? It would be a nice treat for you before dinner." Fox replied, "That's really nice of you. I always enjoy having a Duck before my meal." Rabbit knocked over the basket, and Fox quickly devoured poor Duck until not a feather was left. And Rabbit laughed to himself and thought, "I'm really managing to get rid of my customers easily."

As Rabbit and Fox sat talking over old times in the forest, they saw Bear coming lumbering up the path, tossing his head from side to side, and sniffing the air. And Rabbit said, "Bear is in a bad temper to-day. I wonder what can be the cause." And Fox said, "This morning I stole all his honey and he saw me running away." "He scents you here," said Rabbit, "will he not kill you if he finds you? Perhaps you ought to hide." "Yes, yes," said Fox, "but where shall I hide?" "Hide in this box," said Rabbit, and Fox sprang into the box, and Rabbit closed down the lid.

As Rabbit and Fox were reminiscing in the forest, they noticed Bear trudging up the path, swinging his head from side to side and sniffing the air. Rabbit commented, "Bear seems really angry today. I wonder what's bothering him." Fox replied, "This morning, I stole all his honey, and he saw me make a run for it." "He smells you here," Rabbit warned, "won't he hurt you if he finds you? Maybe you should hide." "Yeah, yeah," Fox said, "but where can I hide?" "Hide in this box," Rabbit suggested, and Fox jumped into the box, and Rabbit shut the lid.

When Bear arrived he said gruffly, for he was in a bad temper, "Good day, Rabbit. I have come for my corn and I must have it quickly, for I must be on my way. It is the[Pg 16] appointed time." "It is indeed the appointed time," said Rabbit, "but first we shall have dinner. It will be ready in a few minutes and I never let a wayfarer leave my house without first taking nourishment. I have to-day a dish of fresh fish which you like very well, and we have never yet dined together." And Bear agreed to wait and his gruffness left him at the thought of his good meal, for he was a great fish-eater, and he talked pleasantly. Then Rabbit said, "I have a secret to tell you. Let me whisper it." He put his mouth close to Bear's ear and said, "Old Fox, the sly thief who stole all your honey this morning is hiding in the box by your side. He came here to boast about his theft and he laughed loudly to me as he told me how easily you were cheated. He called you Lack-Brains." Bear was very angry and at once he knocked the lid from the box and killed Fox with one blow of his powerful paw. And Rabbit said to himself, "What luck I am having; there is another of my customers gone." But he wondered how he was to get rid of Bear, and he scratched his head in thought.

When Bear arrived, he gruffly said, since he was in a bad mood, "Good day, Rabbit. I’ve come for my corn and I need it quickly because I have to be on my way. It’s the[Pg 16] appointed time." "It is indeed the appointed time," Rabbit replied, "but first, we’re having dinner. It’ll be ready in a few minutes, and I never let a traveler leave my house without eating first. Today, I have a dish of fresh fish that you really like, and we haven't dined together yet." Bear agreed to wait, and his gruffness faded at the thought of a good meal because he loved fish, so he started talking pleasantly. Then Rabbit said, "I have a secret to tell you. Let me whisper it." He leaned close to Bear's ear and said, "Old Fox, the sneaky thief who stole all your honey this morning is hiding in the box next to you. He came here to brag about his theft and laughed loudly at how easily you were fooled. He called you Lack-Brains." Bear got very angry and immediately knocked the lid off the box, killing Fox with one powerful swipe of his paw. And Rabbit thought to himself, "What luck I’m having; that’s another customer gone." But he wondered how he was going to get rid of Bear, scratching his head in thought.

While Bear and Rabbit sat talking, they saw Rabbit's last customer, the Hunter, coming along. Bear would have run away, but it was too late. "Will the Hunter not want to kill you?" said Rabbit, glad to think that here was the end of poor Bear. "Indeed he will," said Bear. "Oh dear, oh dear, where shall I hide?" "Hide under my bed in my house," said Rabbit. Poor Bear quickly dashed into the house and crawled under Rabbit's bed with great difficulty[Pg 17] for he was very fat and the bed was very low and he had to lay himself out flat on the floor, but he was comfortable in the thought that he would soon escape. When Hunter arrived he said, "Good day, Rabbit, I have come for my corn, for my children need bread." "You shall have it," said Rabbit. "But first we must have a bite to eat. I have not very much to offer you, but I can give you in a few minutes some hot pancakes and fresh maple syrup." The Hunter was well pleased with the thought of such a good meal and he said he would be glad to wait. Then Rabbit said, "Would you like some bear meat for your children, and a good warm bear skin for your hearth?" And the Hunter said, "Indeed I would. But in these days such luxuries are hard to find." And Rabbit said, "Oh no, they are not; under my bed in my house, a good fat bear is hiding. He is lying flat on his back, and you can easily kill him." The Hunter hurried to the house, and sure enough there he found Bear hiding under the bed, flat upon his back. He killed him with a blow and skinned him and cut him up into small pieces and put the meat and the skin into a bag to take home to his children. But while he was about it, Rabbit slipped away into the forest, saying to himself, "Now I have got rid of all my customers and I am safe. But the life of a merchant is not to my liking. I will not be a trader any more. I will gather corn for myself, but not to sell to others." And he ran quickly away and hid himself in a dense thicket.[Pg 18]

While Bear and Rabbit were chatting, they saw Rabbit's last customer, the Hunter, approaching. Bear wanted to run away, but it was too late. "Isn't the Hunter going to try to kill you?" Rabbit said, happy to think this was the end for poor Bear. "Yes, he will," Bear replied. "Oh no, where can I hide?" "You can hide under my bed in my house," Rabbit suggested. Poor Bear quickly rushed into the house and clumsily squeezed under Rabbit’s bed because he was so fat and the bed was so low, having to lay flat on the floor, but he felt comfort in the thought that he would soon escape. When the Hunter arrived, he said, "Hello, Rabbit, I’ve come for my corn because my kids need bread." "You can have it," Rabbit replied. "But first, let’s have a little snack. I don’t have much, but I can whip up some hot pancakes and fresh maple syrup in a few minutes." The Hunter was happy at the idea of such a nice meal and said he would gladly wait. Then Rabbit asked, "How about some bear meat for your kids and a nice warm bear skin for your hearth?" The Hunter responded, "Absolutely! But these days, such luxuries are hard to find." Rabbit said, "Oh no, they’re not; there’s a nice, fat bear hiding under my bed at home. He’s lying on his back, and you can easily take him down." The Hunter rushed to the house, and sure enough, he found Bear hiding under the bed, flat on his back. He killed him with one strike, skinned him, and chopped him into pieces, putting the meat and skin into a bag to take home to his kids. But while he was busy, Rabbit quietly slipped away into the forest, thinking to himself, "Now I’ve gotten rid of all my customers and I’m safe. But being a merchant isn't for me. I’ll gather corn for myself, but not to sell to others." And he quickly ran off and hid in a thick bush.[Pg 18]

When the Hunter went to look for Rabbit, he could not find him, nor was he able to find his grain. And although he thought he had fared pretty well by getting so much bear meat, he swore vengeance on Rabbit for his deceit, and to this day he searches for him, and if he meets him, he will not let him escape. And Rabbit lives by himself and keeps away from the Hunter as far as he can, for he fears him because of the trick he played upon him in the olden days.

When the Hunter went to look for Rabbit, he couldn't find him, nor could he find his grain. Even though he thought he did pretty well by getting so much bear meat, he swore revenge on Rabbit for his deceit, and to this day he searches for him, and if he catches him, he won't let him escape. Rabbit lives alone and tries to stay as far away from the Hunter as possible because he's afraid of him because of the trick he played on him back in the day.


SAINT NICHOLAS AND THE CHILDREN

Two little children lived with their old grandmother in a remote place in the Canadian forest. They were twin children—a boy and a girl, Pierre and Estelle by name—and except for their dress it was not easy to tell them apart. Their father and mother had died in the spring-time, and in the summer they had left their old home because of its many sad memories and had gone to live with their old grandmother in a new home elsewhere. In this new home in the forest where they now lived they were very poor, but they were not unhappy. Times were hard, and there was very little food to be had no matter how well their old grandmother worked; but they caught fish in the streams and gathered berries and fruit and birds' eggs on the wooded hills, and somehow throughout the summer they kept themselves from want. But when late autumn came and the streams were frozen over and the berries were all gone and there were no eggs, for the birds had all flown south, they were often hungry because they had so little to eat.

Two little kids lived with their grandmother in a remote area of the Canadian forest. They were twins—a boy and a girl, named Pierre and Estelle—and except for their clothes, it was hard to tell them apart. Their parents had passed away in the spring, and that summer they left their old home behind because of all the sad memories and moved in with their grandmother in a new place. In this new home in the forest, they were really poor, but they weren't unhappy. Times were tough, and there wasn't much food available no matter how hard their grandmother worked; but they managed to catch fish in the streams and pick berries, fruit, and bird eggs on the hills, and somehow, throughout the summer, they met their needs. But when late autumn arrived and the streams were frozen, the berries were gone, and there were no eggs because the birds had flown south, they often found themselves hungry because there just wasn't enough to eat.

Their grandmother worked so hard to provide for herself[Pg 20] and the children that at last she fell very sick. For several days she could not leave her bed. And she said, "I want meat broth to make me well and I must have good meat to make it. If I do not get meat I can have no broth, and if I do not get broth I shall not get well, and if I do not get well I shall die, and if I die you two children will surely starve and die too. So meat and meat alone can save us all from starvation and death." So the two children, to keep themselves and their grandmother alive, set out one morning in search of meat to make the broth. They lived far from other people and they did not know where to go, but they followed the forest path. The snow lay deep on the ground and sparkled brightly in the sunlight. The children had never before been away from home alone and every sight was of great interest to them. Here and there a rabbit hopped over the snow, or a snowbird hovered and twittered overhead, all looking for food like the children. And there were holly-berries growing in many places, and there was mistletoe hanging from the trees. And Pierre when he saw the holly-berries and the mistletoe said, "Saint Nicholas will be soon here, for the trees are dressed and ready for his coming." And Estelle said, "Yes, Saint Nicholas will be soon here." And they were both very glad thinking of his coming.

Their grandmother worked so hard to take care of herself[Pg 20] and the kids that eventually she got really sick. For several days, she couldn't get out of bed. She said, "I need meat broth to get better, and I need good meat to make it. If I don’t get meat, I can't have broth, and if I don't have broth, I won’t recover. If I don’t recover, I’ll die, and if I die, you two will definitely starve and die too. So meat is the only thing that can save us all from starving and dying." So, to keep themselves and their grandmother alive, the two kids set out one morning to find meat for the broth. They lived far from other people and didn't know where to go, but they followed the path through the forest. The snow covered the ground deeply and sparkled in the sunlight. The children had never been away from home alone before, and everything was fascinating to them. Here and there, a rabbit hopped over the snow, or a snowbird flew and chirped overhead, all searching for food like the kids. There were holly berries growing in many places, and mistletoe hanging from the trees. When Pierre saw the holly berries and mistletoe, he said, "Saint Nicholas will be here soon, because the trees are decorated and ready for his arrival." Estelle replied, "Yes, Saint Nicholas will be here soon." They both felt very happy thinking about his arrival.

As they went along in the afternoon, they came upon an old man sitting at the door of a small house of spruce-boughs under the trees close to the forest path. He was busy[Pg 21] making whistles, whittling willow wands with a knife and tapping gently on the bark until the bark loosened from the wood and slipped easily off. The children stood and watched him at his strange work, for he had merry twinkling eyes, and a kindly weather-beaten face, and thick white hair, and they were not afraid.

As they walked along in the afternoon, they came across an old man sitting at the entrance of a small house made of spruce branches under the trees, near the forest path. He was busy[Pg 21] making whistles, carving willow sticks with a knife, and gently tapping on the bark until it loosened from the wood and easily slipped off. The children stood and watched him at his unusual work, for he had cheerful, twinkling eyes, a kind, weathered face, and thick white hair, and they weren't afraid.

"Hello," said the old man.

"Hi," said the old man.

"Hello," said Pierre, "why are you making willow whistles?"

"Hey," said Pierre, "why are you making willow whistles?"

"I am making them for Saint Nicholas," said the old man; "he is coming soon for his yearly visit; indeed he is already in the land; when he makes his rounds he always gives whistles, among other things, to good children, and I must have a great store of them ready for him when he comes, for there are many children to supply."

"I’m making them for Saint Nicholas," the old man said. "He’s coming soon for his annual visit; in fact, he’s already here. When he makes his rounds, he always gives out whistles, among other things, to good kids, and I need to have a big supply of them ready for him when he arrives, because there are a lot of kids to take care of."

Then he went on whittling busily with his knife. The children watched him for a long time in silence, and they thought what a fine thing it must be to work like the old man for Saint Nicholas, in his little house of boughs under the forest trees. Then the old man said, "You are very small children; what are you seeking so far away from people?" And Estelle answered, "Our old grandmother is very sick, and we are looking for meat to make broth to make her well." The old man was sorry he had no meat, for he lived on other food. He told them that some distance farther along there was a butcher who always kept meat; but the butcher, he[Pg 22] said, was a very wicked fellow and sometimes little children who entered his shop never came out again. The children were very frightened when they heard what the old man said and they wondered if they had better go back home. But the old man thought for a long time in silence as he whittled his willow wands, and then he said, "I will give you each a whistle, and when you blow it, Saint Nicholas will always hear it; you must never blow it except when you are in great trouble or distress, and when Saint Nicholas hears it he will know that you are coming to grief or that harm is already upon you and he will come himself or send some one to your assistance. But you must blow only one blast. The whistle should be given only by Saint Nicholas himself when he comes at holly-time into the land. But you are good children and your old grandmother is sick, and you are trying to make her well, and I know that Saint Nicholas will not say that I have done wrong." So he gave the children each a whistle, and then fear left them, for they knew they could now come to no harm if they had the aid of Saint Nicholas.

Then he kept busy whittling with his knife. The children watched him quietly for a long time, thinking about what a wonderful thing it must be to work for Saint Nicholas in his little house made of branches under the trees. Finally, the old man asked, "You’re just small children; what are you doing so far from everyone else?" Estelle replied, "Our grandma is very sick, and we’re looking for meat to make broth to help her get better." The old man felt bad he didn’t have any meat, as he ate different food. He told them that a bit farther down the road was a butcher who always had meat, but he warned that the butcher was a very wicked person, and sometimes little kids who entered his shop never came out again. The children were scared when they heard this and thought maybe they should go back home. But the old man thought for a while in silence as he carved his willow sticks, then said, "I’ll give you each a whistle. When you blow it, Saint Nicholas will always hear it; but you should only blow it when you’re in serious trouble or distress. When Saint Nicholas hears it, he will know you're in trouble or that harm has already come to you, and he will either come himself or send someone to help. But just blow one time. The whistle can only be given by Saint Nicholas himself when he arrives at Christmas time. But you’re good children, and your grandma is sick, and you’re trying to help her, so I know that Saint Nicholas won’t say I did anything wrong." So he gave each child a whistle, and their fear vanished, knowing they could now be safe with the help of Saint Nicholas.

It was growing late in the afternoon and the children set out on their way to find the wicked butcher. But they had many misgivings, and as they went on they grew faint of heart, for they wondered if the old man had told them the truth about the whistles or if he was in reality a secret agent of the wicked butcher trying to lure them to their death.[Pg 23] They resolved to search for meat elsewhere and to keep away from the butcher's shop.

It was getting late in the afternoon, and the kids headed out to find the evil butcher. But they were filled with doubt, and as they continued, they became anxious, wondering if the old man had been honest about the whistles or if he was actually a secret agent for the wicked butcher, trying to lead them to their doom.[Pg 23] They decided to look for meat somewhere else and stay away from the butcher's shop.

For a long time they searched, but without success. There was no meat to be had in all the land at any of the places they stopped to ask. Soon they came in sight of the butcher's shop. They were very frightened. But the sun had already gone down behind the trees, and night was coming on, and they had still no meat. And they knew that if their old grandmother was to get well she must have meat to make broth. The shop, too, looked very pleasant and attractive in the cold winter evening. Warm light was shining from a fire through the door, and in the windows were sausages, and fat birds, and big yellow pumpkins and cakes with red berries on the top. The children were hungry and wished for something to eat by the warm shop fire. They decided to enter the shop notwithstanding their fear, to buy some food, and to get meat for their grandmother's broth as quickly as they could. But before they entered the shop they thought it would be well, in order to be safe, to blow a blast on their whistle as the old man had told them so that Saint Nicholas would know that they were in dread of harm. They stood for a time in the shadow of the great trees before the door and made ready to blow together. Pierre gave the signal and blew a long soft blast. But Estelle could not get her whistle from her pocket and Pierre had finished his blast, all out of breath, before she was ready to blow. "Don't[Pg 24] blow now," he said, "you are just like a girl, always too late." But blow she would, as the old man had told her, and before Pierre could stop her she blew a long soft blast on her whistle. Pierre was very cross, for he thought that now no good could come of it, as two blasts had sounded, but with his sister he entered the butcher's shop.

For a long time, they searched, but couldn’t find anything. There was no meat anywhere in all the places they stopped to ask. Soon, they saw the butcher's shop. They were really scared. But the sun had already set behind the trees, night was approaching, and they still had no meat. They knew that if their old grandmother was going to get better, she needed meat to make broth. The shop looked very inviting in the chilly winter evening. Warm light flickered from a fire through the door, and in the windows, there were sausages, plump birds, big yellow pumpkins, and cakes topped with red berries. The children were hungry and longed for something to eat by the cozy shop fire. They decided to go into the shop despite their fear, to buy some food, and to get meat for their grandmother's broth as quickly as they could. But before they entered the shop, they thought it would be smart, to be safe, to blow a blast on their whistle as the old man had instructed so Saint Nicholas would know they were in danger. They stood in the shadow of the big trees by the door and got ready to blow together. Pierre signaled and blew a long, soft blast. But Estelle couldn’t get her whistle out of her pocket, and Pierre had finished his breath before she was ready to blow. "Don’t blow now," he said, "you’re just like a girl, always too late." But she was determined to blow as the old man had told her, and before Pierre could stop her, she let out a long, soft blast on her whistle. Pierre was really upset, thinking that now nothing good would come of it, as two blasts had sounded, but with his sister, he entered the butcher's shop.

The wicked butcher was in his shop, but not another person was about the place. It was all very quiet. The man was very glad to see the children and he seated them by the warm fire, and gave them food, and although he shut the door tight behind them, their fear soon vanished. After they had eaten well and were warm again, they asked for meat to make broth for their old grandmother, and the butcher said he would give them plenty of good meat although it was very scarce in all the land. There was a barrel standing in one corner; in another corner was a large hogshead reaching almost to the ceiling, and the butcher said that both of these were full of meat.

The wicked butcher was in his shop, but there wasn’t anyone else around. It was really quiet. The man was happy to see the kids, so he sat them by the warm fire and gave them food. Even though he locked the door behind them, their fear quickly went away. After they had eaten enough and warmed up, they asked for meat to make broth for their old grandmother. The butcher said he would give them plenty of good meat, even though it was pretty scarce everywhere. There was a barrel in one corner, and in another corner, there was a big hogshead that almost reached the ceiling, and the butcher claimed that both were full of meat.

Now the butcher was really the friend and partner of a wicked giant who lived in the forest. The giant's greatest delight was to eat little children. He liked no meal so well as a meal of little children, two at a time, pickled first in brine. He ate them always when he could get them, but he was not always successful in his search, for children were scarce in the land. He was a great hunter and he was able to kill many animals in the forest and to secure much meat, so great was his strength, and once a week regularly he brought a great load of meat to the butcher and traded it for any little children the butcher managed to entice into his shop. So the butcher got much meat at little cost. And the old man of the house of boughs was right when he said that many little children who entered the shop never came out again.

Now the butcher was actually friends and partners with a wicked giant who lived in the forest. The giant's favorite thing to do was eat little children. He enjoyed no meal more than a feast of little kids, two at a time, pickled first in brine. He always ate them when he could find them, but he wasn't always successful in his hunt because children were rare in the area. He was an excellent hunter and could kill many animals in the forest to get plenty of meat due to his immense strength. Once a week, he would regularly bring a huge load of meat to the butcher and trade it for any little children the butcher managed to lure into his shop. This way, the butcher got a lot of meat at little cost. And the old man of the house of boughs was right when he said that many little children who entered the shop never came out again.

THEY STOOD FOR A TIME IN THE SHADOW OF THE GREAT TREES BEFORE THE DOOR AND MADE READY TO BLOW TOGETHER They stood for a while in the shadow of the great trees in front of the door and prepared to blow together.

The butcher was very glad when he saw the two pretty little children. He was expecting the giant that evening on his weekly visit, and he thought gleefully of the great load of meat he would get from the giant in exchange for the children, for he would ask a big price, and he knew the giant would give all the meat he had for so good a meal. And he thought too of all the money he would get for the giant's load of meat. So he resolved to kill the children and pickle them in brine to await the giant's coming.

The butcher was really happy when he saw the two cute little kids. He was waiting for the giant that evening on his weekly visit, and he thought excitedly about the huge amount of meat he would get from the giant in exchange for the kids, because he planned to ask for a high price, and he knew the giant would give him all the meat he had for such a delicious meal. He also thought about all the money he would make from the giant's load of meat. So, he decided to kill the kids and pickle them in brine to prepare for the giant's arrival.

When the children had finished their meal and had warmed themselves by the fire they made ready to go home and they asked for their meat. The butcher said he would get it for them. They looked up at the shelves, laden with more food than they had ever seen before—hams and cabbages and strings of onions. And the little children said, "There are good onions up there; we will buy some and take them home to our grandmother to put in her broth." The butcher said, "There are many kinds of onions in the box on the high shelf. You must pick out the kind you want. I will lift you up to the shelf so that you can see for yourselves."[Pg 26] So he caught them each by the coat between the shoulders, and because of his great strength he lifted them high until they could look into the box and pick out the onions they wanted. As he took them down he thrust them straight out from his body at arm's length and held them there and they laughed because of his great strength. Then he brought them together with terrible force so that their heads struck one against the other and they were stunned by the cruel blow. Then he threw them head first into the barrel in the corner which was filled with brine, not with meat as he had said, and he left them there to pickle well. He was greatly pleased with the fine load of meat he would get in exchange from the giant, who, he knew, would appear before many minutes had passed.

When the kids finished their meal and warmed up by the fire, they got ready to head home and asked for their meat. The butcher said he would get it for them. They looked up at the shelves, filled with more food than they had ever seen before—hams, cabbages, and strings of onions. The little kids said, "There are good onions up there; we'll buy some and take them home to our grandmother for her broth." The butcher replied, "There are many types of onions in the box on the high shelf. You can choose which ones you want. I’ll lift you up so you can see for yourselves." [Pg 26] So he grabbed each of them by the coat between the shoulders and, with his great strength, lifted them high enough to look into the box and pick out the onions they wanted. As he brought them down, he stretched them out from his body at arm's length, and they laughed at his strength. Then he slammed them together hard enough that their heads collided, leaving them stunned from the brutal hit. After that, he tossed them headfirst into the barrel in the corner filled with brine, not meat as he had claimed, and left them there to pickle well. He was quite pleased with the fine load of meat he would receive in exchange from the giant, who he knew would show up in no time.

Soon the giant arrived. He carried on his back a great load of meat and he also drew a sled heavily laden with many dressed carcasses of animals he had killed. "What cheer for me to-night and what fortune?" he said to the butcher as he entered the warm shop with his load. And the butcher said, "Good cheer and fine fortune. I have a good fat pair for you to-night already pickling in the brine." Then he uncovered the barrel in the corner and showed the giant the two little children sticking head first in the pickle. The giant smacked his fat lips and chuckled and rubbed his great hands, so pleased was he with the sight of so good a meal. And he said, "We will let them steep well in the brine until[Pg 27] to-morrow. I always like them very salt." They covered up the barrel, and then they bargained about the purchase of the meat.

Soon, the giant arrived. He carried a huge load of meat on his back and pulled a sled full of many dressed carcasses of animals he had killed. "What’s the good news for me tonight, and what luck?" he asked the butcher as he walked into the warm shop with his load. The butcher replied, "Good news and great luck. I have a nice fat pair for you tonight already soaking in the brine." Then he uncovered the barrel in the corner and showed the giant the two little children sticking headfirst in the pickle. The giant smacked his lips and chuckled, rubbing his big hands together, so pleased with the sight of such a good meal. He said, "We’ll let them soak in the brine until[Pg 27] tomorrow. I always like them really salty." They covered up the barrel, and then they negotiated about the purchase of the meat.

The giant agreed to give the butcher all his meat in exchange for the children. Then they sat by the fire drinking and eating until far on into the night. And the giant said that before they went to bed he would take another look at the children to see how they were pickling. So they went and uncovered the barrel.

The giant agreed to give the butcher all his meat in exchange for the children. Then they sat by the fire, eating and drinking until late into the night. The giant said that before they went to bed, he would take another look at the children to see how they were pickling. So they went and uncovered the barrel.

Now it chanced that Saint Nicholas was in the land at that time, as the old man of the House-of-boughs had said. He had come into the land to bring his yearly gifts to little children. In the evening he was many miles away from the butcher's shop. But he heard the long soft blast of a whistle, borne on the still evening wind. He knew it to be one of his own whistles, and it told him that little children were in danger. But it was followed by another soft blast—the late blast of Estelle's whistle—and the two blasts meant that the danger was not yet very near to the children, that indeed it was far off, so he thought that there was no need to hurry to the children's aid. Moreover, Saint Nicholas was just then leaving tiny dolls for little babies in many little houses in the forest and he decided to take his time and finish the giving of all these gifts before he set out to the place from which the whistle-blast had come.

Now it just so happened that Saint Nicholas was in the area at that time, as the old man from the House-of-boughs had said. He had come to the land to bring his annual gifts to little children. In the evening, he was many miles away from the butcher's shop. But he heard the long, soft blast of a whistle carried on the calm evening wind. He recognized it as one of his own whistles, indicating that little children were in danger. However, it was followed by another soft blast—the late blast of Estelle's whistle—and the two blasts meant that the danger was still a distance away from the children. So he thought there was no need to rush to their rescue. Besides, Saint Nicholas was just then leaving tiny dolls for little babies in many small houses in the forest, and he decided to take his time and finish delivering all these gifts before heading to the place where the whistle-blast had come from.

At last he was able to go on his way. The snow lay deep[Pg 28] in the forest, and travelling was hard, but the white winter moon was shining, and the path was bright and Saint Nicholas moved along quickly on his snow-shoes. Far on in the night he reached the butcher's shop from which he knew the children's note of fear had come. As he entered the shop, the giant and the butcher were just taking their last look before going to bed at the children sticking in the barrel of brine. They did not know Saint Nicholas, but when they saw him they quickly placed the cover on the barrel and were very much confused. Saint Nicholas was suspicious that they were about some wickedness, and he knew well that in some way or other the barrel was connected with the dreaded harm of which the children's whistle had told him, and he thought that perhaps the children were hidden in it. So he said, "I have come for meat. I want meat that has been pickled in brine. I should like a piece from that barrel." But the butcher said, "It is not good meat. I have better meat in the inner room, and I will get it for you." So the butcher and Saint Nicholas entered the inner room and closed the door behind them while the giant sat on the barrel in the corner, trying to hide it with his great fat legs.

At last, he could continue on his journey. The snow was deep[Pg 28] in the forest, making travel tough, but the bright winter moon was shining, lighting up the path, and Saint Nicholas moved quickly on his snowshoes. Late that night, he arrived at the butcher's shop where he knew the children's fearful note had originated. As he walked in, the giant and the butcher were just taking one last look at the children stuck in the brine barrel before heading to bed. They didn't recognize Saint Nicholas, but when they saw him, they quickly covered the barrel and looked very confused. Saint Nicholas was suspicious that they were up to no good, and he believed that the barrel was somehow connected to the dreadful danger the children's whistle had warned him about; he thought perhaps the children were hidden inside. So he said, "I've come for meat. I want meat that’s been pickled in brine. I'd like a piece from that barrel." But the butcher replied, "That meat isn't good. I have better meat in the back room, and I’ll get it for you." So the butcher and Saint Nicholas went into the back room and closed the door behind them while the giant sat on the barrel in the corner, trying to hide it with his huge fat legs.

In the inner room was a barrel filled with brine, but with only a small piece of meat at the bottom. Saint Nicholas said he would take that piece. The butcher bent far into the barrel to reach down in search of the meat. But as he did so, Saint Nicholas picked him up by the legs and pushed him head first into the barrel of brine. He spluttered and kicked, but he stuck fast in the barrel, and could not get out. Saint Nicholas placed the cover on the barrel, with a great weight on top of it, and that was the end of the wicked butcher.

In the inner room, there was a barrel full of brine, but only a small piece of meat at the bottom. Saint Nicholas said he would take that piece. The butcher leaned far into the barrel to get the meat. But while he was doing that, Saint Nicholas grabbed him by the legs and pushed him headfirst into the barrel of brine. He splashed and kicked, but he got stuck in the barrel and couldn’t get out. Saint Nicholas put the cover on the barrel, placing a heavy weight on top, and that was the end of the wicked butcher.

Then Saint Nicholas returned to the shop where the giant was waiting, still sitting on the barrel. He told the giant that he wanted a piece of meat that lay in the bottom of the large hogshead of pickle in the other corner. He asked the giant to get it for him, as the hogshead was so high that neither he nor the butcher could reach down into it.

Then Saint Nicholas went back to the shop where the giant was still sitting on the barrel. He told the giant that he wanted a piece of meat that was at the bottom of the large pickle barrel in the other corner. He asked the giant to get it for him since the barrel was too high for both him and the butcher to reach into.

The giant bent far into the hogshead and began groping for the meat at the bottom. Saint Nicholas took a large bone that lay on the floor, and standing on a box beside the hogshead he struck the giant a powerful blow on the head. The giant was only slightly stunned, but in his surprise he lost his balance, and fell head first into the brine. He yelled and kicked for a time, but his huge shoulders stuck fast. Saint Nicholas covered the hogshead, leaving the giant sticking fast in the pickle, and that was the end of the giant.

The giant leaned deep into the barrel, trying to grab the meat at the bottom. Saint Nicholas picked up a large bone that was on the floor, and standing on a box next to the barrel, he delivered a strong blow to the giant's head. The giant was only a little dazed, but in his surprise, he lost his balance and toppled headfirst into the brine. He yelled and kicked for a while, but his massive shoulders got stuck. Saint Nicholas covered the barrel, leaving the giant trapped in the pickle, and that was the end of him.

Then Saint Nicholas uncovered the barrel in the corner into which he had seen the butcher and the giant looking when he had first entered the shop. There were the two children standing on their heads in the pickle with their feet sticking out at the top. He caught them by the legs and pulled them out and by his magic power he soon brought[Pg 30] them back to life. He gave them food and warmed them by the fire and soon they were none the worse for their hour in the barrel of brine.

Then Saint Nicholas opened the barrel in the corner that he had seen the butcher and the giant looking into when he first entered the shop. Inside, the two children were standing on their heads in the pickle, their feet sticking out at the top. He grabbed them by the legs and pulled them out, and with his magical powers, he quickly brought[Pg 30] them back to life. He fed them and warmed them by the fire, and soon they were completely fine after their hour in the barrel of brine.

Then he gave them meat and brought them back to their grandmother. And they made broth for her and soon made her well, and they were all happy again. And the land was troubled no more by giants, for Saint Nicholas never again allowed great harm to come to little children if they always kept his whistle near them and blew softly upon it when they were in trouble or distress.

Then he gave them meat and took them back to their grandmother. They made her soup, and before long, she got better, and they were all happy again. The land was no longer troubled by giants, because Saint Nicholas never let anything bad happen to little kids as long as they kept his whistle close and blew softly on it when they were in trouble or feeling sad.


THE FALL OF THE SPIDER MAN

In olden times the Spider Man lived in the sky-country. He dwelt in a bright little house all by himself, where he weaved webs and long flimsy ladders by which people went back and forth from the sky to the earth. The Star-people often went at night to earth where they roamed about as fairies of light, doing good deeds for women and little children, and they always went back and forth on the ladder of the Spider Man. The Spider Man had to work very hard, weaving his webs, and spinning the yarn from which his ladders were made. One day when he had a short breathing-time from his toil he looked down at the earth-country and there he saw many of the earth-people playing at games, or taking sweet sap from the maple trees, or gathering berries on the rolling hills; but most of the men were lazily idling and doing nothing. The women were all working, after the fashion of Indians in those days; the men were working but little. And Spider Man said to himself, "I should like to go to the earth-country where men idle their time away. I would marry four wives who would work for me while I would take life easy, for I need a rest."[Pg 32]

In ancient times, the Spider Man lived in the sky. He had a bright little house all to himself, where he weaved webs and long, fragile ladders for people to travel back and forth between the sky and the earth. The Star-people often went to earth at night, where they wandered as fairies of light, performing good deeds for women and children, always using the Spider Man's ladders to travel. The Spider Man worked very hard, weaving his webs and spinning the yarn for his ladders. One day, when he had a brief moment to rest from his labor, he looked down at the earth and saw many people playing games, collecting sweet sap from the maple trees, or picking berries on the hills. Most of the men were lazily wasting time and doing nothing. The women were hard at work, as was typical for Indians in those days, while the men were hardly working at all. The Spider Man thought to himself, "I would like to go to the earth where men waste their time. I would marry four wives who would work for me while I took it easy because I need a break." [Pg 32]

He was very tired of his work for he was kept at it day and night always spinning and weaving his webs. But when he asked for a rest he was not allowed to stop; he was only kicked for his pains and called Sleepy Head, and Lazy-bones and other harsh names, and told to work harder. Then he grew angry and he resolved to punish the Star-people because they kept him so hard at work. He thought that if he punished them and made himself a nuisance, they would be glad to be rid of him. So he hit upon a crafty plan. Each night when a Star-fairy was climbing back to the sky-country, just as he came near the top of the ladder, the Spider Man would cut the strands and the fairy would fall to earth with a great crash. Night after night he did this, and he chuckled to himself as he saw the sky-fairies sprawling through the air and kicking their heels, while the earth-people looked up wonderingly at them and called them Shooting Stars. Many Star-people fell to earth in this way because of the Spider Man's tricks, and they could never get back to the sky-country because of their broken limbs or their disfigured faces, for in the sky-country the people all must have beautiful faces and forms. But Spider Man's tricks brought him no good; the people would not drive him away because they needed his webs and he was kept always at his tasks. At last he decided to run away of his own accord, and, one night when the Moon and the Stars had gone to work and the Sun was asleep, he said farewell to the sky-country and let himself down to earth by one of his own strands of yarn, spinning it as he dropped down.

He was really tired of his work because he was at it day and night, constantly spinning and weaving his webs. But when he asked for a break, he wasn’t allowed to stop; instead, he was kicked for his effort and called Sleepy Head, Lazy-bones, and other harsh names, and told to work harder. This made him angry, and he decided to punish the Star-people for making him work so hard. He figured that if he caused them enough trouble, they’d be happy to get rid of him. So he came up with a sneaky plan. Every night, when a Star-fairy was climbing back to the sky, just as they reached the top of the ladder, the Spider Man would cut the strands, and the fairy would fall to earth with a loud crash. Night after night, he did this, chuckling to himself as he watched the sky-fairies tumble through the air and kick their heels, while the people on earth looked up in wonder and called them Shooting Stars. Many Star-people fell to earth because of Spider Man’s tricks and could never return to the sky because of their broken limbs or disfigured faces; in the sky, everyone had to have beautiful faces and forms. But Spider Man's tricks didn't benefit him; the people wouldn’t drive him away because they needed his webs, and he was always stuck doing his tasks. Finally, he decided to run away on his own. One night, when the Moon and the Stars were busy and the Sun was asleep, he said goodbye to the sky-country and let himself down to earth using one of his own strands of yarn, spinning it as he descended.

HE SAID FAREWELL TO THE SKY COUNTRY AND LET HIMSELF DOWN TO EARTH—BY ONE OF HIS OWN STRANDS OF YARN He said goodbye to the sky country and lowered himself to the ground—using one of his own strands of yarn.

In the earth-country he married four wives as he had planned, for he wanted them to work for him while he took his ease. He thought he had worked long enough. All went well for a time and the Spider Man was quite happy living his lazy and contented life. Not a strand did he spin, nor a web did he weave. No men on earth were working; only the women toiled. At last, Glooskap, who ruled upon the earth in that time, became very angry because the men in these parts were so lazy, and he sent Famine into their country to punish them for their sins. Famine came very stealthily into the land and gathered up all the corn and carried it off; then he called to him all the animals, and the birds, and the fish of the sea and river, and he took them away with him. In all the land there was nothing left to eat. Only water remained. The people were very hungry and they lived on water for many days. Sometimes they drank the water cold, sometimes hot, sometimes luke-warm, but at best it was but poor fare. The Spider Man soon grew tired of this strange diet, for it did not satisfy his hunger to live always on water. It filled his belly and swelled him to a great size, but it brought him little nourishment or strength. So he said, "There must be good food somewhere in the world; I will go in search of it."

In the land, he married four wives as he had planned because he wanted them to do the work while he relaxed. He believed he had worked enough. For a while, everything went well, and the Spider Man was quite happy living his lazy and content life. He didn’t spin a single thread or weave a web. No men on earth were working; only the women labored. Eventually, Glooskap, who ruled the earth at that time, became very angry because the men in this area were so lazy, and he sent Famine to punish them for their wrongdoings. Famine sneaked into the land and took all the corn, then called all the animals, birds, and fish from the sea and river, and took them away with him. There was nothing left to eat in the land. Only water remained. The people were extremely hungry and survived on water for many days. At times, they drank the water cold, sometimes hot, sometimes lukewarm, but it was barely enough. The Spider Man soon got tired of this unusual diet, as living only on water didn’t satisfy his hunger. It filled his belly and made him swell to a huge size, but it provided little nourishment or strength. So he said, “There must be good food somewhere in the world; I will go look for it.”

That night when all the world was asleep he took a large[Pg 34] bag, and crept softly away from his four wives and set out on his quest for food. He did not want any one to know where he was going. For several days he travelled, living only on water; but he found no food, and the bag was still empty on his back. At last one day he saw birds in the trees and he knew that he was near the border of the Hunger-Land. That night in the forest when he stopped at a stream to drink, he saw a tiny gleam of light far ahead of him through the trees. He hurried towards the light and soon he came upon a man with a great hump on his shoulders and scars on his face, and a light hanging at his back, with a shade on it which he could close and open at his will. The Spider Man said, "I am looking for food; tell me where I can find it." And the humped man with the light said, "Do you want it for your people?" But the Spider Man said, "No, I want it for myself." Then the humped man laughed and said, "You are near to the border of the Land of Plenty; follow me and I will give you food." Then he flashed the light at his back, opening and closing the shade so that the light flickered, and he set off quickly through the trees. The Spider Man followed the light flashing in the darkness, but he had to go so fast that he was almost out of breath when he reached the house where the humped man had stopped. But the humped man only laughed when he saw the Spider Man coming puffing wearily along with his fat and swollen belly. He gave him a good fat meal and the Spider Man[Pg 35] soon felt better after his long fast. Then the humped man said, "You are the Spider Man who once weaved webs in the sky. I, too, once dwelt in the star-country, and one dark night as I was climbing back from the earth-country on your ladder, carrying my lamp on my back to light the way, when I was near the sky you cut the strands of the web and I fell to the earth with a great crash. That is why I have a great hump on my back and scars on my face, and because of this I have never been allowed to go back to the sky-country of the stars. I roam the earth at nights as a forest fairy just as I did in the olden days, for I have my former power still with me, and I still carry my lamp at my back; it is the starlight from the sky-country. I shall never get back to the star-country while I have life. But some day when my work on earth is done I shall go back. But although you were cruel to me I will give you food." The Spider Man remembered the nights he had cut the ladder strands, and he laughed to himself at the memory of the star-fairies falling to earth with a great crash. But the man with the light knew that now he had his chance to take vengeance on the Spider Man. The latter did not suspect evil. He was glad to get food at last.

That night, when the whole world was asleep, he took a large[Pg 34] bag and quietly slipped away from his four wives to search for food. He didn’t want anyone to know where he was going. He traveled for several days, living only on water, but he couldn’t find any food, and the bag on his back remained empty. Finally, one day, he spotted birds in the trees and realized he was close to the border of Hunger-Land. That night, as he stopped at a stream to drink, he saw a tiny gleam of light ahead of him through the trees. He hurried toward the light and soon came across a man with a large hump on his shoulders and scars on his face, holding a light at his back that he could close and open at will. The Spider Man said, “I’m looking for food; can you tell me where I can find it?” The humped man with the light replied, “Do you want it for your people?” But the Spider Man said, “No, I want it for myself.” The humped man laughed and said, “You’re close to the border of the Land of Plenty; follow me and I’ll give you food.” He then flashed the light on his back, opening and closing the shade so that the light flickered, and he quickly moved through the trees. The Spider Man followed the flashing light in the darkness, but he had to hurry and was almost out of breath when he reached the house where the humped man had stopped. The humped man just laughed when he saw the Spider Man coming, panting and weary with his fat, swollen belly. He gave him a hearty meal, and the Spider Man[Pg 35] soon felt better after his long fast. Then the humped man said, “You’re the Spider Man who once wove webs in the sky. I once lived in the star-country, and one dark night, while I was climbing back from the earth-country on your ladder with my lamp on my back to light the way, you cut the strands of the web when I was near the sky, and I fell to the earth with a huge crash. That’s why I have this great hump on my back and scars on my face, and because of this, I’ve never been allowed to return to the sky-country of the stars. I roam the earth at night like a forest fairy, just like I did in the old days, because I still have my previous power with me, and I still carry my lamp on my back; it’s the starlight from the sky-country. I’ll never return to the star-country while I’m alive. But someday, when my work on earth is finished, I will go back. Even though you were cruel to me, I’ll give you food.” The Spider Man remembered the nights he had cut the ladder strands and chuckled at the memory of the star-fairies crashing to earth. However, the man with the light knew that he now had his chance to take revenge on the Spider Man, who remained unaware of his malicious intentions. He was just happy to finally get food.

Then the humped man said, "I will give you four pots. You must not open them until you get home. They will then be filled with food, and thereafter always when you open them they will be packed with good food. And the[Pg 36] food will never grow less." The Spider Man put the four pots in his bag and slinging it over his shoulder he set out for his home, well pleased with his success. After he had gone away, the humped man used his power to make him hungry. Yet for several days he travelled without opening the pots, for although he was almost starving he wished to do as the humped man had told him. At last he could wait no longer. He stopped near his home, took the pots out of the bag and opened them. They were filled with good food as he had been promised. In one was a fine meat stew; in another were many cooked vegetables; in another was bread made from Indian corn; and in another was luscious ripe fruit. He ate until he was full. He covered the pots, put them back in the bag, and hid the bag among the trees. Then he went home. He had meanwhile taken pity on his people and he decided to invite the Chief and all the tribe to a feast the next evening, for the pots would be full, and the food would never decrease, and there would be enough for all. He thought the people would regard him as a very wonderful man if he could supply them all with good food in their hunger.

Then the humped man said, "I will give you four pots. You must not open them until you get home. They will then be filled with food, and from then on, whenever you open them, they will be packed with delicious food. And the[Pg 36] food will never run out." The Spider Man put the four pots in his bag, slung it over his shoulder, and set off for home, feeling pleased with his success. After he left, the humped man used his power to make him hungry. Yet for several days he traveled without opening the pots, even though he was almost starving, because he wanted to follow the humped man's instructions. Finally, he couldn't wait any longer. He stopped near his home, took the pots out of the bag, and opened them. They were filled with delicious food as promised. One pot had a nice meat stew; another had lots of cooked vegetables; one held bread made from corn; and another contained sweet ripe fruit. He ate until he was full. He covered the pots, put them back in the bag, and hid the bag among the trees. Then he went home. Meanwhile, he had felt sorry for his people and decided to invite the Chief and the entire tribe to a feast the next evening, because the pots would be full, the food would never run out, and there would be enough for everyone. He thought the people would see him as a really amazing man if he could provide them all with good food in their time of hunger.

When he reached his home his wives were very glad to see him back, and they at once brought him water, the only food they had. But he laughed them to scorn, and threw the water in their faces and said, "Oh, foolish women, I do not want water; it is not food for a great man like me. I[Pg 37] have had a good meal of meat stew and corn bread and cooked vegetables and luscious ripe fruit. I know where much food is to be found, but I alone know. I can find food when all others fail, for I am a great man. Go forth and invite the Chief and all the people to a feast which I shall provide for them to-morrow night—a feast for all the land, for my food never grows less." They were all amazed when they heard his story, and the thought of his good meal greatly added to their hunger. But they went out and summoned all the tribe to a feast as he had told them.

When he got home, his wives were really happy to see him back, and they quickly brought him water, the only food they had. But he mocked them and threw the water in their faces, saying, "Oh, foolish women, I don’t want water; it’s not food for a great man like me. I’ve just had a hearty meal of meat stew, corn bread, cooked vegetables, and sweet ripe fruit. I know where to find a lot of food, but only I know. I can find food when everyone else fails because I am a great man. Go out and invite the Chief and all the people to a feast that I will prepare for them tomorrow night—a feast for everyone in the land, for my food never runs out." They were all amazed when they heard his story, and the thought of his delicious meal only made their hunger worse. But they went out and called the whole tribe to a feast as he had instructed.

The next night all the people gathered for the feast, for the news of it had spread through all the land. They had taken no water that day, for they wished to eat well, and they were very hungry. They were as hungry as wild beasts in search of food. The Spider Man was very glad because the people praised him, and he proudly brought in his bag of pots. The people all waited hungrily and eagerly. But when he uncovered the first pot there was no food there; he uncovered the second pot, but there was no food there; he uncovered all the pots, but not a bit of food was in any of them. They were all empty, and in the bottom of each was a great gaping hole. Now it had happened in this way. When the humped man, the Star-fairy, had given the pots to the Spider Man, he knew well that the Spider Man would disobey his orders and that he would open the pots before he reached his home. He chuckled to himself, for he knew[Pg 38] that now he could take vengeance on the web-weaver who had injured him. So when the Spider Man had left the pots among the trees, the humped man used his magic power and made holes in the pots, and the charm of the food was broken and all the food disappeared. When the people saw the empty pots they thought they had been purposely deceived. The remains of the food and the smell of stew and of fruit still clung to the pots. They thought the Spider Man had eaten all the food himself. So in their great hunger and their rage and their disappointment they fell upon him and beat him and bore him to the ground, while the humped man with the lamp at his back hiding behind the trees looked on and laughed in his glee. Then the people split the Spider Man's arms to the shoulders, and his legs to the thighs, so that he had eight limbs instead of four. And the humped man—the star-fairy named Fire-fly—came forth from behind the trees and standing over the fallen Spider Man he said, "Henceforth because of your cruelty to the star-people you will always crawl on eight legs, and you will have a fat round belly because of the water you have drunk; and sometimes you will live on top of the water. But you shall always eat only flies and insects. And you will always spin downwards but never upwards, and you will often try to get back to the star-country, but you shall always slip down again on the strand of yarn you have spun." Then Fire-fly flashed his light and went quickly away, opening[Pg 39] and closing the shade of his lamp as he flitted among the trees. And to this day the Spider Man lives as the humped man of the lamp had spoken, because of the cruelty he practised on the star-fairies in the olden days.

The next night, everyone gathered for the feast, as word of it had spread across the land. They hadn't drunk any water that day because they wanted to eat well, and they were very hungry. They felt as hungry as wild animals searching for food. The Spider Man was thrilled because the people praised him, and he proudly brought in his bag of pots. The people waited eagerly and hungrily. But when he uncovered the first pot, there was no food inside; he opened the second pot, but it was empty too; he opened all the pots, and not a single one had food in it. They were all empty, and each one had a big gaping hole at the bottom. Here’s what happened: When the humped man, the Star-fairy, had given the pots to the Spider Man, he knew that the Spider Man would disobey him and open the pots before getting home. He chuckled to himself, knowing that he could take revenge on the web-weaver who had hurt him. So when the Spider Man left the pots under the trees, the humped man used his magic to create holes in the pots, breaking the charm of the food, causing it to disappear. When the people saw the empty pots, they thought they had been cheated on purpose. The remnants of the food and the smell of stew and fruit still lingered in the pots. They believed the Spider Man had eaten all the food himself. So, in their hunger, anger, and disappointment, they attacked him and knocked him to the ground, while the humped man with the lamp on his back hid behind the trees, watching and laughing gleefully. The people then tore the Spider Man's arms to the shoulders and his legs to the thighs, so he ended up with eight limbs instead of four. Then the humped man—the star-fairy named Fire-fly—came out from behind the trees and, standing over the fallen Spider Man, said, "From now on, because of your cruelty to the star-people, you will always crawl on eight legs and have a fat round belly from the water you’ve drunk; sometimes you will live on top of the water. But you will only eat flies and insects. You will always spin downwards, but never upwards, and you will often try to return to the star-country, but you will always slip down again on the strand of yarn you’ve spun." Then Fire-fly flashed his light and quickly left, opening and closing the shade of his lamp as he flitted among the trees. To this day, the Spider Man lives as the humped man of the lamp said he would, because of the cruelty he showed to the star-fairies long ago.


THE BOY WHO WAS CALLED THICK-HEAD

Three brothers lived with their old Indian mother in the forest near the sea. Their father had long been dead. At his death he had little of the world's goods to his credit and his widow and her sons were very poor. In the place where they dwelt, game was not plentiful, and to get food enough to keep them from want they had often to go far into the forest. The youngest boy was smaller and weaker than the others, and when the two older sons went far away to hunt, they always left him behind, for although he always wished to accompany them they would never allow him to go. He had to do all the work about the house, and all day long he gathered wood in the forest and carried water from the stream. And even when his brothers went out in the spring-time to draw sap from the maple trees he was never permitted to go with them. He was always making mistakes and doing foolish things. His brothers called him Thick-head, and all the people round about said he was a simpleton because of his slow and queer ways. His mother alone was kind to him and she always said, "They may laugh at you and[Pg 41] call you fool, but you will prove to be wiser than all of them yet, for so it was told me by a forest fairy at your birth."

Three brothers lived with their elderly Native American mother in the woods near the ocean. Their father had passed away long ago. When he died, he had very little to leave behind, and his widow and sons were quite poor. In their area, food was scarce, and to avoid going hungry, they often had to travel deep into the woods for supplies. The youngest boy was smaller and weaker than the others, so whenever the two older brothers went far to hunt, they always left him behind. Even though he wanted to join them, they never let him go. He had to manage all the chores around the house, spending his days collecting firewood in the forest and fetching water from the stream. Even when his brothers went out in the spring to tap the maple trees, he was never allowed to tag along. He constantly made mistakes and acted foolishly. His brothers called him Thick-head, and everyone around them claimed he was simple-minded because of his slow and odd ways. Only his mother showed him kindness, always saying, "They may laugh at you and call you a fool, but you will prove to be wiser than all of them one day, for a forest fairy told me that at your birth."

The Chief of the people had a beautiful daughter who had many suitors. But her father spurned them all from his door and said, "My daughter is not yet of age to marry; and when her time of marriage comes, she will only marry the man who can make great profit from hunting." The two older sons of the old woman decided that one of them must win the girl. So they prepared to set out on a great hunting expedition far away in the northern forest, for it was now autumn, and the hunter's moon had come. The youngest boy wanted to go with them, for he had never been away from home and he wished to see the world. And his mother said he might go. His brothers were very angry when they heard his request, and they said, "Much good Thick-head can do us in the chase. He will only bring us bad luck. He is not a hunter but a scullion and a drudge fit only for the fireside." But his mother commanded them to grant the boy's wish and they had to obey. So the three brothers set out for the north country, the two older brothers grumbling loudly because they were accompanied by the boy they thought a fool.

The Chief of the tribe had a beautiful daughter with many suitors. But her father turned them all away and said, "My daughter isn't old enough to marry yet; when the time comes, she will only marry a man who can bring home great game." The two older sons of the old woman decided that one of them had to win the girl. So they got ready for a big hunting trip deep in the northern forest, since it was now autumn and the hunter's moon had appeared. The youngest boy wanted to join them because he had never been away from home and wanted to see the world. His mother said he could go. His brothers were furious when they heard his request, saying, "What good will Thick-head do us in the hunt? He'll just bring us bad luck. He's not a hunter; he's just a kitchen helper and a chore-doer, fit only for staying by the fire." But their mother insisted they let the boy go, and they had no choice but to obey. So the three brothers set off for the north, with the two older brothers grumbling loudly about having the boy they considered a fool along with them.

The two older brothers had good success in the chase and they killed many animals—deer and rabbits and otters and beavers. And they came home bearing a great quantity[Pg 42] of dried meat and skins. They each thought, "Now we have begun to prove our prowess to the Chief, and if we succeed as well next year when the hunter's moon comes again, one of us will surely win his daughter when she is old enough to marry." But all the youngest boy brought home as a result of his journey into the game country was a large Earth-Worm as thick as his finger and as long as his arm. It was the biggest Earth-Worm he had ever seen. He thought it a great curiosity as well as a great discovery, and he was so busy watching it each day that he had no time to hunt. When he brought it home in a box, his brothers said to their mother, "What did we tell you about Thick-head? He has now surely proved himself a fool. He has caught only a fat Earth-Worm in all these weeks." And they noised it abroad in the village and all the people laughed loudly at the simpleton, until "Thick-head's hunt" became a by-word in all the land. But the boy's mother only smiled and said, "He will surprise them all yet."

The two older brothers were really successful on their hunt, bringing back a lot of animals—deer, rabbits, otters, and beavers. They returned home with a huge amount[Pg 42] of dried meat and skins. Each of them thought, "Now we've started to show our skills to the Chief, and if we do just as well next year when the hunter's moon comes around again, one of us will definitely win his daughter when she's old enough to marry." But all the youngest boy brought home from his trip to the game area was a big Earthworm, as thick as his finger and as long as his arm. It was the biggest Earthworm he had ever seen. He thought it was a great curiosity and discovery, and he was so busy watching it every day that he didn't have time to hunt. When he brought it home in a box, his brothers said to their mother, "What did we tell you about Thick-head? He’s definitely proven himself to be a fool. He’s caught only a fat Earthworm in all these weeks." And they spread the word in the village, causing everyone to laugh loudly at the simpleton until "Thick-head's hunt" became a saying throughout the land. But the boy's mother just smiled and said, "He'll surprise them all yet."

The boy kept the Earth-Worm in a tiny pen just outside the door of his home. One day a large Duck came waddling along, and sticking her bill over the little fence of the pen she quickly gobbled up the Worm. The boy was very angry and he went to the man who owned the Duck, and said, "Your Duck ate up my pet Worm. I want my Worm." The man offered to pay him whatever price he asked, but the boy said, "I do not want your price. I want my Worm."[Pg 43] But the man said, "How can I give you your Worm when my Duck has eaten it up? It is gone for ever." And the boy said, "It is not gone. It is in the Duck's belly. So I must have the Duck." Then to avoid further trouble the man gave Thick-head the Duck, for he thought to himself, "What is the use of arguing with a fool."

The boy kept the Earth-Worm in a small pen just outside his front door. One day, a big Duck came waddling by and quickly stuck her beak over the little fence of the pen and gobbled up the Worm. The boy was really angry and went to the man who owned the Duck, saying, "Your Duck ate my pet Worm. I want my Worm back." The man offered to pay him any amount he wanted, but the boy replied, "I don’t want your money. I want my Worm." [Pg 43] The man replied, "How can I give you your Worm back when my Duck has eaten it? It's gone forever." The boy insisted, "It's not gone. It's in the Duck's belly. So I need to have the Duck." To avoid more trouble, the man gave the Duck to the boy, thinking to himself, "There's no point in arguing with a fool."

The boy took the Duck home and kept it in a little pen near his home with a low fence around it. And he tied a great weight to its foot so that it could not fly away. He was quite happy again, for he thought, "Now I have both my Worm and the Duck." But one day a Fox came prowling along looking for food. He saw the fat Duck tied by the foot in the little pen. And he said, "What good fortune! There is a choice meal for me," and in a twinkling he was over the fence. The Duck quacked and made a great noise, but she was soon silenced. The Fox had just finished eating up the Duck when the boy, who had heard the quacking, came running out of the house. The Fox was smacking his lips after his good meal, and he was too slow in getting away. The boy fell to beating him with a stout club and soon killed him and threw his body into the yard behind the house. And he thought, "That is not so bad. Now I have my Worm and the Duck and the Fox."

The boy took the Duck home and kept it in a small pen with a low fence around it. He tied a heavy weight to its foot so it couldn’t fly away. He felt happy again because he thought, "Now I have both my Worm and the Duck." But one day, a Fox came sneaking around looking for food. He saw the fat Duck tied by the foot in the little pen and said, "What luck! There's a nice meal for me," and in a flash, he jumped over the fence. The Duck quacked and made a lot of noise, but she was quickly silenced. The Fox had just finished eating the Duck when the boy, who had heard the quacking, came running out of the house. The Fox was licking his lips after his meal, and he was too slow to escape. The boy started hitting him with a strong stick and soon killed him, tossing his body into the yard behind the house. And he thought, "That’s not so bad. Now I have my Worm, the Duck, and the Fox."

That night an old Wolf came through the forest in search of food. He was very hungry, and in the bright moonlight[Pg 44] he saw the dead Fox lying in the yard. He pounced upon it greedily and devoured it until not a trace of it was left. But the boy saw him before he could get away, and he came stealthily upon him and killed him with a blow of his axe. "I am surely in good luck," he thought, "for now I have the Worm and the Duck and the Fox and the Wolf." But the next day when he told his brothers of his good fortune and his great skill, they laughed at him loudly and said, "Much good a dead Wolf will do you. Before two days have passed it will be but an evil-smelling thing and we shall have to bury it deep. You are indeed a great fool." The boy pondered for a long time over what they had said, and he thought, "Perhaps they are right. The dead Wolf cannot last long. I will save the skin."

That night, an old Wolf wandered through the forest looking for food. He was really hungry, and in the bright moonlight[Pg 44], he spotted the dead Fox lying in the yard. He jumped on it greedily and gobbled it up until there was nothing left. But the boy saw him before he could escape, and he crept up on him and killed him with a swing of his axe. "I’m definitely lucky," he thought, "because now I have the Worm, the Duck, the Fox, and the Wolf." However, the next day when he told his brothers about his good fortune and his amazing skill, they laughed at him loudly and said, "What good is a dead Wolf? In less than two days it’ll just be a stinky thing, and we’ll have to bury it deep. You really are a big fool." The boy thought about what they had said for a long time, and he realized, "Maybe they’re right. The dead Wolf won’t last long. I’ll keep the skin."

So he skinned the Wolf and dried the skin and made a drum from it. For the drum was one of the few musical instruments of the Indians in those old times, and they beat it loudly at all their dances and festivals. The boy beat the drum each evening, and made a great noise, and he was very proud because he had the only drum in the whole village. One day the Chief sent for him and said to him, "I want to borrow your drum for this evening. I am having a great gathering to announce to all the land that my daughter is now of age to marry and that suitors may now seek her hand in marriage. But we have no musical instruments and I want your drum, and I myself will beat it at the dance." So Thick-head brought his drum to the Chief's house, but he was not very well pleased, because he was not invited to the feast, while his brothers were among the favoured guests. And he said to the Chief, "Be very careful. Do not tear the skin of my drum, for I can never get another like it. My Worm and my Duck and my Fox and my Wolf have all helped to make it."

So he skinned the Wolf, dried the skin, and made a drum out of it. The drum was one of the few musical instruments the Indians had back in those days, and they played it loudly at all their dances and celebrations. Every evening, the boy would beat the drum, making a big noise, and he felt really proud because he owned the only drum in the whole village. One day, the Chief called for him and said, "I want to borrow your drum for tonight. I’m having a big gathering to announce to everyone that my daughter is now of age to marry, and that suitors can now ask for her hand. But we don’t have any musical instruments, so I want your drum, and I’ll play it at the dance myself." So Thick-head took his drum to the Chief's house, but he wasn’t very happy about it because he wasn’t invited to the feast, while his brothers were among the special guests. He said to the Chief, "Be very careful. Don’t tear the skin of my drum, because I can never get another one like it. My Worm, my Duck, my Fox, and my Wolf have all helped to make it."

THAT NIGHT AN OLD WOLF CAME THROUGH THE FOREST IN SEARCH OF FOOD That night, an old wolf wandered through the forest looking for food.

The next day he went for his drum. But the Chief had struck it too hard and had split it open so that it would now make no sound and it was ruined beyond repair. He offered to pay the boy a great price for it, but the boy said, "I do not want your price. I want my drum. Give me back my drum, for my Worm and the Duck and the Fox and the Wolf are all in it." The Chief said, "How can I give you back your drum when it is broken? It is gone for ever. I will give you anything you desire in exchange for it. Since you do not like the price I offer, you may name your own price and you shall have it." And the boy thought to himself, "Here is a chance for good fortune. Now I shall surprise my brothers." And he said, "Since you cannot give me my drum, I will take your daughter in marriage in exchange." The Chief was much perplexed, but he had to be true to his word. So he gave his daughter to Thick-head, and they were married, and the girl brought him much treasure and they lived very happily. And his brothers were much amazed[Pg 46] and angered because they had failed. But his mother said, "I told you he was wiser than you and that he would outwit you yet although you called him Thick-head and fool. For the forest fairy said it to me at his birth."

The next day, he went to get his drum. But the Chief had hit it too hard and split it open, so it wouldn’t make any sound and was ruined beyond repair. He offered to pay the boy a lot for it, but the boy said, "I don’t want your money. I want my drum. Give me back my drum, because my Worm and the Duck and the Fox and the Wolf are all in it." The Chief replied, "How can I give you back your drum when it’s broken? It’s gone forever. I will give you anything you want for it. Since you don’t like my offer, you can name your own price, and you’ll have it." The boy thought to himself, "Here’s a chance for good luck. Now I can surprise my brothers." He said, "Since you can’t give me my drum, I will take your daughter in marriage instead." The Chief was very confused, but he had to stick to his word. So he gave his daughter to Thick-head, and they got married. The girl brought him lots of treasure, and they lived very happily. His brothers were amazed and angry because they had failed. But his mother said, "I told you he was wiser than you and that he would outsmart you, even though you called him Thick-head and fool. The forest fairy told me this at his birth."


RABBIT AND THE INDIAN CHIEF

Long ago an Indian Chief was living with his people far in the Canadian forest. Life was good and food was plentiful and the people were all very happy. But one day a wicked giant and his old witch wife came crashing into the land from a far country beyond the prairies. They devoured all the food they could lay their hands on and soon there was little left to eat in all the country; and often they carried off little children to their hiding-place and ate them up until not a trace of them remained. Somewhere far in the forest they dwelt in a hidden cave; they slept all day long, but at night they always stalked forth in search of plunder. The Chief was much troubled, and with his warriors he tried in every way to discover their hiding-place, but no one ever succeeded in finding it. For by the use of their magic power the giant and his old witch wife could make themselves invisible when they walked abroad among men and they could not be caught. The Chief called all his warriors to a council, and he said, "Who can rid me of this pest? Who can kill the giant?" But not a man replied. And when he saw his people's store of food[Pg 48] rapidly growing smaller and the little children of his tribe slowly disappearing, he was greatly puzzled as to what he should do.

Long ago, an Indian Chief lived with his people deep in the Canadian forest. Life was good, food was abundant, and everyone was happy. But one day, a wicked giant and his old witch wife crashed into their land from a distant country beyond the prairies. They devoured everything they could find, and soon there was hardly any food left for anyone; they often took little children to their hideout and ate them until there was no trace of them left. Somewhere deep in the forest, they lived in a hidden cave; they slept all day but roamed at night searching for more victims. The Chief was very troubled, and with his warriors, he tried every way to discover their hideout, but no one could find it. The giant and his old witch wife could use their magic to make themselves invisible when they walked among people, so they couldn't be caught. The Chief gathered all his warriors for a council and said, "Who can get rid of this menace? Who can kill the giant?" But no one answered. As he watched the food supplies of his people dwindling and the little children of his tribe slowly disappearing, he felt greatly puzzled about what to do.

One night of bright moonlight Rabbit was prowling through the woods, as was his custom, in search of some one on whom he could play a prank, for he was a great joker. Suddenly he came upon the giant and his old witch wife standing by an opening in the side of a low mountain. He watched them for a long time from the shadow of a great tree, and at last he saw them enter a large hole in the side of the hill. He knew now that he had hit by accident upon the giant's cave and he was well pleased by his discovery. But he kept his secret to himself, for he thought, "Here is a good chance for me to win fame. I will kill the giants by a crafty trick and I will then be looked upon as a great warrior, the foremost in all the land, for all the Chief's men have failed to find the giants."

One night under the bright moonlight, Rabbit was roaming through the woods, as he usually did, looking for someone to prank because he loved joking around. Suddenly, he spotted the giant and his old witch wife standing by an opening in the side of a low mountain. He watched them for a long time from the shadow of a large tree, and finally saw them go into a big hole in the hill. He realized he had stumbled upon the giant's cave by chance, and he was really pleased with his discovery. But he kept it to himself because he thought, "This is a great opportunity for me to gain fame. I’ll trick the giants and kill them, and then everyone will see me as a great warrior, the best in the land, since all the Chief's men have failed to find the giants."

So he went to the Chief and said, "Oh, Chief, I know where the giants live and I swear to you that I am going to kill them. It is I alone who can rid you of these pests." "You!" said the Chief in great surprise; "little harm the like of you can do to giants; they will eat you up in one mouthful," and he laughed loudly at Rabbit's boldness. And he called to his warriors saying, "See what a stout fighter we have here! Little Rabbit says he can do what we have failed to do; he swears that he will kill the giants;[Pg 49] he is better fitted to kill a mouse!" And they all laughed loud haw-haws at Rabbit's vanity.

So he went to the Chief and said, "Oh, Chief, I know where the giants live and I promise you that I’m going to kill them. Only I can get rid of these pests." "You!" said the Chief in shock; "someone like you can’t possibly harm the giants; they’ll swallow you in one bite," and he laughed loudly at Rabbit’s boldness. Then he called to his warriors saying, "Look at this brave fighter we have here! Little Rabbit claims he can do what we’ve all failed to do; he swears he will kill the giants;[Pg 49] he’s more fit to hunt a mouse!" And they all laughed loudly at Rabbit's arrogance.

Poor Rabbit's pride was deeply hurt by the Chief's scorn and the warriors' cruel laughter, but it all made him more determined than ever to slay the thieving giants. So he went to an old woman who lived near-by and said, "Give me an old faded dress and a ragged old shawl and your coloured spectacles and a hat with a feather in it." The old woman wondered what tricks he was up to now, but she gave him what he asked for. He put on the tattered old dress and the battered old hat with a red feather sticking from the top, and he wrapped the old shawl about his face, and he wore the woman's coloured spectacles and he carried a crooked stick. And dressed in this fashion he set out towards evening for the giants' home. When he reached the mouth of the cave, he stood still and waited, leaning on his crooked stick, for night was coming on and he knew that the giants would soon be going out on their plundering rounds.

Poor Rabbit's pride was really hurt by the Chief's insults and the warriors' harsh laughter, but it made him even more determined to take down the thieving giants. So, he went to an old woman who lived nearby and said, "Give me an old faded dress, a ragged shawl, your colored glasses, and a hat with a feather." The old woman was curious about what he was planning, but she gave him what he requested. He put on the worn-out dress and the battered hat with a red feather sticking out of the top, wrapped the old shawl around his face, wore the woman's colored glasses, and carried a crooked stick. Dressed this way, he set off in the evening toward the giants' home. When he reached the entrance of the cave, he paused and waited, leaning on his crooked stick, as night was falling and he knew the giants would soon be heading out on their stealing spree.

After a time when it was quite dark except for the moonlight, the giant's old witch wife came out of the cave. When she saw Rabbit in the dim light she said gruffly, "Who are you, standing there in the shadows?" "Oh, my dear niece," said Rabbit, "I have found you at last. I am your poor old aunt. I thought I had lost my way. I have come to see you from your home in the far country. It was a long[Pg 50] journey and my poor old legs and back are stiff and sore, and I am very hungry and tired;" and he moved slowly towards the woman, hobbling along with his crooked stick. The giant woman was deceived, and she threw her arms around Rabbit and kissed him, and she did not feel his whiskers or his split lip because of the old shawl that was wrapped around his face. "I have a pain in my jaw from sleeping out of doors," said Rabbit, "and I must keep my face wrapped up."

After a while when it was pretty dark except for the moonlight, the giant's old witch wife stepped out of the cave. When she spotted Rabbit in the dim light, she said gruffly, "Who are you, standing there in the shadows?" "Oh, my dear niece," Rabbit replied, "I’ve finally found you. I am your poor old aunt. I thought I had lost my way. I’ve come to see you from your home in the far country. It was a long[Pg 50] journey, and my poor old legs and back are stiff and sore, and I am very hungry and tired;" and he slowly moved towards the woman, hobbling along with his crooked stick. The giant woman was fooled, and she wrapped her arms around Rabbit and kissed him, and she didn’t notice his whiskers or his split lip because of the old shawl wrapped around his face. "I have a pain in my jaw from sleeping outdoors," said Rabbit, "and I need to keep my face wrapped up."

"Come in and rest, and you will soon feel better," said the giant woman.

"Come in and relax, and you'll feel better soon," said the giant woman.

"You will have to lead me in," said Rabbit, not wishing to take off the shawl, "for my eyesight is very bad."

"You'll need to guide me in," said Rabbit, not wanting to take off the shawl, "because my eyesight is really poor."

So she led Rabbit into the warm cave, which was so dark that they could scarcely see each other, and she called her husband and said, "Here is my dear old aunt who has come all the way from the far country beyond the prairies." And the giant, believing Rabbit to be his wife's kindred, for he could not see him very clearly, treated him very kindly. And they showed him the bed where he was to sleep.

So she took Rabbit into the warm cave, which was so dark that they could hardly see each other, and she called for her husband, saying, "Here is my dear old aunt who has traveled all the way from the distant country beyond the prairies." The giant, thinking Rabbit was his wife's relative since he couldn't see him well, treated him very kindly. They showed him the bed where he was supposed to sleep.

The woman then gave Rabbit a large piece of dried meat to eat. But Rabbit said, "I cannot eat it, for I am old and I have lost all my teeth. Give me an axe to cut it up small." So the woman brought him a sharp axe and he chopped the meat into small pieces and ate it all up. And he said, "I will keep the axe by me, for I shall need it at all my meals,"[Pg 51] and he placed it beside his bed. The giant said, "We are going away to see some friends, but we shall be back before midnight." But before they went away Rabbit said to the woman, "I hope your husband sleeps soundly; I have a bad cough and I sometimes moan because of the pain in my face and head and I do not wish to disturb him."

The woman then gave Rabbit a big piece of dried meat to eat. But Rabbit said, "I can’t eat it because I'm old and I've lost all my teeth. Please give me an axe to chop it up small." So the woman brought him a sharp axe, and he chopped the meat into small pieces and ate it all. Then he said, "I’ll keep the axe with me because I’ll need it for all my meals,"[Pg 51] and he placed it next to his bed. The giant said, "We're going out to see some friends, but we’ll be back before midnight." But before they left, Rabbit told the woman, "I hope your husband sleeps well; I have a bad cough and sometimes I groan because of the pain in my face and head, and I don’t want to disturb him."

And the old giant woman answered, "He slumbers too well. When we sleep we both snore loudly, and when you hear us snoring you may cough as much as you please, for then you will know that we are sound asleep." Then the man and his witch wife went away.

And the big old woman replied, "She's really out cold. When we sleep, we both snore loudly, and when you hear us snoring, feel free to cough as much as you want because that will mean we’re in a deep sleep." Then the man and his witch wife left.

When the giants came home, Rabbit pretended to be fast asleep. They brought back with them much food which they hid in a secret place at the side of the cave. Rabbit watched them through the holes in the old shawl around his head. Soon they went to bed, drowsy after their fat meal. When Rabbit heard them snoring loudly like a great waterfall, "chr-r-r, chr-r-r," he arose very quietly and crept softly to their bedside. With two blows of his axe he killed the giant and his wife, one after the other. Then he ran away as fast as he could, carrying with him his old dress and hat and shawl, for he thought he might need them again.

When the giants got home, Rabbit pretended to be fast asleep. They brought back a lot of food that they hid in a secret spot by the cave. Rabbit watched them through the holes in the old shawl wrapped around his head. Soon, they went to bed, sleepy after their big meal. When Rabbit heard them snoring loudly like a massive waterfall, "chr-r-r, chr-r-r," he quietly got up and sneaked over to their bedside. With two blows of his axe, he killed the giant and his wife, one after the other. Then he ran away as fast as he could, taking his old dress, hat, and shawl with him because he thought he might need them again.

In the morning he went to the Chief's house and told the Chief what he had done. The Chief laughed scornfully and he would not believe it until Rabbit brought him to the cave and showed him the slain giants cold and stiff in their[Pg 52] bed. The Chief's men then took back to the village the great store of food the giants had hidden in the secret place. But the Chief and his warriors, although they were glad to be rid of the thieves, were angry at heart because Rabbit whom they had laughed at had done what they had failed to do, for they were very jealous of Rabbit's power.

In the morning, he went to the Chief's house and told him what he had done. The Chief laughed mockingly and wouldn't believe it until Rabbit took him to the cave and showed him the giants, cold and stiff in their[Pg 52] bed. The Chief's men then brought back to the village the huge stash of food the giants had hidden in the secret spot. But even though the Chief and his warriors were glad to be rid of the thieves, they were secretly angry because Rabbit, whom they had laughed at, had accomplished what they could not, and they were very envious of Rabbit's power.

One day soon afterwards the Chief called all the birds and the animals to a council, and he said, "Now that the giants who robbed us of our food are dead and gone, and that we shall never again want for nourishment in my country, I am going to let each animal and bird choose the kind of food he would most like to live on if he could get it. And they shall never want for that kind of food if it can be provided." And he called on each to make the choice. And the birds said "Grain and seeds and worms," and the Squirrel said "Nuts," and the Fox said "Chickens," and the cat said "Milk," and the dog said "Meat and bones," and the weasel said "Eggs," and the wolf said "Lambs," and the bear said "Fish from the frozen sea," and so on until each animal was called upon and declared his liking. And the Chief said, "It shall be as you have chosen." But the Chief had purposely neglected to summon poor Rabbit to the council, and Rabbit was absent on a long journey. When he came home, he was very angry when he heard what had happened, for only the left-over in the world's food remained for him to choose. So he went to the Chief and said in great[Pg 53] wrath, "This is a fine return for ridding your land of giants. But that is a way you have; you always reward good deeds with evil."

One day soon after, the Chief called all the birds and animals to a meeting and said, "Now that the giants who took our food are gone, and we won’t have to worry about not having enough to eat in my land, I’m going to let each animal and bird choose the type of food they would love to eat if they could have it. And they will never be without that food if it can be provided." Then he asked each one to make their choice. The birds said, "Grains, seeds, and worms," the Squirrel said, "Nuts," the Fox said, "Chickens," the cat said, "Milk," the dog said, "Meat and bones," the weasel said, "Eggs," the wolf said, "Lambs," the bear said, "Fish from the frozen sea," and so on until every animal was called upon and expressed their preference. The Chief said, "It will be as you have chosen." But the Chief had intentionally left out poor Rabbit from the council, and Rabbit was away on a long journey. When he returned, he was furious to learn what had happened, as only the leftover food from the world's options was left for him to choose from. So he went to the Chief and said in great [Pg 53] anger, "This is a great reward for getting rid of giants in your land. But that’s how you are; you always repay good deeds with bad."

The Chief was very angry because of Rabbit's insolence, and he said, "You are telling lies again." But Rabbit called as witnesses to the truth of what he said Sheep and Goat and Duck who chanced to be passing by and who stood listening to the quarrel. And old Sheep said, "Rabbit has spoken truly. When I was young I gave the Chief much wool to make clothes for his back and he used me well. But now that I am old he is going to kill me and eat me up. That is my reward." And old Goat said, "Rabbit has spoken wisely and justly. I served the Chief well in my time and gave him milk, but now that I am old and have no more milk he is fattening me and getting me ready for slaughter. That is my reward." And old Duck said, "That is a true saying of Rabbit. Once upon a time I gave the Chief many eggs and young ducklings, but now that I have stopped laying he is soon going to roast me in a pot. That is my reward." The Chief could make no answer to these charges, for he knew them to be true, and he offered to do what was in his power for Rabbit. But Rabbit refused to make choice of food, for he said the best was already gone. He sulked for many months and lived alone by his own efforts as best he could.

The Chief was very angry because of Rabbit's disrespect, and he said, "You’re lying again." But Rabbit called Sheep, Goat, and Duck as witnesses to support his claims, as they happened to be passing by and listening to the argument. Old Sheep said, "Rabbit is telling the truth. When I was young, I provided the Chief with a lot of wool for his clothes, and he treated me well. But now that I'm old, he's planning to kill me and eat me. That's my reward." Old Goat said, "Rabbit has spoken wisely and fairly. I served the Chief well in my time and gave him milk, but now that I'm old and have no more milk, he's fattening me up for slaughter. That's my reward." Old Duck said, "That's a true statement from Rabbit. Once, I provided the Chief with many eggs and ducklings, but now that I’ve stopped laying, he’s soon going to roast me in a pot. That’s my reward." The Chief couldn’t respond to these accusations, as he knew they were true, and he offered to do what he could for Rabbit. But Rabbit refused to choose any food, saying the best was already gone. He sulked for many months and lived alone as best as he could.

At last he decided to take vengeance on the Chief. And[Pg 54] he hit, as was his custom, on a crafty trick. The Chief had an old Bear which he prized very highly, for the Bear did for him many wondrous tricks and brought laughter to him and his warriors when he danced at their feasts. In those olden times Bear had a long bushy tail of which he was very proud. One day as Rabbit sat on the ice fishing—for it was now winter—Bear came along. There was to be a feast that night and he was going to dance for the Chief, and he was in very good spirits. "Where did you get all the fine fish?" he asked, for he was a great fish eater. "I caught them through the hole in the ice," said Rabbit. "It is very easy. Just drop your tail down through the hole and it will soon be covered with fine big fish."

At last, he decided to get back at the Chief. And[Pg 54] he came up with one of his sneaky tricks. The Chief had an old Bear that he valued greatly, because the Bear performed many amazing tricks that brought joy to him and his warriors when he danced at their feasts. In those days, Bear had a long, bushy tail that he was very proud of. One day, while Rabbit was sitting on the ice fishing—since it was now winter—Bear came by. There was going to be a feast that night, and he was in a really good mood. "Where did you get all the nice fish?" he asked, since he loved to eat fish. "I caught them through the hole in the ice," Rabbit replied. "It's really easy. Just drop your tail down through the hole, and it will soon be covered with nice, big fish."

Bear did as he was told, and he sat on the ice for a long time waiting for his prey. He sat so long that the hole froze up, for it was very cold, and in it was frozen poor Bear's long bushy tail. "Now," said Rabbit, "jump quick, for many fish are hanging to you." Bear jumped with all his might, but his tail was held fast in the ice and it broke off close to the root. Rabbit laughed in great glee and ran away. And poor Bear howled with pain and shame. He could not dance at the feast because his stub of a tail was sore, and the Chief and the warriors were very angry at Rabbit because he had harmed their dancing pet. And since that time Bear has had a short stubby tail which to this day he tries to wag feebly.[Pg 55]

Bear did what he was told and sat on the ice for a long time, waiting for his prey. He sat so long that the hole froze over because it was very cold, and poor Bear's long bushy tail got stuck in the ice. "Now," said Rabbit, "jump quickly, because a lot of fish are stuck to you." Bear jumped with all his strength, but his tail was stuck tight in the ice and broke off near the base. Rabbit laughed happily and ran away. Poor Bear howled in pain and embarrassment. He couldn't dance at the feast because his stub of a tail was sore, and the Chief and the warriors were very angry with Rabbit for hurting their dancing pet. Ever since that day, Bear has had a short stubby tail that he still tries to wag weakly to this day.[Pg 55]

Rabbit then hid for some days far from the Chief and his warriors. Then he decided to try another trick. The Chief's wood-cutter was old Beaver, who lived in a little house of reeds on the bank of a stream. He was very busy now cutting down trees for the Chief, for it was near to spring-time and the people were in need of logs for building roads over the rivers. One day Rabbit went to Beaver and said, "The Chief sent me to you to bring you to a great tree he wishes you to cut down at once." So Beaver went along with him. But when Beaver was busy at his task cutting down the tree, Rabbit hit him a savage blow on the head with a big stick hoping to kill him and thus again to anger the Chief. Poor Beaver fell to the ground and Rabbit ran away. But Beaver was only stunned. He got up after a time and went home muttering to himself and rubbing his sore head. Soon Rabbit came back to the tree and found Beaver gone. He knew that his blow had failed. Then he put on again his tattered old dress and his ragged shawl and his coloured spectacles and the hat with the red feather sticking to the top, and he went to Beaver's house by the stream, hobbling along with a stick. "The Chief sent me to you to bring you to a great tree he wishes you to cut down at once," he called. And Beaver said, "I have already tried to cut a great tree for him to-day and I should have finished it had I not been beaten with a stick until I was stunned by the blow." "Who struck you?" asked Rabbit, laughing[Pg 56] to himself. "Rabbit struck me," answered Beaver. "He is a great brigand and a liar and a thief," said Rabbit. "He is all that," said Beaver, rubbing the lump on his head. So Beaver went along with Rabbit. And Rabbit asked as they went along, "How is it that you are alive after that cruel blow?" And Beaver said, "Rabbit hit me on the head. If he had hit me on the back of my neck he would have killed me, for there I keep the secret of my life."

Rabbit hid for several days away from the Chief and his warriors. Then he decided to try another trick. The Chief's woodcutter was old Beaver, who lived in a small house made of reeds by a stream. He was busy chopping down trees for the Chief since spring was approaching and the people needed logs to build roads across the rivers. One day, Rabbit went to Beaver and said, "The Chief sent me to tell you to come with me to a big tree he wants you to cut down right away." So Beaver followed him. But while Beaver was focused on cutting down the tree, Rabbit struck him hard on the head with a big stick, hoping to kill him and again anger the Chief. Poor Beaver collapsed to the ground, and Rabbit ran off. However, Beaver was only stunned. After a while, he got up and went home, muttering to himself and rubbing his sore head. Soon, Rabbit returned to the tree and noticed Beaver was gone. He realized his plan had failed. Then he put on his tattered old clothes, his ragged shawl, his colorful glasses, and the hat with the red feather on top, and he hobbled over to Beaver's house by the stream with a stick. "The Chief sent me to bring you to a big tree he wants you to cut down right away," he called out. Beaver replied, "I tried to cut down a big tree for him today, but I would have finished if I hadn't been struck with a stick and knocked out." "Who hit you?" asked Rabbit, laughing to himself. "Rabbit hit me," Beaver answered. "He's a terrible thief, liar, and brigand," said Rabbit. "That’s all true," Beaver said, rubbing the bump on his head. So Beaver went with Rabbit. As they walked, Rabbit asked, "How are you still alive after that brutal hit?" Beaver replied, "Rabbit hit me on the head. If he had struck me on the back of my neck, he would have killed me, because that's where I keep the secret of my life."

When Beaver was busy again at his task cutting down the tree, Rabbit hit him a powerful blow on the back of the neck and poor Beaver fell down dead. Then he cut off his tail that was made like a file, and went away happy, for he knew that the Chief would be very angry when he found what had happened to his wood-cutter.

When Beaver was busy again at his task of cutting down the tree, Rabbit struck him a strong blow on the back of the neck, and poor Beaver collapsed, dead. Then Rabbit cut off his tail, which was shaped like a file, and walked away feeling pleased, knowing that the Chief would be very angry when he discovered what had happened to his woodcutter.

HE WENT TO BEAVER'S HOUSE BY THE STREAM, HOBBLING ALONG WITH A STICK He hobbled along with a stick to Beaver's house by the stream.

When the Chief learned that Beaver had been killed, his wrath knew no bounds, for he could ill afford at this time to lose his best wood-chopper. He blamed Rabbit for the deed, but he could not be sure that his suspicions were well-founded. Rabbit kept out of the Chief's sight for some weeks. But one day in early summer he was very hungry. He saw all the other animals filling their bellies with their favourite food, and he decided to forget his sulks and to ask the Chief for help. So he went to the Chief and said haughtily, "I want you to give me food for my own special use as you have done with the other animals. You must do it at once or I will do you much harm." Then the Chief remembered what Rabbit had done to his dancing Bear, and he thought of the death of Beaver, for which he blamed Rabbit without proof, and he grew red with anger. He seized Rabbit by the heels and said, "Henceforth the dogs will always chase you, and you will never have peace when they are near. And you will live for the most part on whatever food I throw you into now." Then he whirled Rabbit around his head by the heels, and he threw him from him with great force, hoping to drop him in a great black swamp near-by. Poor Rabbit went flying through the air for a great distance, farther than the Chief had hoped, and he dropped with a thud into a field of clover on the edge of which cabbages and lettuce were growing. And since that time the dogs have always chased Rabbit and he has lived for the most part on cabbages and lettuce and clover which he steals on moonlight nights from farmers' fields.

When the Chief found out that Beaver had been killed, he was furious, as he could not afford to lose his best wood-chopper right now. He blamed Rabbit for the incident, but he wasn't certain if his suspicions were justified. Rabbit stayed out of the Chief's sight for several weeks. But one day, early in the summer, he was very hungry. He saw all the other animals enjoying their favorite foods, and he decided to put his sulking aside and ask the Chief for help. So, he went to the Chief and said arrogantly, "I want you to give me food for my personal use like you have for the other animals. You need to do it now, or I will make you regret it." Then the Chief remembered what Rabbit had done to his dancing Bear, and he thought about Beaver's death, which he blamed Rabbit for without any evidence, and his anger boiled over. He grabbed Rabbit by the feet and said, "From now on, the dogs will always chase you, and you’ll never find peace when they’re around. You will mostly survive on whatever food I choose to throw you from now on." Then he spun Rabbit around by his feet and hurled him away with great force, hoping to toss him into a nearby dark swamp. Poor Rabbit soared through the air much farther than the Chief had intended and landed with a thud into a field of clover, right next to some cabbages and lettuce. Since that day, dogs have always chased Rabbit, and he has mostly lived off of cabbages, lettuce, and clover that he steals from farmers’ fields on moonlit nights.


GREAT HEART AND THE THREE TESTS

Somewhere near the sea in olden times a boy was living with his father and mother. He had no brothers or sisters. His father was a great hunter and the boy inherited something of his power, for he was always very successful in the killing of game. And his mother said, "Some day he will be a great man, for before his birth a vision came to me in the night and told me that my son would win wide fame. And fairy gifts were laid by the fairies in his cradle." And his father, listening to her boasting, said, "Time will tell; time will tell; but if he is to be a great man it is his own deeds and not your boasting that must prove it." As the boy grew up he became strangely beautiful and he had great strength. And his father said, "It is time he set out to seek his fortune. I was in the forest doing for myself when I was no older than he." And his mother said, "Wait a little and be not so impatient. He is yet young and there is yet much time." So the boy remained at home a while longer.

Somewhere by the sea in ancient times, a boy lived with his parents. He had no brothers or sisters. His father was a skilled hunter, and the boy inherited some of his abilities, as he was always successful in hunting. His mother said, "One day he will be a great man, for before he was born, I had a vision at night that told me my son would gain wide fame. And fairies left special gifts in his cradle." His father, listening to her praise, replied, "Time will tell; time will tell. But if he is to be a great man, it will be his own actions, not your words, that prove it." As the boy grew, he became strikingly beautiful and incredibly strong. His father said, "It's time for him to go out and seek his fortune. I was surviving in the forest when I was younger than he is now." His mother said, "Wait a little longer and be patient. He is still young, and there is plenty of time." So, the boy stayed at home a while longer.

Now it happened that far away in a distant village there lived a young girl of very great beauty and grace. Her[Pg 59] father had been a great Chief, but he was now dead. Her mother too was dead, and she was all alone in the world. But her parents had left her vast lands and a great store of goods and many servants, and because of her treasures and her great beauty she had many suitors. But she was not easily pleased by men and on all who came to seek her hand she imposed severe feats of skill to test their sincerity and their worth. She was carefully guarded by an old woman and many servants who kept troublesome and meddlesome people away.

Now it happened that far away in a distant village, there lived a young girl who was incredibly beautiful and graceful. Her[Pg 59] father had been a great Chief, but he was now gone. Her mother was also deceased, and she was all alone in the world. However, her parents had left her vast lands, a great store of goods, and many servants, and because of her wealth and beauty, she attracted many suitors. But she was not easily impressed by men and imposed tough challenges on all who sought her hand to test their sincerity and worth. An old woman and several servants closely guarded her, keeping troublesome and meddlesome people away.

Soon the fame of the girl's wealth and beauty spread through all the land. It reached the sea coast village where the young man dwelt. His father thought to himself, "Here is a good chance for my son to prove his worth." So he called his boy to him and said, "It is time you were setting out to seek your fortune in the world and to find a wife, for your spring-time is passing and your summer of life will soon be here, and before you know it your autumn will be upon you and your winter will be near. There is no time to lose. Seek out the beautiful girl of the rich treasures in the distant inland village and try to win her as your wife." And his mother gave him the fairy gifts which had been laid in his cradle at his birth, and he said good-bye to his parents and set out on his long journey. He had no misgivings, for he was very vain of his beauty and he was sure, too, of his strength.

Soon, the news of the girl's wealth and beauty spread throughout the land. It reached the coastal village where the young man lived. His father thought, "This is a great opportunity for my son to prove himself." So he called his son over and said, "It's time for you to go out and find your fortune and a wife, as your youth is passing and soon you'll be in the prime of your life, and before you know it, you'll be facing the later years. There’s no time to waste. Go find the beautiful girl with the riches in the inland village and try to win her as your wife." His mother gave him the fairy gifts that had been placed in his cradle at birth, and he said goodbye to his parents and set off on his long journey. He was confident, feeling proud of his looks and sure of his strength.

As he travelled inland he came one day upon a man clad[Pg 60] in scarlet sitting on the side of a rocky hill tying stones to his feet. "Hello," he said to the man, "why are you tying these heavy rocks to your ankles?" "I am a hunter," replied the man, "but when I follow the deer I run so fast that I am soon far in front of them instead of behind them, and I am putting heavy weights on my feet so that I will not run so rapidly." "You are indeed a wonderful man," said the boy; "but I am alone and I need a companion. Let us go along together." "Who are you?" said the man. "I am Lad of the Great Heart," said the boy, "and I can do great deeds and I can win for you great treasure." So the Scarlet Runner went along with him.

As he traveled inland, one day he came across a man dressed[Pg 60] in scarlet sitting on the side of a rocky hill, tying stones to his feet. "Hey," he said to the man, "why are you tying those heavy rocks to your ankles?" "I'm a hunter," the man replied, "but when I chase deer, I run so fast that I end up way ahead of them instead of behind. I'm putting heavy weights on my feet so I won't run so quickly." "You’re truly amazing," said the boy; "but I’m alone and I need a friend. Let’s travel together." "Who are you?" asked the man. "I’m Lad of the Great Heart," the boy said, "and I can do great things and win you great treasure." So the Scarlet Runner decided to join him.

Towards evening when they were now far inland, they came to a large lake. Among the trees on the fringe of the lake a large fat man was lying flat on his stomach with his mouth in the water drinking as hard as he could. For some time they watched him, but still he drank and the lake grew smaller and smaller and still his thirst was not quenched. They laughed at such a strange sight, and as they approached him the boy said, "Hello! Why do you lie there drinking so much water?" "Oh," answered the fat man, "there are times when I cannot get enough water to drink. When I have drunk this lake dry I shall still be thirsty." "Who are you?" asked the boy. "I am Man of the Great Thirst," said the fat man. "That is well," said Great Heart, "we two need a third companion. We can do great deeds and we can win for you great treasure." So the three went along together.

Towards evening, as they ventured further inland, they arrived at a large lake. Among the trees at the edge of the lake, a big heavyset man was lying flat on his stomach, drinking deeply from the water. They watched him for a while, but he continued to drink, and the lake kept getting smaller and smaller, yet his thirst seemed unending. They laughed at the odd sight, and as they approached him, the boy asked, "Hey! Why are you lying there drinking so much water?" "Oh," replied the heavy man, "there are moments when I can’t get enough water. Even after I drink this entire lake, I’ll still be thirsty." "Who are you?" the boy inquired. "I am the Man of the Great Thirst," said the heavy man. "That's great," said Great Heart, "we need a third companion. We can accomplish great things and earn you great treasure." So the three of them continued on together.

HE CAME ONE DAY UPON A MAN CLAD IN SCARLET SITTING ON THE SIDE OF A ROCKY HILL TYING STONES TO HIS FEET One day, he came across a man dressed in red sitting on the side of a rocky hill, tying stones to his feet.

They had not gone far when they came to a wide open plain where they saw a man walking along with his face raised upwards, peering at the sky. He moved along rapidly and seemed to find his way without his eyes, for he gazed steadily at the heavens. "Hello," said Great Heart as the sky-gazer rushed past him and almost knocked him over, "what are you looking at so intently?" "Oh," said the man, "I have shot an arrow into the sky and I am waiting for it to fall. It has gone so far that it will be some time before it drops." "Who are you?" asked the boy. "I am the Far-Darter," said the sky-gazer. "We three need a fourth companion," said the boy. "We can do great deeds and win for you much treasure. Come along with us." So the four went along together.

They hadn't gone far when they reached a wide open plain and spotted a man walking with his face tilted up, staring at the sky. He moved quickly and seemed to navigate without looking, as he was focused entirely on the heavens. "Hey," said Great Heart as the sky-gazer rushed past him and nearly knocked him over, "what are you looking at so closely?" "Oh," said the man, "I shot an arrow into the sky and I'm waiting for it to fall. It’s gone so high that it’ll take a while before it comes down." "Who are you?" asked the boy. "I'm the Far-Darter," replied the sky-gazer. "We three need a fourth companion," said the boy. "We can accomplish great things and bring you plenty of treasure. Come with us." So the four traveled together.

They had gone but a short distance across the plain to the edge of a forest when they came upon a man lying down at full length with his head upon his hand. The edge of his hand was on the ground and it was half closed around his ear, which rested upon it. As he saw the four men approaching him he placed a finger of his other hand upon his lips and signalled to them to keep quiet. "Hello," said Great Heart in a whisper, "what are you doing there with your ear to the ground?" "I am listening to the plants growing far away in the forest," he answered. "There is a beautiful[Pg 62] flower I wish to find, and I am trying to hear it breathing so that I may go and get it. Aha! I hear it now." So saying he rose from the ground. The boy said, "Who are you?" "I am Keen Ears," said the listener. "We four need another companion," said Great Heart. "We can do great deeds and win for you much treasure. Come along with us." So the four men and the boy went along together, Keen Ears, and Scarlet Runner, and Far Darter, and Man of the Great Thirst, and Lad of the Great Heart. Then Great Heart unfolded to the others his plan to win the beautiful girl who lived with her treasures in the distant village. And they gladly agreed to help him in his dangerous undertaking.

They had walked only a short distance across the plain to the edge of a forest when they found a man lying flat on the ground with his head resting on his hand. The edge of his hand was on the ground, partially closed around his ear. When he noticed the four men approaching, he put a finger from his other hand to his lips and signaled for them to be quiet. "Hey," whispered Great Heart, "what are you doing there with your ear to the ground?" "I'm listening to the plants growing far away in the forest," he replied. "There's a beautiful[Pg 62] flower I want to find, and I'm trying to hear it breathing so I can go get it. Aha! I hear it now." With that, he got up from the ground. The boy asked, "Who are you?" "I’m Keen Ears," the man said. "We four need another companion," Great Heart said. "We can accomplish great things and bring you much treasure. Come with us." So the four men and the boy set out together—Keen Ears, Scarlet Runner, Far Darter, Man of the Great Thirst, and Lad of the Great Heart. Then Great Heart shared his plan with the others to win the beautiful girl who lived with her treasures in the distant village. They all eagerly agreed to help him in his risky quest.

When they reached the village, the people were all very curious when they saw the five strangers. They marvelled at Great Heart's beauty. But when they heard that he wished to marry the daughter of the former Chief they shook their heads gravely and said, "It will never be. She places hard conditions on all who seek her hand. He who fails in the tests is doomed to death. Many suitors have tried and failed and died." But Great Heart was not alarmed, and with his four companions he went to the girl's home. The old woman who guarded her met him at the door and he made known his wishes. She laughed scornfully when she saw his great beauty, and she said, "You look more like a girl than like a warrior. You cannot endure the tests." But the young man insisted on making the trials.[Pg 63]

When they arrived in the village, everyone was very curious about the five strangers. They admired Great Heart's looks. However, when they learned that he wanted to marry the daughter of the former Chief, they shook their heads seriously and said, "That will never happen. She has tough conditions for anyone seeking her hand. Those who fail the tests are doomed to die. Many suitors have tried and failed, and many have died." But Great Heart wasn't worried, and along with his four friends, he went to the girl's home. The old woman who watched over her met him at the door, and he expressed his intentions. She laughed mockingly when she saw how handsome he was, saying, "You look more like a girl than a warrior. You won't survive the tests." But the young man insisted on taking the challenges.[Pg 63]

The old woman said, "If you fail in the tests you will die," and Great Heart said, "It is so agreed." Then the woman said, "If you wish to win the maiden you must first push away this great rock from before her window. It keeps the sunlight from her in the mornings." Then Great Heart, calling to his aid the fairy gifts of his cradle, placed his shoulder against the huge stone which rose higher than the house, and he pushed with all his strength. With a mighty crash it rolled down the hill and broke into millions of pieces. The bits of rock flew all over the earth so great was the fall, and the little pebbles and stones that came from it are seen throughout the world to this day. The sunlight streamed in at the window, and the maiden knew that the first test had been successfully passed by a suitor.

The old woman said, "If you fail the tests, you will die," and Great Heart replied, "It's agreed." Then the woman said, "If you want to win the maiden, you need to push this huge rock away from her window. It blocks her from getting sunlight in the mornings." Great Heart, calling upon the magical gifts from his cradle, positioned himself against the massive stone that was taller than the house and pushed with all his might. With a tremendous crash, it rolled down the hill and shattered into millions of pieces. The fragments flew across the earth from the force of the fall, and the small pebbles and stones that resulted can still be seen all over the world today. The sunlight poured in through the window, and the maiden realized that the first test had been successfully completed by a suitor.

Then came the second test. The old woman and her servants brought great quantities of food and drink and bade the strangers consume it all at one meal. They were very hungry, for they had eaten nothing all day and they easily ate up the food. But when Great Heart saw the great barrels of water, his spirits sank, and he said, "I fear I am beaten." But Man of the Great Thirst said, "Not so fast, my friend. The spell of great stomach-burning is again upon me. I am very dry as if there was a fire in my belly. Give me a chance to drink." He went from barrel to barrel and in a twinkling he had drained them all of every drop. And the people wondered greatly.[Pg 64]

Then came the second test. The old woman and her servants brought a lot of food and drinks and told the strangers to eat everything in one sitting. They were really hungry since they hadn't eaten all day, so they quickly finished the food. But when Great Heart saw the huge barrels of water, he felt defeated and said, "I think I'm done for." But Man of the Great Thirst said, "Not so fast, my friend. I’m hit by this intense hunger again. I feel so dry, as if there’s a fire in my stomach. Just give me a chance to drink." He went from barrel to barrel and in no time, he had drained them all completely. The people were amazed.[Pg 64]

But there was still another test. "You must have one of your party run a race," said the old woman to Great Heart. And she brought out a man who had never been beaten in running. "Who is your choice of runners?" she asked; "he must race with this man, and if he wins you may have the maiden for your wife and all the treasure with her, for this is the final test. But if he loses the race you shall die." Great Heart called Scarlet Runner to the mark and told the old woman that this was the man selected. Then he untied the rocks from the runner's feet, and when all was ready the race began. The course lay far across the plains for many miles until the runners should pass from sight, and back again to the starting point. The two runners kept together for some distance, talking together in a friendly way as they ran. When they had passed from sight of the village the maiden's runner said, "Now we are out of sight of the village. Let us rest here a while on this grassy bank, for the day is hot." The Scarlet Runner agreed to this and they both stretched out on the grass. Now this was an old trick of the maiden's runner, who always won by craft rather than by speed. They had not lain down long on the grass when Scarlet Runner fell asleep under the hot sun, just as his rival had hoped. When the latter was sure that his rival was sound asleep, he set out for the village, running as fast as he could. The people soon saw their runner approaching far off on the plains, but there was no sign of the stranger, and[Pg 65] they thought that the new suitor for the girl's hand had at last failed like all the others before him.

But there was still one more challenge. "One of your group must run a race," said the old woman to Great Heart. She then brought out a man who had never lost a race. "Who's your runner?" she asked; "he must compete against this man, and if he wins, you can have the maiden as your wife and all the treasure that comes with her, as this is the final challenge. But if he loses the race, you will die." Great Heart called Scarlet Runner to the starting line and told the old woman that this was the chosen competitor. Then he untied the weights from the runner's feet, and once everything was set, the race began. The course stretched far across the plains for many miles until the runners would be out of sight, then back again to the starting point. The two runners stayed close together for a while, chatting amiably as they ran. After they were out of sight of the village, the maiden's runner said, "Now that we're hidden from the village, let’s take a break here on this grassy bank, since it’s a hot day." Scarlet Runner agreed, and they both laid down on the grass. This was an old trick of the maiden’s runner, who always relied on cunning rather than speed to win. They hadn’t been lying in the grass long when Scarlet Runner fell asleep under the hot sun, just as his opponent hoped he would. Once the rival was sure that Scarlet Runner was sound asleep, he took off towards the village, running as fast as he could. The villagers soon spotted their runner approaching from a distance across the plains, but there was no sign of the stranger, and[Pg 65] they thought that the new suitor for the girl’s hand had finally failed like all the others before him.

Great Heart was much puzzled when Scarlet Runner did not appear, and as he saw the maiden's runner coming nearer, he said, "What can have happened? I fear I am beaten." But Keen Ears threw himself flat on the ground and listened. "Scarlet Runner is asleep," he called; "I hear him snoring on the plains far away." And with his keen sense of sound he located the exact spot where the runner was lying. "I will soon wake him," said Far-Darter, as he fitted an arrow to his bow-string. The people all thought him mad, for they had never seen an arrow shot so great a distance beyond their sight. But Far-Darter was not dismayed. He quickly shot an arrow from his bow to the spot which Keen Ears had indicated. His aim was so true that the arrow hit Scarlet Runner on the nose and aroused him from his sleep. But when he rose to his feet he found that his rival was gone and he knew that he had been deceived. So in a great rage because of the trick and the pain in his nose, he set out for the village running like the wind. His rival had almost reached the end of the race, but by putting all his strength into his effort, Scarlet Runner quickly over-took him and passed him near the winning-post and won the race. And the people wondered greatly at these great deeds of the strangers.

Great Heart was really confused when Scarlet Runner didn’t show up, and as he saw the maiden’s runner getting closer, he said, “What could have happened? I’m afraid I’ve lost.” But Keen Ears lay flat on the ground and listened. “Scarlet Runner is asleep,” he called; “I can hear him snoring on the plains far away.” With his sharp hearing, he pinpointed the exact spot where the runner was lying. “I’ll wake him up,” said Far-Darter, as he readied an arrow on his bowstring. The crowd thought he was crazy since they had never seen an arrow shot so far beyond their view. But Far-Darter wasn't discouraged. He quickly launched an arrow from his bow to the location Keen Ears had indicated. His aim was so accurate that the arrow struck Scarlet Runner on the nose and woke him up. But when he got to his feet, he realized his rival was gone, and he knew he had been tricked. Furious because of the prank and the pain in his nose, he raced toward the village like the wind. His rival was almost at the finish line, but by putting in all his effort, Scarlet Runner quickly caught up and passed him near the winning post, winning the race. And the people were greatly amazed by these incredible feats of the strangers.

Then the old woman said to Great Heart, "You have[Pg 66] won the maiden as your wife, for you alone have succeeded in these tests." So the two were married with great ceremony. Great Heart gave much treasure to his companions, and they promised to help him always in his need. Then with his wife and her servants and her great store of goods he went back to his native village by the sea. His father and mother were glad to see him again and to hear of his success, and his mother said, "I told you he would win great fame because of the fairy gifts that were laid in his cradle at his birth." And they all lived together and were henceforth very happy.

Then the old woman said to Great Heart, "You have[Pg 66] won the maiden as your wife, because you alone have passed these tests." So they got married with a big celebration. Great Heart gave a lot of treasure to his friends, and they promised to always support him in times of need. Then, with his wife, her servants, and her large amount of goods, he returned to his home village by the sea. His parents were thrilled to see him again and to hear about his success, and his mother said, "I knew he would achieve great fame because of the fairy gifts placed in his cradle at birth." They all lived together and were very happy from then on.


THE BOY OF THE RED TWILIGHT SKY

Long ago there dwelt on the shores of the Great Water in the west a young man and his younger wife. They had no children and they lived all by themselves far from other people on an island not far from the coast. The man spent his time in catching the deep-sea fish far out on the ocean, or in spearing salmon in the distant rivers. Often he was gone for many days and his wife was very lonely in his absence. She was not afraid, for she had a stout spirit, but it was very dismal in the evenings to look only at the grey leaden sky and to hear only the sound of the surf as it beat upon the beach. So day after day she said to herself, "I wish we had children. They would be good company for me when I am alone and my husband is far away."

Long ago, a young man and his younger wife lived by the shores of the Great Water in the west. They had no children and were all alone on an island not too far from the coast. The man spent his time fishing for deep-sea fish out on the ocean or catching salmon in the far-off rivers. Often, he was gone for many days, and his wife felt very lonely during his absence. She wasn’t afraid, as she had a strong spirit, but it was quite gloomy in the evenings to just see the grey, overcast sky and hear only the sound of the waves crashing on the beach. So, day after day, she told herself, “I wish we had children. They would keep me company when I'm alone and my husband is away.”

One evening at twilight when she was solitary because of her husband's absence on the ocean catching the deep-sea fish, she sat on the sand beach looking out across the water. The sky in the west was pale grey; it was always dull and grey in that country, and when the sun had gone down there was no soft light. In her loneliness the woman[Pg 68] said to herself, "I wish we had children to keep me company." A Kingfisher, with his children, was diving for minnows not far away. And the woman said, "Oh, sea bird with the white collar, I wish we had children like you." And the Kingfisher said, "Look in the sea-shells; look in the sea-shells," and flew away. The next evening the woman sat again upon the beach looking westward at the dull grey sky. Not far away a white Sea-gull was riding on the waves in the midst of her brood of little ones. And the woman said, "Oh, white sea bird, I wish we had children like you to keep us company." And the Sea-gull said, "Look in the sea-shells; look in the sea-shells," and flew away.

One evening at dusk, feeling lonely because her husband was out on the ocean fishing, she sat on the sandy beach, gazing out at the water. The sky to the west was a pale gray; it was always dreary and gray in that part of the world, and when the sun had set, there was no warm light to be found. In her solitude, the woman[Pg 68] thought to herself, "I wish we had children to keep me company." Not far away, a Kingfisher was diving for minnows with its little ones. The woman said, "Oh, sea bird with the white collar, I wish we had children like you." And the Kingfisher replied, "Look in the sea-shells; look in the sea-shells," and then flew off. The next evening, the woman was back on the beach, staring west at the gloomy gray sky. Close by, a white Sea-gull was gliding on the waves with her brood of chicks. The woman said, "Oh, white sea bird, I wish we had children like you to keep us company." And the Sea-gull answered, "Look in the sea-shells; look in the sea-shells," and flew away.

The woman wondered greatly at the words of the Kingfisher and the Sea-Gull. As she sat there in thought she heard a strange cry coming from the sand dunes behind her. She went closer to the sound and found that the cry came from a large sea-shell lying on the sand. She picked up the shell, and inside of it was a tiny boy, crying as hard as he could. She was well pleased with her discovery, and she carried the baby to her home and cared for him. When her husband came home from the sea, he, too, was very happy to find the baby there, for he knew that they would be lonely no more.

The woman was really intrigued by what the Kingfisher and the Sea-Gull had said. As she sat there lost in thought, she heard a strange cry coming from the sand dunes behind her. She moved closer to the sound and discovered that it was coming from a large sea-shell lying on the sand. She picked up the shell and found a tiny boy inside, crying his heart out. She was thrilled with her find, so she took the baby home and took care of him. When her husband returned from the sea, he was also very happy to see the baby, knowing they would no longer be lonely.

The baby grew very rapidly, and soon he was able to walk and move about where he pleased. One day the woman was wearing a copper bracelet on her arm and the child said[Pg 69] to her, "I must have a bow made from the copper on your arm." So to please him she made him a tiny bow from the bracelet, and two tiny arrows. At once he set out to hunt game, and day after day he came home bearing the products of his chase. He brought home geese and ducks and brant and small sea birds, and gave them to his mother for food. As he grew older the man and his wife noticed that his face took on a golden hue brighter than the colour of his copper bow. Wherever he went there was a strange light. When he sat on the beach looking to the west the weather was always calm and there were strange bright gleams upon the water. And his foster-parents wondered greatly at this unusual power. But the boy would not talk about it; when they spoke of it he was always silent.

The baby grew really fast, and soon he could walk and move around wherever he wanted. One day, the woman was wearing a copper bracelet on her arm, and the child said[Pg 69] to her, "I need a bow made from the copper on your arm." To make him happy, she made him a small bow from the bracelet and two tiny arrows. Right away, he set out to hunt, and day after day he came home with the results of his hunts. He brought home geese, ducks, brant, and small sea birds, giving them to his mother for food. As he got older, the man and his wife noticed that his face had taken on a golden hue, brighter than the color of his copper bow. Wherever he went, there was a strange light. When he sat on the beach looking west, the weather was always calm, and there were unusual bright glimmers on the water. His foster parents were greatly amazed by this unusual power. But the boy never talked about it; whenever they brought it up, he stayed quiet.

It happened once that the winds blew hard over the Great Water and the man could not go out to catch fish because of the turbulent sea. For many days he stayed on shore, for the ocean, which was usually at peace, was lashed into a great fury and the waves were dashing high on the beach. Soon the people were in need of fish for food. And the boy said, "I will go out with you, for I can overcome the Storm Spirit." The man did not want to go, but at last he listened to the boy's entreaties and together they set out for the fishing grounds far across the tossing sea. They had not gone far when they met the Spirit of the Storm coming madly from the south-west where the great winds dwelt. He tried[Pg 70] hard to upset their boat, but over them he had no power, for the boy guided the frail craft across the water and all around them the sea was calm and still. Then the Storm Spirit called his nephew Black Cloud to help him, and away in the south-east they saw him hurrying to his uncle's aid. But the boy said to the man, "Be not afraid, for I am more than a match for him." So the two met, but when Black Cloud saw the boy he quickly disappeared. Then the Spirit of the Storm called Mist of the Sea to come and cover the water, for he thought the boat would be lost if he hid the land from the man and the boy. When the man saw Mist of the Sea coming like a grey vapour across the water he was very frightened, for of all his enemies on the ocean he feared this one most. But the boy said, "He cannot harm you when I am with you." And sure enough, when Mist of the Sea saw the boy sitting smiling in the boat he disappeared as quickly as he had come. And the Storm Spirit in great anger hurried away to other parts, and that day there was no more danger on the sea near the fishing grounds.

It once happened that the winds blew fiercely over the Great Water, and the man couldn't go out to catch fish because of the rough sea. For many days, he stayed on the shore, as the ocean, which was usually calm, was thrown into a great rage with waves crashing high on the beach. Soon, the people needed fish for food. The boy said, "I'll go with you, because I can handle the Storm Spirit." The man was reluctant to go, but eventually he listened to the boy’s pleas, and together they set out for the fishing grounds far across the choppy sea. They hadn't gone far when they encountered the Spirit of the Storm coming wildly from the southwest, where the strong winds lived. He tried[Pg 70] hard to capsize their boat, but he had no power over them, as the boy skillfully steered the fragile craft across the water, and all around them, the sea remained calm and still. Then, the Storm Spirit called his nephew Black Cloud for help, and far in the southeast, they saw him rushing to assist his uncle. But the boy said to the man, "Don’t be afraid, I'm more than a match for him." So they faced each other, but when Black Cloud saw the boy, he quickly vanished. Then the Spirit of the Storm summoned Mist of the Sea to come and cover the water, hoping the boat would be lost if he concealed the land from the man and the boy. When the man saw Mist of the Sea approaching like a gray fog across the water, he became very frightened, as this was his greatest enemy on the ocean. But the boy reassured him, "He can't harm you when I'm with you." And indeed, when Mist of the Sea saw the boy smiling in the boat, he disappeared as quickly as he had come. In great anger, the Storm Spirit rushed away to other areas, and that day, there was no more danger on the sea near the fishing grounds.

The boy and the man soon reached the fishing grounds in safety. And the boy taught his foster-father a magic song with which he was able to lure fish to his nets. Before evening came the boat was filled with good fat fish and they set out for their home. The man said, "Tell me the secret of your power." But the boy said, "It is not yet time."

The boy and the man quickly reached the fishing area safely. The boy taught his foster dad a magic song that allowed him to attract fish to his nets. By evening, the boat was full of nice, fat fish, and they headed back home. The man said, "Tell me the secret of your power." But the boy replied, "It’s not time yet."

AND SHE MAKES TO HIM AN OFFERING OF TINY WHITE FEATHERS PLUCKED FROM THE BREASTS OF BIRDS And she offers him a handful of tiny white feathers plucked from the breasts of birds.

The next day the boy killed many birds. He skinned them all and dried their skins. Then he dressed himself in the skin of a plover and rose into the air and flew above the sea. And the sea under him was grey like his wings. Then he came down and dressed himself in the skin of a blue-jay and soared away again. And the sea over which he was flying was at once changed to blue like the blue of his wings. When he came back to the beach, he put on the skin of a robin with the breast of a golden hue like his face. Then he flew high and at once the waves under him reflected a colour as of fire and bright gleams of light appeared upon the ocean, and the sky in the west was golden red. The boy flew back to the beach and he said to his foster-parents, "Now it is time for me to leave you. I am the offspring of the sun. Yesterday my power was tested and it was not found wanting, so now I must go away and I shall see you no more. But at evening I shall appear to you often in the twilight sky in the west. And when the sky and the sea look at evening like the colour of my face, you will know that there will be no wind nor storm and that on the morrow the weather will be fair. But although I go away, I shall leave you a strange power. And always when you need me, let me know your desires by making white offerings to me, so that I may see them from my home far in the west."

The next day, the boy killed a bunch of birds. He skinned them all and dried their skins. Then he put on the skin of a plover and rose into the air, flying over the sea. The sea beneath him was gray like his wings. Then he came down and put on the skin of a blue jay and soared away again. The sea below him turned blue like the color of his wings. When he returned to the beach, he donned the skin of a robin with a golden hue on its breast, just like his face. He flew high, and immediately the waves below him reflected bright colors and sparkles of light appeared on the ocean, while the sky in the west turned golden red. The boy flew back to the beach and said to his foster parents, "Now it's time for me to leave you. I am the child of the sun. Yesterday my power was tested, and it was proven strong, so now I must go, and you will not see me again. But in the evenings, I will often appear to you in the twilight sky in the west. And when the sky and the sea look like the color of my face at dusk, you’ll know there will be no wind or storm, and that tomorrow will be fair weather. Even though I'm leaving, I will grant you a special power. Whenever you need me, let me know your wishes by making white offerings to me so I can see them from my home far in the west."

Then he gave to his foster-mother a wonderful robe. He bade his parents good-bye, and soared away to the west, leaving them in sadness. But the woman still keeps a part[Pg 72] of the power he gave her, and when she sits on the island in a crevice in the dunes and loosens her wonderful robe, the wind hurries down from the land, and the sea is ruffled with storm; and the more she loosens the garment the greater is the tempest. But in the late autumn when the cold mists come in from the sea, and the evenings are chill, and the sky is dull and grey, she remembers the promise of the boy. And she makes to him an offering of tiny white feathers plucked from the breasts of birds. She throws them into the air, and they appear as flakes of snow and rise thickly into the winds. And they hurry westward to tell the boy that the world is grey and dreary as it yearns for the sight of his golden face. Then he appears to the people of earth. He comes at evening and lingers after the sun has gone, until the twilight sky is red, and the ocean in the west has gleams of golden light. And the people then know that there will be no wind and that on the morrow the weather will be fair, as he promised them long ago.

Then he gave his foster mother a beautiful robe. He said goodbye to his parents and flew away to the west, leaving them sad. But the woman still holds on to part[Pg 72] of the power he gave her, and when she sits on the island in a crevice in the dunes and lets her beautiful robe loose, the wind rushes down from the land, and the sea is stirred up with storms; the more she loosens the garment, the stronger the tempest becomes. But in late autumn, when the cold mists come in from the sea, and the evenings turn chilly, and the sky is dull and grey, she remembers the promise of the boy. She offers him tiny white feathers plucked from birds. She throws them into the air, and they look like flakes of snow, rising thickly into the winds. They hurry westward to tell the boy that the world is grey and dreary, longing for the sight of his golden face. Then he appears to the people on Earth. He comes in the evening and stays after the sun has set, until the twilight sky is red, and the ocean in the west glows with golden light. Then the people know that there will be no wind and that tomorrow the weather will be clear, just as he promised them long ago.


HOW RAVEN BROUGHT FIRE TO THE INDIANS

Many ages ago when the world was still young, Raven and White Sea-gull lived near together in Canada, far in the north country on the shores of the Great Water in the west. They were very good friends and they always worked in harmony and they had much food and many servants in common. White Sea-gull knew no guile; he was always very open and frank and honest in his dealings with others. But Raven was a sly fellow, and at times he was not lacking in treachery and deceit. But Sea-gull did not suspect him, and the two lived always on very friendly terms. In these far-back times in the north country all the world was dark and there was no light but that of the stars. Sea-gull owned all the daylight, but he was very stingy and he kept it always locked up in a box. He would give none of it to anyone else, and he never let it out of the box except when he needed a little of it to help himself when he went far away on his journeys.

Many years ago, when the world was still new, Raven and White Sea-gull lived close to each other in Canada, up in the northern region along the shores of the Great Water to the west. They were great friends and always worked together harmoniously, sharing plenty of food and many helpers. White Sea-gull was completely honest; he was always straightforward and sincere in his dealings with others. But Raven was clever and sometimes quite treacherous and deceitful. However, Sea-gull never suspected him, and the two always maintained a friendly relationship. In those ancient times in the north, the world was dark, lit only by the stars. Sea-gull owned all the daylight, but he was very stingy with it and always kept it locked away in a box. He wouldn’t share it with anyone and only took a little out of the box when he needed it for his long journeys.

After a time Raven grew envious of Sea-gull's possession. And he said, "It is not fair that Sea-gull should keep the daylight all to himself locked up in a box. It was meant[Pg 74] for all the world and not for him alone, and it would be of great value to all of us if he would sometimes let a little of it out." So he went to Sea-gull and said, "Give me some of your daylight. You do not need it all and I can use some of it with advantage." But Sea-gull said, "No. I want it all for myself. What could you do with daylight, you with your coat as black as night?" and he would not give him any of it. So Raven made up his mind that he would have to get some daylight from Sea-gull by stealth.

After a while, Raven became jealous of Sea-gull's possession. He said, "It's not fair that Sea-gull keeps all the daylight to himself, locked away in a box. It was meant[Pg 74] for everyone, not just him, and it would be really valuable to all of us if he would let a bit of it out sometimes." So he went up to Sea-gull and said, "Give me some of your daylight. You don't need it all, and I could really use some." But Sea-gull replied, "No. I want it all for myself. What could you possibly do with daylight, you with your coat as black as night?" and he refused to share any. So Raven decided that he would have to sneak some daylight from Sea-gull.

Soon afterwards Raven gathered some prickly thorns and burdocks and scattered them on the ground between Sea-gull's house and the beach where the canoes were lying. Then he went to Sea-gull's window and cried loudly, "Our canoes are going adrift in the surf. Come quickly and help me to save them." Sea-gull sprang out of bed and ran half-asleep on his bare feet. But as he ran to the beach the thorns stuck in his bare flesh, and he howled with pain. He crawled back to his house, saying, "My canoe may go adrift if it pleases; I cannot walk because of the splinters in my feet." Raven chuckled to himself, and he moved away, pretending to go to the beach to draw up the canoes. Then he went into Sea-gull's house. Sea-gull was still howling with pain; he was sitting crying on the side of his bed and he was trying to pull the thorns from his feet as best he could. "I will help you," said Raven, "for I have often done this before. I am a very good doctor." So he took an awl made from[Pg 75] whale-bone and he caught hold of Sea-gull's foot, with the pretence of removing the thorns. But instead of taking them out he only pushed them in farther until poor Sea-gull howled louder than ever. And Raven said, "It is so dark I cannot see to pull these thorns from your feet. Give me some daylight and I will soon cure you. A doctor must always have a little light." So Sea-gull unlocked the box and lifted the cover just a little bit so that a faint gleam of light came out. "That is better," said Raven. But instead of picking out the thorns he pushed them in as he had done before, until Sea-gull howled and kicked in pain. "Why are you so stingy with your light?" snapped Raven. "Do you think I am an owl and that I can see well enough in the darkness to heal your feet? Open the box wide and I will soon make you well." So saying he purposely fell heavily against Sea-gull and knocked the box on the floor. The cover flew open and daylight escaped and spread quickly over all the world. Poor Sea-gull tried his best to lure it back again into the box, but his efforts proved fruitless, for it had gone for ever. Raven said he was very sorry for the accident, but after he had taken all the thorns from Sea-gull's feet he went home laughing to himself and well pleased because of the success of his trick.

Soon after, Raven collected some prickly thorns and burdocks and scattered them on the ground between Sea-gull's house and the beach where the canoes were resting. Then he went to Sea-gull's window and shouted loudly, "Our canoes are drifting away in the surf. Come quickly and help me save them." Sea-gull jumped out of bed and ran half-asleep on his bare feet. But as he rushed to the beach, the thorns stuck in his feet, and he cried out in pain. He crawled back to his house, saying, "Let my canoe drift if it wants; I can't walk because of the splinters in my feet." Raven chuckled to himself and pretended to head to the beach to pull up the canoes. Then he entered Sea-gull's house. Sea-gull was still howling in pain; he was sitting on the side of his bed, crying and trying to pull the thorns out of his feet as best he could. "I'll help you," said Raven, "I've done this many times before. I'm a really good doctor." So he took an awl made from[Pg 75] whale bone and grabbed Sea-gull's foot, pretending to remove the thorns. But instead of taking them out, he pushed them in deeper until poor Sea-gull howled even louder. And Raven said, "It's too dark; I can't see to pull these thorns out of your feet. Give me some daylight, and I’ll quickly fix you up. A doctor always needs a little light." So Sea-gull unlocked the box and lifted the cover just a tiny bit so that a faint bit of light came out. "That's better," said Raven. But instead of extracting the thorns, he pushed them in as he had before, causing Sea-gull to howl and kick in pain. "Why are you so stingy with your light?" barked Raven. "Do you think I'm an owl and can see well enough in the dark to heal your feet? Open the box wide, and I’ll fix you up in no time." As he said this, he intentionally fell heavily against Sea-gull and knocked the box to the floor. The cover flew open, and daylight burst out, quickly spreading over the world. Poor Sea-gull did his best to lure it back into the box, but his efforts were in vain, for it was gone forever. Raven claimed he was very sorry about the accident, but after he had removed all the thorns from Sea-gull's feet, he went home laughing to himself, pleased with the success of his trick.

Soon there was light in all the world. But Raven could not see very well, for the light was too bright and his eyes were not accustomed to it. He sat for a time looking towards[Pg 76] the east, but he saw there nothing of interest. The next day he saw a bit farther, for he was now getting used to the new conditions. The third day he could see distinctly a line of hills far in the east, rising against the sky, and covered with a blue mist. He looked long at the strange sight. Then he saw far away towards the hill a thin column of smoke lifting heavenwards. He had never seen smoke before, but he had often heard of it from travellers in strange places. "That must be the country of which I have been told," he said. "In that land dwell the people who alone possess Fire. We have searched for it for many ages and now I think we have found it." Then he thought, "We now have the daylight, and what a fine thing it would be if we could also have Fire," and he determined to set out to find it.

Soon, there was light all over the world. But Raven couldn't see very well because the light was too bright and his eyes weren't used to it. He sat for a while looking east, but he saw nothing of interest. The next day he could see a little farther since he was getting accustomed to the new conditions. By the third day, he could clearly see a line of hills far in the east, rising against the sky, shrouded in a blue mist. He stared at the strange sight for a long time. Then he noticed a thin column of smoke lifting up into the sky from the hills. He had never seen smoke before, but he had often heard about it from travelers in distant places. "That must be the country I've been told about," he said. "In that land live the people who possess Fire. We have searched for it for ages, and now I think we have found it." Then he thought, "We have daylight now, and how great would it be if we could also have Fire," and he decided to set out to find it.

On the following day he called his servants together and told them of his plans. He said, "We shall set out at once, for the distance is far." And he asked three of his best servants, Robin, Mole and Flea, to go with him. Flea brought out his little wagon and they all tried to get into it, but it was much too small to hold them. Then they tried Mole's carriage, but it was much too frail, and it had scarcely started to move when it broke down and they all fell out in a heap. Then they tried Robin's carriage, but it was much too high and it toppled over under its heavy load and threw them all to the ground. Then Raven stole Sea-gull's large strong carriage, for Sea-gull was asleep, and it did very[Pg 77] well, and they started on their journey, taking turns pushing the carriage along with a pole over the flat plain.

The next day, he gathered his servants and shared his plans. He said, "We should leave right away since the journey is long." He asked three of his best servants, Robin, Mole, and Flea, to join him. Flea brought out his little wagon, but they all struggled to fit inside; it was way too small. Next, they tried Mole's carriage, but it was too fragile, and it barely got moving before it fell apart, sending them all tumbling to the ground. Then they attempted to use Robin's carriage, but it was too high, and it tipped over under the weight, throwing them all down. Finally, Raven took Sea-gull's large, sturdy carriage while Sea-gull was asleep, and it worked very[Pg 77] well. They began their journey, taking turns pushing the carriage with a pole across the flat plain.

After a strange journey in queer places they reached the land of the people who owned Fire, guided along by the thin column of smoke. The people were not people of earth. Some say they were the Fish people, but that, no man knows. They sat around in a large circle with Fire in their midst, for it was autumn and the days and nights were chill. And Fire was in many places. Raven looked on for a while from afar thinking of the best plan to obtain Fire. Then he said to Robin, "You can move faster than any of us. You must steal Fire. You can fly in quickly, pick it up in your bill and take it back to us and the people will not see nor hear you." So Robin picked out a spot where there were few people, and he darted in quickly and picked up fire in a twinkling and flew back unharmed towards his companions. But he had only taken a very little bit of it. When he got half-way back to his friends, Fire was so hot in his bill that it gave him a strange pain and he had to drop it on the ground. It fell to the earth with a crash and it was so small that it flickered faintly. Robin called to his companions to bring the carriage. Then he stood over Fire and fanned it with his wings to keep it alive. It was very hot, but he stood bravely to his task until his breast was badly scorched and he had to move away. His efforts to save Fire were of no avail, and before his companions reached him Fire had died,[Pg 78] and only a black coal remained. And poor Robin's breast was singed, and to this day the breasts of his descendants are a reddish-brown colour because he was scorched while trying to steal Fire ages ago.

After a strange journey through odd places, they reached the land of the people who possessed Fire, guided by a thin column of smoke. These people weren't of the earth. Some call them the Fish people, but nobody really knows. They sat together in a large circle with Fire in the center, as it was autumn and the days and nights were chilly. Fire was everywhere. Raven watched from a distance, thinking of the best way to get Fire. Then he said to Robin, "You can move faster than any of us. You have to steal Fire. You can fly in quickly, grab it in your beak, and bring it back to us without anyone noticing." So Robin found a spot where there were few people, quickly darted in, picked up some fire in a flash, and flew back unharmed toward his friends. But he had only taken a tiny bit of it. When he was halfway back, Fire got so hot in his beak that it caused him a strange pain, making him drop it to the ground. It crashed down, so small that it flickered faintly. Robin called to his companions to bring the carriage. He stood over Fire and fanned it with his wings to keep it alive. It was very hot, but he bravely kept at it until his chest got badly burned, and he had to step away. His efforts to save Fire were futile, and before his friends reached him, Fire had died,[Pg 78] leaving only a black pit. Poor Robin's chest was scorched, and to this day, the breasts of his descendants are reddish-brown because he was burned while trying to steal Fire ages ago.

Then Raven asked Flea to make the attempt to steal Fire. But Flea said, "I am too little. The heat would roast me to death; and, further, I might miscalculate the distance and hop into the flame." Then Raven asked Mole to try, but Mole said, "Oh no, I am better fitted for other work. My fur would all be singed like Robin's breast." Raven took good care that he would not go himself, for he was a great coward. So he said, "There is a better and easier way. We will steal the baby of the Chief and hold him for ransom. Perhaps they will give us Fire in exchange for him," and they all thought this was a very good idea. Raven asked, "Who will volunteer to steal the baby?" for he always made the others do all the work. Flea said, "I will go. In one jump I will be into the house, and in another jump I will be out again, for I can hop a great distance." But the others laughed and said, "You could not carry the baby; you are too small." The Mole said, "I will go. I can tunnel a passage very quietly under the house and right up to the baby's cradle. I can then steal the baby and no one will hear me or see me." So it was agreed that Mole should go. In a few minutes Mole made his tunnel, and he was soon back with the baby. Then they got into their carriage and hurried home with their prize.

Then Raven asked Flea to try to steal Fire. But Flea said, "I'm too small. The heat would burn me alive, and besides, I might misjudge the distance and jump right into the flames." Then Raven asked Mole to give it a shot, but Mole replied, "Oh no, I'm better suited for other tasks. My fur would get singed like Robin's chest." Raven made sure he wouldn’t go himself, because he was a big coward. So he said, "There's a better and easier way. We'll steal the Chief's baby and hold him for ransom. Maybe they’ll give us Fire in return for him," and they all thought that was a pretty good idea. Raven asked, "Who will volunteer to steal the baby?" since he always made others do the work. Flea said, "I’ll go. In one jump I’ll be inside the house, and with another jump, I’ll be out again because I can hop really far." But the others laughed and said, "You couldn’t carry the baby; you’re too tiny." Mole said, "I’ll go. I can dig a tunnel quietly under the house right up to the baby's crib. I can take the baby, and no one will hear or see me." So they agreed that Mole should go. In a few minutes, Mole dug his tunnel and soon returned with the baby. Then they got into their carriage and hurried home with their prize.

THEN RAVEN ASKED THE MOLE TO TRY, BUT MOLE SAID, "OH, NO, I AM BETTER FITTED FOR OTHER WORK,—MY FUR WOULD ALL BE SINGED" Then Raven asked Mole to give it a try, but Mole said, "Oh, no, I'm better suited for other tasks—my fur would all get burned."

When the Chief of the Fire people discovered the loss of his child he was very angry. And in all the land there was great sorrow because the Chief's heir, the hope of the tribe, had gone. And the child's mother and her women wept so bitterly that their tears fell like rain on all the land. The Chief said he would give anything he possessed to find his child. But although his people searched far and near, they could not find the baby. After many days a wayfarer who had come far from the Great Water in the west brought them news that a strange child was living far to the westward in the village by the sea. He said, "He is not of their tribe. He looks like the children of your village," and he advised them to go to see him for themselves. So the Chief sent his men to search for them guided by the wayfarer. When they reached Raven's village they were told that a strange baby was indeed there; the child was described to them, but he was kept out of sight, and Raven would not tell how he had happened to come there. And Raven said, "How do I know he is your Chief's child? People tell strange lies these days. If you want him you can pay for him, for he has caused us much trouble and expense." So the messengers went back and reported to the Chief what they had heard. From the description, the Chief knew that the child was his, so he gave the messengers very valuable presents of pearls and rich robes and sent them back again to ransom his boy.[Pg 80] But Raven, when he saw the presents, said, "No, I do not want these gifts; they do not pay me for my trouble," and he would not part with the baby. The messengers again reported to the Chief what had happened. Then the Chief gave them still richer gifts, the best he had in all his land, and sent them back. But again Raven said, "No, your gifts are valueless, compared with my trouble and expense. Say this to your Chief."

When the Chief of the Fire people found out his child was missing, he was furious. Throughout the land, everyone mourned because the Chief's heir, the tribe's hope, was gone. The child's mother and her women cried so hard that their tears fell like rain across the land. The Chief declared he would give up anything he owned to find his child. However, despite his people's extensive search, they couldn’t locate the baby. After many days, a traveler from the Great Water in the west brought news that a strange child was living far to the west in the village by the sea. He said, "He’s not from their tribe. He looks like the children in your village," and suggested they go see for themselves. The Chief then sent his men to search for the child, guided by the traveler. When they arrived at Raven's village, they were told a strange baby was indeed there; the child was described to them, but he was kept hidden, and Raven wouldn’t say how he came to be there. Raven said, "How do I know he’s your Chief's child? People tell all sorts of strange lies these days. If you want him, you’ll have to pay for him, as he has caused us a lot of trouble and expense." So, the messengers returned and reported to the Chief what they had learned. From the description, the Chief recognized the child was his, so he gave the messengers valuable gifts of pearls and fine robes and sent them back to ransom his son. [Pg 80] But when Raven saw the gifts, he said, "No, I don’t want these. They don’t compensate me for my trouble," and refused to let go of the baby. The messengers went back to the Chief again with the news. In response, the Chief offered even more luxurious gifts, the best he had in all his land, and sent them back. Yet again, Raven replied, "No, your gifts are worthless compared to the trouble and expense I’ve faced. Tell your Chief this."

When the Chief heard this from his messengers he was sore perplexed, for he had offered the best he had, and he thought that he had reached the end of his resources. So he said, "Go back and ask the people to demand what they wish in exchange for my boy and they will receive it if it can be provided." So the messengers went back to Raven and spoke as they had been commanded. And Raven said, "Only one thing can pay for the child, and that is Fire. Give me Fire and you can take the baby." The messenger laughed and said, "Why did you not say so at first and save us all this trouble and anxiety? Fire is the most plentiful thing in our kingdom, and we hold it in no value." So they returned happy to the Chief. And he sent back much Fire and received his child unharmed from Raven in exchange. And he sent Raven two small stones which the messengers taught Raven how to use. And they said, "If you ever lose Fire or if it dies for lack of food you can always call it back to life with these two little stones." Then they showed him how to[Pg 81] make Fire with the two little stones and withered grass, and birch-bark and dry pine, and Raven thought it was very easy. And he felt very proud because he had brought Fire and Light to the earth. He kept Fire for himself for a long time, and although the people clamoured loudly for it, he would not give any of it away. Soon, however, he decided to sell a quantity of it, for he now had the power of making it. So he said to himself, "This is a good way to get many wives," and he announced that he would only sell some of his fire in return for a wife. And many families bought his fire and in exchange he received many wives. And to this day he still has many wives and he still moves about from place to place with a flock of them always around him. But the Indians when they arrived took Fire away from him. Thus Fire came to the Indians in the olden days. And when it has died, as it often does, they still sometimes use Raven's flint stones to bring it back to life.

When the Chief heard this from his messengers, he was extremely confused, as he had given everything he had, and he thought he had run out of options. So he said, "Go back and ask the people what they want in exchange for my boy, and they will get it if it can be provided." The messengers went back to Raven and delivered the message as instructed. Raven said, "Only one thing can pay for the child, and that is Fire. Give me Fire, and you can take the baby." The messenger laughed and replied, "Why didn’t you say that from the beginning and save us all this trouble and stress? Fire is the most abundant thing in our kingdom, and we don’t value it at all." So they returned happily to the Chief. He sent back a lot of Fire and got his child back unharmed from Raven in exchange. He then sent Raven two small stones, which the messengers taught him how to use. They said, "If you ever lose Fire or if it dies because it lacks fuel, you can always bring it back to life with these two little stones." Then they showed him how to[Pg 81] make Fire using the small stones, dry grass, birch bark, and dry pine, and Raven thought it was very easy. He felt very proud because he had brought Fire and Light to the earth. He kept Fire for himself for a long time, and even though the people begged for it, he refused to share any. Soon, however, he decided to sell some of it since he had the ability to create it. He thought to himself, "This is a great way to get many wives," and announced that he would only sell some of his fire in exchange for a wife. Many families bought his fire, and in return, he gained many wives. To this day, he still has many wives and travels from place to place with a group of them always around him. But when the Indians arrived, they took Fire away from him. That’s how Fire came to the Indians in ancient times. And when it goes out, as it often does, they still sometimes use Raven's flint stones to bring it back to life.


THE GIRL WHO ALWAYS CRIED

On the bank of a stream far in the West, Owl-man lived long ago in a little house under the ground. He had very strange habits. He always kept away from the Great Water and he dwelt for the most part in the forest. He had very few friends, and he usually went hunting by himself. He lived on toads and frogs and flies. He would say but little, and when other people sat around him talking pleasantly, he was always silent, gazing into space with wide-open eyes, and trying to look wiser than he really was. Because of this, people thought he was very queer, and strange stories about him soon spread far and wide. It was said that he was very cruel, and that he was silent because he was always brooding over his past wickedness or thinking about some evil deed he was soon going to do. And when children were troublesome or disobedient, their mothers always frightened them into goodness by saying, "The Owl-man from the stream will come and take you if you do not mend your ways." And although the Owl-man was a solitary fellow he thus had great influence in all the land.[Pg 83]

On the bank of a stream far in the West, Owl-man lived long ago in a little house underground. He had very strange habits. He always stayed away from the Great Water and mostly lived in the forest. He had very few friends and usually went hunting alone. He survived on toads, frogs, and flies. He would say very little, and when others sat around him chatting casually, he remained silent, staring into space with wide-open eyes, trying to look wiser than he actually was. Because of this, people thought he was quite odd, and strange stories about him quickly spread everywhere. It was said that he was very cruel, and that he stayed quiet because he was always dwelling on his past misdeeds or planning some evil act he was about to commit. And when children were troublesome or disobedient, their mothers always scared them into behaving by saying, "The Owl-man from the stream will come and take you if you don’t change your ways." And even though Owl-man was a solitary guy, he had a lot of influence throughout the land.[Pg 83]

Not far away lived a man and a woman who had one adopted daughter. Because she was the only child in the house she was much petted, and she was never satisfied, and she cried and fretted all the time, and kept always asking for things she could not get. She disturbed all the neighbours round about so that they could not sleep because of her constant wailing and complaining. At last her foster-parents grew tired of her weeping and they said, "The Owl-man will carry you off if you do not stop crying." But still she pouted and fretted. And the old man of the house said, "I wish the Owl-man would come and take her away." Now the old man was a great magician, and as he wished, so it came to pass.

Not far away, there was a man and a woman who had one adopted daughter. Since she was the only child in the house, she was spoiled, and she was never satisfied. She cried and complained all the time and was always asking for things she couldn’t have. She disturbed all the neighbors so much that they couldn’t sleep because of her constant wailing and whining. Finally, her foster parents got tired of her crying and said, "The Owl-man will take you away if you don’t stop." But she still pouted and fretted. The old man of the house said, "I wish the Owl-man would come and take her away." The old man was a powerful magician, and as he wished, it happened.

That evening it happened that the people were gathered at a feast of shell-fish on the beach by the bright moonlight, as was their weekly custom. But the sorrowful girl would not go with the others. She stayed at home and sulked. As she sat alone in the house, old Owl-man came along carrying his basket full of toads and frogs. The girl was still crying when he came in. "I have come for you," he said, "as the old man wished." And he put her in his basket with the toads and frogs and carried her off. She yelled and kicked and scratched, but the lid of the basket was tightly closed and Owl-man laughed to himself and said, "Now I have a wife at last. I shall be alone no more, and the people will not now think I am so queer." So he took her to his[Pg 84] underground house by the stream. That night the people noticed that the girl's cries were no longer heard and they said, "What can have cured Sour-face; what can have pleased Cry-Baby into silence?" And the girl's foster-mother wondered where she had gone. But only the old man knew that it had happened as he had wished, because of his magic power, and that Owl-man had taken her away.

That evening, the people gathered for a seafood feast on the beach under the bright moonlight, just like they did every week. But the sad girl refused to join them. She stayed at home and pouted. While she sat alone in the house, old Owl-man showed up carrying his basket full of toads and frogs. The girl was still crying when he entered. "I’ve come for you," he said, "just as the old man wanted." He placed her in his basket with the toads and frogs and carried her away. She screamed and fought and scratched, but the lid of the basket was tightly shut, and Owl-man chuckled to himself, saying, "Now I finally have a wife. I’ll be alone no more, and people won’t think I’m so strange." So, he took her to his[Pg 84] underground home by the stream. That night, the people noticed they could no longer hear the girl’s cries and wondered, "What could have fixed Sour-face? What made Cry-Baby fall silent?" The girl’s foster-mother was curious about her whereabouts. But only the old man knew it had happened as he wished, thanks to his magic, and that Owl-man had taken her away.

The girl was not happy in her new home, for she would not be happy in any place. She still kept up her caterwauling and there was no peace in the house. Owl-man was a great hunter. Every day he went out hunting with his big basket on his arm, but he always locked his wife in the house before he went away. He was always very successful in the chase, and each night he came back with his basket full of toads and frogs and field-mice and flies. But his wife would eat none of them and she threw them in his face when he offered them to her, and said in a bad temper, "I will not eat your filthy food. It is not fit food for gentle-folk." And Owl-man said, "Gentle-folk indeed! You should find a more suitable name; you are not gentle; you are a wild evil thing, but I am going to tame you." And the girl wept again and sulked and stamped her feet in her temper.

The girl wasn’t happy in her new home because she wouldn’t be happy anywhere. She kept complaining, and there was no peace in the house. Owl-man was a skilled hunter. Every day, he went out hunting with a big basket on his arm, but he always locked his wife inside before he left. He was very successful in his hunts, and each night he returned with his basket full of toads, frogs, field mice, and flies. But his wife wouldn’t eat any of them; she threw them back at him when he offered, saying in a bad mood, "I won't eat your disgusting food. It's not fit for gentlefolk." Owl-man replied, "Gentlefolk, really! You should choose a better name; you're not gentle; you're a wild, evil creature, but I’m going to tame you." And the girl cried again, sulking and stamping her feet in anger.

At last the girl became very hungry, for there was little to eat except the food that Owl-man brought home for himself. He gathered a few berries for her, but even these did not satisfy her hunger. So she thought out a plan of[Pg 85] escape. One day when Owl-man was away, she took some oil she found in the house and rubbed it all over her face and hair. When Owl-man came home in the evening, he said, "You are very pretty to-night. What have you done to make yourself look so sleek and shiny?" And she answered, "I have put on my face and hair gum which I picked from the trees last night when I went walking with you." And he said, "I should like to put some on too, for perhaps it would make me beautiful." The girl told him that if he would go out and gather some gum she would put it on his face and hair for him. So he went out and gathered a great store of gum from the trees and brought it back to her. She melted it on a hot stove until it was balsam again and would pour easily out. Then she said, "Shut your eyes so that it will not harm your sight, and I will make your face and hair beautiful and shining like mine." Owl-man shut his eyes, and the girl soon covered his face and head with the soft gum. She put it on very thick, and she said, "Keep your eyes shut until it dries or it may blind you." Owl-man did as he was told, but when the gum dried he could not open his eyes, and while he was trying to rub it off, the girl slipped out the door and ran back to her parents, far away by the Great Water.

At last, the girl got really hungry because there was hardly anything to eat except for the food that Owl-man brought home for himself. He managed to gather a few berries for her, but even those didn't satisfy her hunger. So, she came up with a plan for[Pg 85] escape. One day, while Owl-man was away, she found some oil in the house and rubbed it all over her face and hair. When Owl-man came home that evening, he said, "You look really pretty tonight. What did you do to make yourself look so sleek and shiny?" She replied, "I used some gum I picked from the trees last night when I was out walking with you." He said, "I'd like to try some too, maybe it would make me beautiful." The girl told him that if he went out and gathered some gum, she would put it on his face and hair for him. So, he went out and collected a bunch of gum from the trees and brought it back. She melted it on a hot stove until it became liquid again and poured easily. Then she said, "Close your eyes so it won’t hurt your vision, and I’ll make your face and hair beautiful and shiny like mine." Owl-man closed his eyes, and the girl quickly covered his face and head with the soft gum. She applied it thickly and said, "Keep your eyes shut until it dries, or you might go blind." Owl-man followed her instructions, but when the gum dried, he couldn't open his eyes. While he struggled to rub it off, the girl slipped out the door and ran back to her parents, far away by the Great Water.

Owl-man scraped the gum from his face and head as best he could, and when he could open his eyes again and could see pretty well, he went out into the night in search of his wife.[Pg 86] And as he went along he cried, "Oh, oh, oh, where is my wife? Where is my girl? I have lost my wife. I have lost my girl. Oh, oh, oh." And when the people heard him calling they thought they would play a trick on him. So they said, "She is here, she is here." But when he entered their houses, the woman they showed him was not his wife, and he went away sorrowful. And the people all laughed at his confusion, and said, "Owl-man is getting queerer each day. He is far gone in his head." Owl-man went from house to house, but he could not find his wife. Then he went to the trees and searched among the branches. He pulled the trees up by the roots, thinking she might be hiding underneath. And he looked into the salmon-traps in the rivers, and kicked them to pieces in his frenzy. But nowhere was his wife to be found.

Owl-man scraped the gum off his face and head as best he could, and when he could open his eyes again and see clearly, he went out into the night to look for his wife.[Pg 86] As he walked, he cried, "Oh, oh, oh, where is my wife? Where is my girl? I've lost my wife. I've lost my girl. Oh, oh, oh." When the people heard him calling, they thought it would be funny to trick him. So they said, "She is here, she is here." But when he entered their houses, the woman they showed him wasn’t his wife, and he left feeling sad. The people all laughed at his confusion and said, "Owl-man is getting stranger every day. He’s really lost it." Owl-man went from house to house, but he couldn’t find his wife. Then he went to the trees and searched among the branches. He pulled trees up by the roots, thinking she might be hiding underneath. He looked into the salmon traps in the rivers and kicked them apart in his frenzy. But nowhere could he find his wife.

Then he went to the girl's house, where she was hiding, and he yelled, "Oh, oh, oh, give me my wife. Give me my girl. I know she is here. Oh, oh, oh." But the girl's foster-mother would not give her up. Then he began to tear down the house over their heads, for the old man of the house was away and there was no one else strong enough to stop Owl-man in his rage. When the woman saw her house in danger of falling about her ears, she cried, "Stop; your wife is here." And she brought forth the girl from her hiding-place. When Owl-man saw her, his rage left him and he was happy again.

Then he went to the girl's house, where she was hiding, and shouted, "Oh, please, give me my wife. Give me my girl. I know she’s here. Oh, please!" But the girl's foster-mother refused to let her go. Then he started tearing down the house, since the old man who lived there was away and no one was strong enough to stop Owl-man in his fury. When the woman saw her house was about to collapse, she cried out, "Stop; your wife is here." She then brought the girl out from her hiding place. When Owl-man saw her, his anger disappeared and he was happy again.

AND WITH HIS MAGIC POWER HE CHANGED HER INTO A FISH-HAWK AND SENT HER OUT TO THE OCEAN AND WITH HIS MAGIC POWER HE TURNED HER INTO A FISH-HAWK AND SENT HER OUT TO THE OCEAN

But just then the old man of magic power came home. He had heard the hub-bub from a distance. When he came in and saw the great holes in the roof and the side of his house where Owl-man had torn away the logs, he was very angry and he said to himself, "I will punish both Owl-man and the girl for this night's work." And he hit upon a plan. He said to Owl-man, "We must give you a hot bath to melt the gum and take it from your hair, for it will do you no good, and it will take all the hair off your head." And Owl-man gladly agreed. So they filled a great bark tub with water and heated it by placing at the bottom of it many red-hot stones, after the fashion of Indians in those old days. But the old man put so many hot stones in the water that it was soon almost boiling with the heat, and when they put Owl-man into the tub he was almost scalded to death and he yelled loudly in pain. Then the old man said, "Now I will take vengeance. You will trouble me no more. You have broken my house. Henceforth you will be not a man but an Owl, and you will dwell alone in the forest with few friends, and you will live always on frogs and toads and field-mice, and people will hear you at night crying for your wife all over the land, but you shall never find her." Then with his magic power he changed him to an Owl and sent him on his way.

But just then, the old man with magical powers came home. He had heard the commotion from a distance. When he came in and saw the big holes in the roof and the side of his house where Owl-man had ripped away the logs, he became very angry and thought to himself, "I will punish both Owl-man and the girl for what they did tonight." He came up with a plan. He told Owl-man, "We need to give you a hot bath to melt the gum out of your hair, because it's not good for you, and it will make you lose all your hair." Owl-man happily agreed. So, they filled a large bark tub with water and heated it by placing many red-hot stones at the bottom, just like the Indians did in those old days. But the old man added so many hot stones that the water quickly became almost boiling, and when they put Owl-man into the tub, he was nearly scalded to death and screamed out in pain. Then the old man said, "Now I will take my revenge. You won't bother me again. You have destroyed my house. From now on, you will not be a man but an Owl, and you'll live alone in the forest with few friends. You’ll always eat frogs, toads, and field mice, and people will hear you at night calling for your wife all over the land, but you will never find her." Then, with his magical powers, he turned him into an Owl and sent him on his way.

He said to the girl, "You have done me much harm too, and you have brought all this trouble upon me. Henceforth you will be not a girl but a Fish-Hawk, and you will always[Pg 88] cry and fret and scream as you have done before, and you will never be satisfied." And with his magic power he changed her into a Fish-Hawk, and sent her out to the ocean. And there she screams always, and she is a great glutton, for she can never get enough to eat. And since that time, Owl and Fish-Hawk have not dwelt together and have not been on friendly terms. They live far apart, and Owl keeps to the forest and the mountains, while the other keeps to the sea. Thus was the old man avenged, and thus was the weeping maiden punished for her tears. And the cries of Owl and Fish-Hawk are still heard in many places, one calling for his wife, the other screaming unsatisfied for something she cannot get.

He said to the girl, "You've hurt me a lot too, and you've caused all this trouble for me. From now on, you won't be a girl anymore; you'll be a Fish-Hawk, and you'll always[Pg 88] cry, fret, and scream just like before, and you'll never be satisfied." With his magic power, he transformed her into a Fish-Hawk and sent her out to the ocean. There, she always screams and has a huge appetite because she can never get enough to eat. Since then, Owl and Fish-Hawk haven't lived together or been on good terms. They stay far apart; Owl sticks to the forest and the mountains, while Fish-Hawk remains by the sea. This is how the old man got his revenge, and this is how the weeping maiden was punished for her tears. The cries of Owl and Fish-Hawk can still be heard in many places, one calling for his partner, the other screaming, unsatisfied for something she can never have.


ERMINE AND THE HUNTER

Far away in the Canadian North Country an old man lived with his wife and children. They lived far from other people, but they were never lonely, for they had much work to do. The old man was a great hunter, and in summer he and his wife and children lived on the fish and game he captured in the winter. In the spring-time he gathered sap from the maple trees, from which he made maple syrup and maple sugar with which to sweeten their food. One day in summer he found three small bears eating his stock of sugar. When he came upon them, his sugar was all gone, and he was very cross. With a stout club he killed the little bears and skinned them and dried their meat. But his wife said, "No good can come of it. You should not have killed the three little bears, for they were too young for slaughter."

Far away in the Canadian North, an old man lived with his wife and kids. They were quite isolated from others, but they never felt lonely because they had plenty of work to do. The old man was an excellent hunter, and during the summer, he, his wife, and kids survived on the fish and game he caught in the winter. In spring, he collected sap from the maple trees to make maple syrup and sugar to sweeten their food. One summer day, he discovered three small bears munching on his sugar stash. By the time he found them, his sugar was all gone, and he was really angry. He took a sturdy club, killed the little bears, skinned them, and dried their meat. But his wife said, "Nothing good will come of this. You shouldn't have killed the three little bears; they were too young to be slaughtered."

The next day the old Bear came along, looking for his lost children. When he saw their skins hanging up to dry he knew that they had been killed by the hunter. He was very sad and angry, and he called to the hunter, "You have killed my little motherless cubs, and in return for that[Pg 90] wickedness, some night when you are off your guard I will kill your children, and then I will kill you and your wife, and I will devour all your food." The old man shot at him with his arrows, but the arrows did not harm him, for he was Brown Bear of the Stony Heart, and he could not be killed by man. For many nights and days the old man tried to trap him, but he met with no success. And each day he saw his store of food growing smaller, for Bear of the Stony Heart stole it always in the night. And he thought, "We shall all surely starve before the winter comes, and game is plentiful again."

The next day, the old Bear came by, searching for his lost cubs. When he saw their skins hanging out to dry, he realized they had been killed by the hunter. He felt very sad and angry, and shouted to the hunter, "You’ve killed my little motherless cubs, and because of that[Pg 90] wickedness, one night when you’re not paying attention, I will kill your children, and then I will kill you and your wife, and I will eat all your food." The old man shot at him with his arrows, but they didn’t hurt him, because he was Brown Bear of the Stony Heart, and no man could kill him. For many days and nights, the old man tried to trap him, but he had no luck. Each day, he saw his food supply getting smaller, because Bear of the Stony Heart stole it each night. He thought, "We’re surely going to starve before winter arrives, and the game is plentiful again."

One day in despair he resolved to look about him for some one who would tell him how to kill the Bear. He went to the bank of the river and sat there in thought and smoked long at his pipe. And he called to the God of the River and said, "Oh, River-God, help me to drown Bear when he comes to fish." The river came from the Lime Stone country far back among the rocks, and it was flowing rapidly to the sea. And the River-God said, "My water cannot tarry. There are millions of oysters down on the ocean shore waiting for shells, and I am hurrying down there with the lime to make them," and he rushed quickly past.

One day, feeling hopeless, he decided to look for someone who could tell him how to kill the Bear. He went to the riverbank, sat down to think, and smoked his pipe for a long time. He called out to the River God, saying, "Oh, River-God, please help me drown the Bear when it comes to fish." The river flowed swiftly from the Limestone country, far back among the rocks, heading rapidly towards the sea. The River God replied, "My water can't wait. There are millions of oysters at the ocean shore waiting for their shells, and I’m rushing down there with lime to make them," and he quickly flowed by.

Then the old man called to the Spirit of the Wind, and he said, "Oh, Spirit of the Wind, stay here with me to-night and help me to kill Bear of the Stony Heart. You can knock down great trees upon his back and crush him to the earth."[Pg 91] But the Wind Spirit said, "I cannot linger. Many ships with rich cargoes lie silent on the ocean waiting to sail, and I must hurry along with the force to drive them." And like the River-God he hastened on his way.

Then the old man called to the Wind Spirit and said, "Oh, Wind Spirit, stay here with me tonight and help me take down Bear of the Stony Heart. You can knock down huge trees onto his back and crush him to the ground."[Pg 91] But the Wind Spirit replied, "I can't stick around. Many ships with valuable cargo are stranded on the ocean waiting to set sail, and I need to hurry to help them." And like the River-God, he quickly continued on his way.

Then the old man called to Storm Cloud, which was just then passing over his head, and he said, "Oh, Spirit of the Storm Cloud, stay here with me to-night and help me to kill Bear of the Stony Heart, for he seeks to destroy my children. You can send lightning and thunder to strike him dead." But the Storm Cloud said, "I cannot loiter on the way. Far from here there are millions of blades of corn and grass dying from thirst in the summer heat, for I see the heat waves rising on the earth, and I am hurrying there with rain to save them." And like the River-God and the Wind Spirit he hurried along on his business. The poor old man was in great sorrow, for it seemed that no one would help him to rid the land of Bear of the Stony Heart.

Then the old man called out to Storm Cloud, which was passing overhead at that moment, and he said, "Oh, Spirit of the Storm Cloud, please stay with me tonight and help me defeat Bear of the Stony Heart, because he wants to harm my children. You can send lightning and thunder to strike him down." But the Storm Cloud replied, "I can't linger here. Far away, there are millions of blades of corn and grass suffering from thirst in the summer heat, as I see the heat waves rising from the earth, and I’m rushing there with rain to save them." Just like the River-God and the Wind Spirit, he hurried off to attend to his duties. The poor old man felt great sorrow, as it seemed that no one would help him rid the land of Bear of the Stony Heart.

As he sat wondering what he should do, an old woman came along. She said, "I am very hungry and tired, for I have come far. Will you give me food and let me rest here a while?" And he said, "We have very little food, for Bear of the Stony Heart steals it from us nightly, but you may share with us what little we have." So he went away and brought back to her a good fat meal. While she was eating her dinner he told her of his troubles with Bear, and he said that no one would help him to get rid of the pest, and that[Pg 92] Bear could not be killed by man. And the old woman said, "There is a little animal who can kill Bear of the Stony Heart. He alone can save you. You have done well to me. Here is a wand which I will give you. Go to sleep here, soon, on the bank of the river. Wave this wand before you sleep and say what I shall teach you, and when you awake call to you the first animal you see when you open your eyes. He will be the animal of which I speak, and he will rid you of the Bear." She taught him a little rhyme and gave him a wand which she took from the basket on her arm; then she hobbled away, and the old man knew that she was the weird woman of the Fairy Blue Mountain, of whom he had often heard. He marvelled greatly, but he resolved to do as she had told him.

As he sat there wondering what to do, an old woman approached him. She said, "I'm really hungry and tired because I've traveled a long way. Can you give me some food and let me rest here for a bit?" He replied, "We have very little food since Bear of the Stony Heart steals it from us every night, but you can share what little we have." So he went away and brought her a nice, hearty meal. While she ate her dinner, he shared his troubles with Bear, explaining that no one would help him get rid of the nuisance, and that[Pg 92] Bear cannot be killed by a man. The old woman said, "There's a little animal that can kill Bear of the Stony Heart. He is the only one who can save you. You've treated me well. Here is a wand that I'll give you. Soon, go to sleep here by the riverbank. Wave this wand before you sleep and say what I will teach you, and when you wake up, call the first animal you see when you open your eyes. He will be the animal I'm talking about, and he will help you get rid of Bear." She taught him a little rhyme and handed him a wand she took from her basket, then she hobbled away. The old man realized she was the mysterious woman from Fairy Blue Mountain, someone he had often heard about. He was amazed but decided to follow her instructions.

After the old woman had gone, the man waved the little wand three times, and cried:

After the old woman left, the man waved the little wand three times and shouted:

"Animal, animal, come out of your den,
Help me to take down the old Brown Bear!
Create a small white dart with my magic,
"To pierce the center of the old Bear's Stony Heart!"

He repeated the rhyme three times. Then he felt himself getting drowsy and sleep soon came upon him. He slept but a short time when the heat woke him up, for the hot sun beat down upon him. He rubbed his eyes and looked about him. Watching him from behind a tree was a little animal with a shaggy brown coat. The old man thought to himself, "Surely the weird fairy woman of the Blue Mountain has[Pg 93] played a trick on me. That scraggy little animal with the dirty coat cannot kill the Bear." But he resolved to test her word. He repeated his rhyme again, and the little animal came quickly towards him. "Who are you?" said the man. "I am Ermine," said the little animal. "Are you the animal of which the fairy woman of the Blue Hills has told me?" asked the man. "I am indeed the same," said Ermine. "I have been sent to you to kill the Bear, and here I have the little darts made powerful because of your magic wand." He pointed to his mouth and showed the old man his sharp white teeth. "So now to your task," said the old man in high spirits. "Oh, not so fast," said Ermine, "you must first pay me for my work." "What can I do for you?" asked the man. "I am ashamed of my dirty brown coat, which I have worn for a long time," said the animal; "you have great magic from the wand you received from the fairy woman of the Blue Hills. I want a sleek and shining white coat that I can wear always, for I want to be clean." The man waved his wand again and wished for what the animal had asked him, and at once the shaggy brown coat of Ermine was replaced by a sleek and shining white coat as spotless as the new snow in winter. Then the animal said, "I have one more condition to impose on you. You must promise never to kill a bear's young cubs when they are still following their mother in the summer time. You must give them a chance to grow strong, so that they may[Pg 94] be able to fight for their own lives." And the man promised, placing his hand upon the wand to bind his oath. Then, when he looked again, the wand had vanished from his hand. It had gone back through the air to the fairy woman of the Blue Hills.

He repeated the rhyme three times. Then he started to feel drowsy, and soon sleep took over. He didn’t sleep long before the heat woke him up, as the hot sun beat down on him. He rubbed his eyes and looked around. Watching him from behind a tree was a small animal with a shaggy brown coat. The old man thought to himself, "Surely the strange fairy woman of the Blue Mountain has[Pg 93] played a trick on me. That scraggly little animal with the dirty coat can't kill the Bear." But he decided to test her word. He repeated his rhyme again, and the little animal quickly approached him. "Who are you?" asked the man. "I am Ermine," replied the little animal. "Are you the animal that the fairy woman of the Blue Hills told me about?" the man asked. "I am indeed," said Ermine. "I have been sent to you to kill the Bear, and here I have the little darts made powerful by your magic wand." He pointed to his mouth and showed the old man his sharp white teeth. "Now, to your task," said the old man, feeling optimistic. "Oh, not so fast," said Ermine, "you must first pay me for my work." "What can I do for you?" asked the man. "I’m ashamed of my dirty brown coat that I’ve worn for a long time," said the animal; "you have great magic from the wand you received from the fairy woman of the Blue Hills. I want a sleek and shiny white coat that I can wear always because I want to be clean." The man waved his wand again and wished for what the animal asked for, and at once, Ermine's shaggy brown coat was transformed into a sleek and shining white coat as spotless as fresh snow in winter. Then the animal said, "I have one more condition to set for you. You must promise never to kill a bear's young cubs while they are still following their mother in the summer. You must give them a chance to grow strong so they can[Pg 94] fight for their own lives." The man promised, placing his hand on the wand to seal his oath. Then, when he looked again, the wand had disappeared from his hand. It had gone back through the air to the fairy woman of the Blue Hills.

THE COAT OF ERMINE WAS REPLACED BY A SLEEK AND SHINING WHITE COAT, AS SPOTLESS AS THE NEW SNOW IN WINTER The coat of ermine was replaced by a sleek and shiny white coat, as pure as freshly fallen snow in winter.

Then Ermine set out on his search for Bear. The afternoon was very hot, and the forest was still, and not a leaf or a blade of grass was stirring, and there was not a ripple on the stream. The whole world was drowsy in the dry summer heat. But Ermine did not feel the heat, he was in such high spirits because of his new white coat. Soon he came upon Bear, stretched out at full length on the bank of the river, taking his afternoon nap, as was his custom after his fat midday meal. He was lying on his back, and his mouth was open wide, and he was snoring loudly like a waterfall. "This is your last sleep," said Ermine, creeping softly to his side, "for you are a dangerous thief; you shall snore no more." And with a bound he jumped down Bear's throat, and in an instant had pierced with his teeth his strong stony heart, which the arrows of the Indians could never reach. Then as quickly as he had entered the Bear's mouth Ermine jumped out again and ran from the place. Bear snored no more; he was quite dead, and the land was rid of his thefts and terrors. Then Ermine went back to the old man and told him that the deed was done; and that night was a great feast night in the old man's home. And since that time Ermine in the North Country has worn a sleek white coat as spotless as the new snow in winter. And to this day the hunters in the far north will not kill, if they can avoid it, the young Bear cubs while they are still following their mothers through the forest. They give them a chance to grow up and grow strong, so that they may be able to fight for their own lives, as the fairy woman of the Blue Hills had asked.

Then Ermine set off to look for Bear. The afternoon was really hot, the forest was quiet, not a leaf or blade of grass moved, and there wasn’t a ripple on the stream. The whole world felt sleepy in the dry summer heat. But Ermine didn’t feel the heat; he was in such good spirits because of his new white coat. Soon, he found Bear lying sprawled out on the riverbank, taking his afternoon nap, as he usually did after his big midday meal. Bear was on his back with his mouth wide open, snoring loudly like a waterfall. "This is your last nap," said Ermine, sneaking up to his side, "because you’re a dangerous thief; you won’t snore anymore." Then, with a leap, he jumped down Bear's throat and instantly pierced his strong, stony heart with his teeth, which the arrows of the Indians could never hit. Just as quickly as he had entered Bear's mouth, Ermine jumped out again and ran away. Bear snored no more; he was completely dead, and the land was free from his thefts and terrors. Then Ermine went back to the old man and told him that the job was done, and that night was a big feast night at the old man's home. Since then, Ermine in the North Country has worn a sleek white coat as clean as fresh snow in winter. To this day, hunters in the far north try not to kill young bear cubs while they are still following their mothers through the forest. They give them a chance to grow up and become strong, so they can fight for their own lives, just as the fairy woman of the Blue Hills had requested.


HOW RABBIT DECEIVED FOX

Long ago in Indian days in Canada, when Rabbit worked for Glooskap as his forest guide, he was a great thief. He liked most of all to steal by moonlight, and he crept quietly into gardens and fields where Indian vegetables were growing, for he was very fond of cabbage and lettuce and beans. Not far from his home there lived alone an old widow woman who had no children. She could not hunt game because she was a woman, and she had never been trained to the chase, so she kept a little garden from which she made a good living. All day long from dawn until sunset she toiled hard, tilling her little garden, watering her vegetables and keeping them free from weeds. And she grew green cabbages and red carrots and yellow beans and big fat pumpkins and Indian corn, which she traded with Indian hunters in return for fish and meat. In this way she always had plenty of food, and she lived very well on good fare. But Rabbit, going his rounds one day, discovered her garden, although it was deep in the forest, and every night by moonlight or starlight he robbed it, and grew sleek and fat from the results of his thefts. And morning[Pg 97] after morning the old widow woman found that many cabbages and carrots were missing and that much harm had been done to her plants. She had an idea that Rabbit was the pilferer, for she had heard that he was a great thief, but she was not very sure. She watched many nights, but she was never able to catch the robber, so stealthily did he come, and it was not easy to see him in the shadows. So she said to herself, "I will set up a scarecrow, a figure in the shape of a little man, and I will place it at my garden gate, and it will frighten away the robber, whoever he may be, for I must save my vegetables or I shall starve when the cold winter comes."

Long ago in Canada during the Indian days, when Rabbit worked as Glooskap's forest guide, he was a notorious thief. He loved stealing under the moonlight, sneaking quietly into gardens and fields where Indian vegetables grew because he was particularly fond of cabbage, lettuce, and beans. Not far from his home lived an old widow who had no children. She couldn't hunt for game because she was a woman, and she had never learned how to hunt, so she tended a small garden that provided her a decent living. From dawn until dusk, she worked tirelessly, cultivating her garden, watering her vegetables, and keeping weeds at bay. She grew green cabbages, red carrots, yellow beans, plump pumpkins, and Indian corn, which she traded with Indian hunters for fish and meat. This way, she always had plenty of food and lived well on hearty meals. However, one day, Rabbit stumbled upon her garden, which was hidden deep in the forest, and every night, under the moonlight or starlight, he stealthily stole from it, growing sleek and fat from his thefts. Morning after morning, the old widow found many cabbages and carrots missing, and a lot of damage done to her plants. She suspected Rabbit was the thief since she had heard of his reputation, but she wasn't entirely sure. She watched many nights but never managed to catch the robber, as he was too stealthy and hard to see in the shadows. So she thought to herself, "I'll set up a scarecrow, a little figure in the shape of a man, and place it at my garden gate to scare away the thief, whoever it is, because I need to protect my vegetables or I’ll starve when winter comes."

She picked from the spruce and the fir trees close by a great store of gum and balsam. This she formed into a figure in the shape of a little man. She made two eyes from glass beads that would shine like fire in the starlight, and a nose from a pine cone, and hair from the corn tassels and yellow moss. Then she placed the figure at the entrance to the garden where she knew the robber would come. "Now," she thought, "I will scare away the thief."

She gathered a bunch of gum and balsam from the nearby spruce and fir trees. With this, she shaped a figure that looked like a little man. She used two glass beads for the eyes that sparkled like fire in the starlight, a pine cone for the nose, and corn tassels and yellow moss for the hair. Then she set the figure at the entrance to the garden where she knew the robber would arrive. "Now," she thought, "I’ll scare off the thief."

When night fell and the moon rose above the trees, Rabbit came along, as was his custom, to steal his nightly meal. As he came near the garden very softly, he saw in the moonlight what he thought was a man standing in the path by the garden gate. The moon hung low over the forest, and[Pg 98] there was a thin grey mist on the earth, for it was near to autumn and the nights were already cool; and the figure of the little man looked larger than human in the misty light, and it cast a long black shadow like that of a giant on the grass. Rabbit was much afraid and he trembled like an aspen leaf, but he stood quiet behind a tree and watched the strange figure. For a long time he stood still and watched and listened. But the strange figure did not move, and not a sound did Rabbit hear but the chirp of a cricket. Then with great caution he came closer. But still the figure did not move. Then his fear left him and he grew bolder, for he was very hungry, and he could smell the vegetables and the wild honeysuckle in the still night air. So he walked bravely up to the little dummy man and said, "Get out of my way and let me pass." But the man did not move. Then Rabbit struck the man a sharp blow with his fist. But still the figure did not move. Rabbit's fist stuck fast in the gum and he could not pull it away. Then he struck out with his other fist, and it too, like the other, was held firm. "I shall kick you," said Rabbit in a rage. "Take that," and he struck out wildly with his foot. But his foot, like his fists, stuck fast. Then he kicked with the other foot, but that too was held in the gum. Rabbit was now very cross, and in his anger he said, "Now I shall bite you," but when he bit the little man, his teeth, like his feet and hands, stuck fast. Then he pushed with his body with all his might, hoping to[Pg 99] knock the little man down, but his whole body stuck to the dummy figure.

When night fell and the moon rose above the trees, Rabbit came by, as usual, to steal his nightly meal. As he quietly approached the garden, he noticed in the moonlight what he thought was a man standing in the path by the garden gate. The moon hung low over the forest, and[Pg 98] there was a thin gray mist on the ground, as it was close to autumn and the nights were already getting cool. The figure of the little man appeared larger than life in the misty light, casting a long black shadow that looked like a giant on the grass. Rabbit was very scared and trembled like an aspen leaf, but he stayed still behind a tree and watched the strange figure. He remained there for a long time, watching and listening. But the mysterious figure didn’t move, and the only sound Rabbit heard was the chirp of a cricket. Then, with great caution, he crept a little closer. Still, the figure didn’t budge. His fear started to fade, and he became bolder because he was very hungry, and he could smell the vegetables and the wild honeysuckle in the still night air. So he bravely walked up to the little dummy figure and said, "Get out of my way and let me pass." But the man didn’t move. Rabbit then hit the man sharply with his fist. Yet, the figure remained still. Rabbit's fist got stuck in the gum, and he couldn't pull it away. So he struck with his other fist, and it, too, got stuck. "I’ll kick you," said Rabbit angrily. "Take that," and he kicked out wildly with his foot. But just like his fists, his foot stuck. Then he kicked with his other foot, but that too was caught in the gum. Rabbit was now very annoyed, and in his frustration he said, "Now I’ll bite you," but when he bit the little man, his teeth, like his feet and hands, got stuck. He then pushed against the figure with all his strength, hoping to[Pg 99] knock the little man over, but his whole body stuck to the dummy figure.

He cried out loudly, for he was now beside himself with fear, and the old woman, when she heard his yells, came running out of her house. "Aha!" she said, "so you are the robber who has been stealing from my garden. I will rid the world of a pilfering pest, for I will kill you this very night." Then she pulled him away from the gum figure and put him in a strong bag and tied the mouth of the bag with a stout string. She left the bag on the path by the garden gate and went to look for her axe to kill Rabbit. While Rabbit lay there wondering how he was going to escape, Fox came prowling along. He stumbled over the bag, for he did not see it in the shadows, and he plunged forward headlong to the ground with a great thud. He got up and rained kicks upon the bag. He was mad because he had been tripped. He kicked poor Rabbit's back until Rabbit cried in pain. "Who are you in the bag?" asked Fox when he heard the cries. "I am your friend Rabbit," was the answer. "What are you doing, hiding in the bag?" asked Fox. Then Rabbit suddenly thought of a way of escape. He knew that Fox had long been looking for a wife, but that no one would have him as no one trusted him because his fame for treachery and slyness was so great. "I am not hiding," he said. "The old woman who owns this garden wants me to marry her grand-daughter, and when I refused to do it she caught me[Pg 100] and shut me up in this bag; she has just gone to bring the girl from her house, for she is determined to make me marry her here in the moonlight this very night. I don't want to marry her, for she is very big and fat, and I am very small and lean." Then he cried "Boo-hoo-hoo" again, and Fox said, "I have been looking for a wife for a long time, and I like fat people. Let me get into the bag in your place, and I will marry the grand-daughter instead, for the old woman will not know me in the shadows." And Rabbit gladly agreed. Then Fox untied the bag and let Rabbit out and got into the bag himself, and Rabbit tied up the mouth of the bag and hurried away as quickly as he could.

He shouted loudly, completely overwhelmed by fear, and the old woman, hearing his screams, rushed out of her house. "Aha!" she exclaimed, "so you’re the thief who's been stealing from my garden. I’m going to get rid of this annoying pest, and I’ll kill you tonight." Then she dragged him away from the gum figure, stuffed him into a strong bag, and tied it shut with a sturdy string. She left the bag on the path by the garden gate and went to find her axe to deal with Rabbit. While Rabbit lay there wondering how he would escape, Fox came lurking by. He tripped over the bag, not seeing it in the shadows, and crashed to the ground with a loud thud. He got up and started kicking the bag in anger for being tripped. He kicked poor Rabbit's back until Rabbit cried out in pain. "Who’s in the bag?" Fox asked upon hearing the cries. "It’s your friend Rabbit," came the reply. "What are you doing hiding in there?" Fox asked. Rabbit suddenly thought of a way to escape. He knew Fox had been searching for a wife but no one wanted him because he was known for being treacherous and sly. "I’m not hiding," he said. "The old woman who owns this garden wants me to marry her granddaughter. When I refused, she locked me in this bag; she just went to get the girl because she’s determined to make me marry her here under the moonlight tonight. I don’t want to marry her; she’s really big and fat, and I’m small and lean." Then he cried out "Boo-hoo-hoo" again, and Fox said, "I’ve been searching for a wife for a long time, and I like bigger people. Let me get in the bag instead, and I’ll marry the granddaughter, because the old woman won't recognize me in the shadows." Rabbit eagerly agreed. Then Fox untied the bag, let Rabbit out, and climbed inside himself, while Rabbit quickly tied up the bag and hurried away as fast as he could.

Soon the old woman came back, carrying her axe. She sharpened it on a stone and said, "Now I will kill you, and you will thieve no more in my garden. A poor woman must live untroubled by such pilfering rogues." When Fox heard these words and the sound of the stone upon the axe, he knew that he had been deceived by Rabbit, and when the old woman opened the bag he sprang nimbly out with a sudden bound and was away before she could catch him. He swore by the Starlight that he would have vengeance on Rabbit. All night long he searched for him and all the next day, but he could not find him. At last in the gathering twilight he came upon him in an open space in the forest, on the other side of a stream, eating his fill of wild vegetables. Fox tried to coax him across the stream to his side, for he himself was afraid of the water, but Rabbit would not go. "Why don't you eat some cheese?" said Rabbit; "there is a big round cheese in the stream." Fox looked into the stream where Rabbit pointed, and there he saw the reflection of the big round yellow moon. He thought it was a round cheese, and he plunged in after it, for he was very fond of cheese. Rabbit hoped he would be drowned, but the stream was shallow and Fox climbed out with no cheese and with only a bad fright and a wet coat for his pains. He was very cross, for he knew that Rabbit wished to do him harm, but he kept his anger to himself. Rabbit was still eating contentedly.

Soon the old woman returned, carrying her axe. She sharpened it on a stone and said, "Now I'm going to kill you, and you won't steal from my garden anymore. A poor woman deserves to live without being bothered by thieving scoundrels." When Fox heard these words and the sound of the stone against the axe, he realized he had been tricked by Rabbit. As soon as the old woman opened the bag, he sprang nimbly out and dashed away before she could catch him. He swore by the Starlight that he would get revenge on Rabbit. All night long and the next day, he searched for him but couldn't find him. Finally, in the fading twilight, he spotted him in a clearing in the forest, on the other side of a stream, happily eating wild vegetables. Fox tried to lure him across the stream to his side since he was scared of the water, but Rabbit refused to come. "Why don't you eat some cheese?" Rabbit said; "there's a big round cheese in the stream." Fox looked where Rabbit was pointing and saw the reflection of the big round yellow moon. He thought it was a round cheese and jumped in after it because he loved cheese. Rabbit hoped he would drown, but the stream was shallow, and Fox climbed out with no cheese, just a bad scare and a wet coat for his trouble. He was really annoyed because he knew Rabbit wanted to harm him, but he kept his anger to himself. Rabbit continued to munch contentedly.

THEN FOX UNTIED THE BAG AND LET RABBIT OUT AND GOT INTO THE BAG HIMSELF Then Fox untied the bag, let Rabbit out, and got into the bag himself.

"What are you eating?" said Fox, trying to hold him in talk until he could think of a plan to catch him. "I am eating good ripe fruit," said Rabbit. "I am eating Indian melons." "Throw me one," said Fox, for he was hungry. Rabbit threw him a large round wild cucumber all covered with green prickles. "Swallow it whole at a mouthful," said Rabbit; "it is very good that way." It was night and the moon shone dimly through the trees, and Fox could not see what he was eating. He swallowed the cucumber at one gulp, as Rabbit had told him, but the prickles stuck in his throat and he almost choked to death. And while he was choking and spluttering and trying to cough up the cucumber, Rabbit ran away as fast as he could, laughing heartily to himself. Fox knew that he had been tricked again, and this time he swore he would kill Rabbit as soon[Pg 102] as he could find him; he resolved that when next he saw him he would not give him a moment to live.

"What are you eating?" asked Fox, trying to keep him talking until he could come up with a plan to catch him. "I'm eating some ripe fruit," replied Rabbit. "I'm having Indian melons." "Throw me one," said Fox, since he was hungry. Rabbit tossed him a large round wild cucumber covered in green prickles. "Swallow it whole in one bite," Rabbit said; "it's really good that way." It was nighttime, and the moon was shining dimly through the trees, so Fox couldn't see what he was eating. He swallowed the cucumber in one gulp, just like Rabbit told him, but the prickles got stuck in his throat, and he nearly choked to death. While he was choking and sputtering and trying to cough up the cucumber, Rabbit ran away as fast as he could, laughing to himself. Fox realized he'd been tricked again, and this time he vowed he would kill Rabbit as soon as he found him; he decided that when he saw him next, he wouldn't give him a moment to live.

Rabbit hid among the dry underbrush all the next day. But when the day went down and the sky was red in the west and the wind was very still, he sat on a log, as was his custom, and played softly on his flute, for he was a great player on the Indian pipe. While he was playing, Fox suddenly came upon him unawares. Rabbit saw him watching him through the trees close at hand, but although taken by surprise, he was not to be outdone. Fox was just about to spring upon him when Rabbit said, "The Chief's daughter has just been married to a great warrior, and the wedding party will soon be along this way. They asked me to sit here and make music for them with my flute as they pass by. They have promised to pay me well, and they have invited me to the wedding feast. Come and join me and play too, and you will be well paid, and we will go to the wedding feast together and get good things to eat." Fox thought he would let Rabbit get the pay he had been promised, for he was a very greedy fellow; then he would rob him and kill him, and he would take his flute and go to the wedding feast alone, and his vengeance would then be complete. So he decided to let his anger cool for a little time. And he said, "I have no flute, and I cannot therefore make music; but I will sit with you to see the wedding guests go by." But Rabbit said, "Take my flute. I have[Pg 103] another at home. I will go and get it, for there is yet time."

Rabbit hid among the dry underbrush all the next day. But when the day ended and the sky was red in the west and the wind was very still, he sat on a log, as he usually did, and played softly on his flute, for he was an excellent player on the Indian pipe. While he was playing, Fox suddenly came upon him unexpectedly. Rabbit saw him watching through the trees nearby, but even though he was surprised, he wasn’t going to back down. Fox was just about to pounce on him when Rabbit said, "The Chief's daughter just got married to a great warrior, and the wedding party will be passing this way soon. They asked me to sit here and play music for them on my flute as they go by. They promised to pay me well, and they invited me to the wedding feast. Come and join me and play too, and you’ll be well paid, and we’ll go to the wedding feast together and enjoy some good food." Fox thought he would let Rabbit take the payment he had been promised since he was a very greedy guy; then he would rob him and kill him, taking his flute and going to the wedding feast alone, thereby fulfilling his vengeance. So he decided to let his anger cool for a bit and said, "I don’t have a flute, so I can’t make music; but I’ll sit with you and watch the wedding guests go by." But Rabbit replied, "Take my flute. I have another one at home. I’ll go get it since there’s still time."

So Fox took the flute and began to play loudly, and Rabbit slipped hurriedly out of sight, pretending to go for his Indian pipe. But he resolved to make an end of Fox, for he feared for his own life, and instead of going home, he set the underbrush on fire. He kindled the fire at many places all around the log on which Fox sat. Fox could not hear the fire crackling because of the loud music of his flute, and he thought the light was but the bright light of the moon. And the fire was almost upon him before he knew that he was in danger. Then he tried to get away, but on all sides his escape was stopped by the flames and he could not find an opening. At last, in despair, to save his life, he jumped through the ring of fire. He escaped with his life, but his eyelids were singed, and his sleek black coat with its silver spots was scorched to a red-brown colour. He was in great pain. He concluded that Rabbit was too clever for him to cope with, and he resolved to leave him alone and to forego his revenge, for he was glad to get away with his life. But he decided never again to live on friendly terms with Rabbit. And since that night Rabbit and Fox have never hunted together. And to the present day the descendants of this Fox have red eyes and a red-brown coat, because Rabbit scorched their ancestor in the olden times.

So Fox picked up the flute and started playing loudly, while Rabbit quickly hid, pretending to go get his Indian pipe. But he decided he needed to put an end to Fox, fearing for his own life, so instead of heading home, he set the underbrush on fire. He started the fire in several spots around the log where Fox sat. Fox couldn't hear the crackling of the flames over the loud music from his flute and thought the light was just the bright moonlight. The fire was almost on him before he realized he was in danger. He tried to escape, but flames blocked his way on all sides, and he couldn't find an opening. Finally, in desperation to save himself, he jumped through the ring of fire. He managed to escape but had singed eyelids, and his sleek black coat with silver spots was scorched to a red-brown color. He was in a lot of pain. He figured Rabbit was too clever for him to deal with, so he decided to leave him alone and give up on revenge, just grateful to have escaped with his life. But he resolved never to be friendly with Rabbit again. Ever since that night, Rabbit and Fox have never hunted together. To this day, the descendants of this Fox have red eyes and a red-brown coat because Rabbit scorched their ancestor long ago.


THE BOY AND THE DRAGON

Once, long ago, before the white man came to Canada, a boy was living with his parents in a village near the ocean. As he had no brothers or sisters, he was often lonely, and he longed for adventure and companionship. At last he decided to set out to seek his fortune elsewhere. He was just on the point of leaving his home when it was noised abroad one day that there had come into the land a great dragon, who was doing great havoc and damage wherever he went. The country was in great terror, for the dragon carried off women and children and devoured them one by one. And what was still more mystifying, he had power to take on human form, and often he changed himself into a man of pleasing shape and manner and came among the people to carry out his cruel designs before they knew that he was near. The Chief of the tribe called for volunteers to meet the dragon-man, but none of his warriors responded. They were strong and mighty in combat with men, but it was a different matter to encounter a dragon.

Once, long ago, before the white man arrived in Canada, a boy lived with his parents in a village by the ocean. Since he had no brothers or sisters, he often felt lonely and yearned for adventure and friendship. Finally, he decided to leave home in search of a better life. Just as he was about to go, word spread one day that a great dragon had entered the land, causing destruction and chaos wherever it went. The country was filled with fear, as the dragon kidnapped women and children, devouring them one by one. Even more mysterious was its ability to take on human form; often, it transformed into a charming man and mingled with the people to execute its cruel plans before anyone realized it was near. The Chief of the tribe called for volunteers to confront the dragon-man, but none of his warriors answered. They were strong and skilled in fighting other men, but facing a dragon was a different story.

When the youth heard this dreadful story and saw the[Pg 105] terror of his people, he said, "Here is my chance to do a great deed," for somehow he felt that he had more than human power. So he said good-bye to his parents and set out on his adventure. He travelled all day inland through the forest, until at evening he came to a high hill in the centre of an open space. He said, "I will climb this hill, and perhaps I can see all the country round about me." So he went slowly to the top. As he stood there, looking over the country which he could see for many miles around, a man suddenly appeared beside him. He was a very pleasant fellow, and they talked together for some time. The boy was on his guard, but he thought, "Surely this man with the good looks cannot be the dragon," and he laughed at his suspicions and put them from his mind.

When the young man heard this terrifying story and saw the[Pg 105] fear of his people, he thought, "This is my chance to do something great," because he somehow felt like he had more than just human strength. So he said goodbye to his parents and set off on his adventure. He traveled all day through the forest until, in the evening, he reached a tall hill in the middle of an open area. He said, "I’ll climb this hill and maybe I can see the surrounding land." So he slowly made his way to the top. As he stood there, taking in the view for miles around, a man suddenly appeared next to him. He seemed friendly, and they chatted for a while. The boy was cautious but thought, "Surely this handsome man can't be the dragon," so he laughed off his doubts and dismissed them from his mind.

The stranger said, "Where are you going?" And the boy answered, "I am going far away. I am seeking adventure in the forest for it is very lonely down by the sea." But he did not tell him of his real errand. "You may stay with me to-night," said the new-comer. "I have a very comfortable lodge not far from here, and I will give you food." The boy was very hungry and tired, and he went along with the man to his lodge. When they reached the house the boy was surprised to see a great heap of bleached bones lying before the door. But he showed no fear nor did he comment on the horrible sight. Inside the lodge sat[Pg 106] a very old and bent woman, tending a pot. She was stirring it with a big stick, and the boy saw that it contained meat stew. When she placed the stew before them, the boy said he would rather have corn, for he feared to taste the meat. The old woman fried some corn for him, and he had a good meal.

The stranger asked, "Where are you headed?" The boy replied, "I'm going far away. I'm looking for adventure in the forest because it's really lonely by the sea." But he didn’t share the true reason for his journey. "You can stay with me tonight," the stranger offered. "I have a cozy lodge not far from here, and I can provide you with food." The boy was hungry and tired, so he went with the man to his lodge. When they arrived, the boy was startled to see a large pile of bleached bones in front of the door. However, he showed no fear and didn’t comment on the unsettling sight. Inside the lodge, there was a very old, hunched woman stirring a pot. The boy noticed it was filled with meat stew. When she served the stew to them, the boy said he would prefer corn because he was afraid to try the meat. The old woman fried some corn for him, and he enjoyed a good meal.

After they had eaten, the man went out to gather wood for the fire, and the boy sat talking to the old woman. And she said to him, "You are very young and beautiful and innocent—the most handsome I have yet seen in this place. And because of that, I will take pity on you and warn you of your danger. The man whom you met in the forest and whom you supped with to-night is none other than the dragon-man of whom you have often heard. He cannot be killed in ordinary combat, and it would be folly for you to try. To-morrow he will kill you if you are still here. Take these moccasins that I will give you, and in the morning when you get up put them on your feet. With one step you will reach by their power the hill you see in the distance. Give this piece of birch bark with the picture on it to a man you will meet there, and he will tell you what next to do. But remember that no matter how far you go, the dragon-man will overtake you in the evening." The youth took the moccasins and the birch bark bearing the mystic sign and hid them under his coat, and said, "I will do as you advise." But the woman said,[Pg 107] "There is one more condition. You must kill me in the morning before you go, and put this robe over my body. Then the dragon-man's spell over me will be broken, and when he leaves me, I will rouse myself with my power back to life."

After they finished eating, the man went out to collect wood for the fire, while the boy chatted with the old woman. She said to him, "You are very young, beautiful, and innocent—the most handsome I’ve seen around here. Because of that, I will take pity on you and warn you about your danger. The man you met in the forest and broke bread with tonight is none other than the dragon-man you've often heard of. He can't be killed in a typical fight, and trying to do so would be foolish. Tomorrow, he will kill you if you stay here. Take these moccasins I will give you, and in the morning, when you wake up, put them on your feet. With just one step, you will reach the hill you see in the distance. Give this piece of birch bark with the drawing on it to a man you’ll meet there, and he will tell you what to do next. But remember, no matter how far you go, the dragon-man will catch up to you by evening." The young man accepted the moccasins and the birch bark with the magical symbol and tucked them under his coat, saying, "I will follow your advice." But the woman replied,[Pg 107] "There is one more condition. You must kill me in the morning before you leave and cover my body with this robe. Then the dragon-man's spell over me will be broken, and when he departs, I will awaken with my power restored."

The youth went to sleep, and the dragon-man slept all night beside him so as not to let him escape. The next morning, when the dragon-man was out to get water from the stream some distance away, the boy at once carried out the old woman's orders of the night before. First of all he killed the old woman with a blow and covered her body with a bright cloak, for he knew that when the dragon-man would leave the place she would soon rise again. Then he put the magic moccasins on his feet and with one great step he reached the distant hill. Here, sure enough, he met an old man. He gave him the piece of birch bark bearing the mystic sign. The man looked at it closely and smiled and said, "So it is you I was told to wait for. That is well, for you are indeed a comely youth." The man gave him another pair of moccasins in exchange for those he was wearing, and another piece of birch bark bearing another inscription. He pointed to a hill that rose blue in the distance and said, "With one step you will reach that hill. Give this bark to a man you will meet there, and all will be well."

The young man went to sleep, and the dragon-man slept all night next to him to keep him from escaping. The next morning, while the dragon-man was away getting water from a stream nearby, the boy immediately carried out the old woman's instructions from the night before. First, he killed the old woman with a single blow and covered her body with a bright cloak because he knew that as soon as the dragon-man left, she would soon rise again. Then he put on the magical moccasins and, with one big step, reached the distant hill. Sure enough, he encountered an old man there. He showed him the piece of birch bark with the mystical symbol. The man examined it closely, smiled, and said, "So it's you I've been told to wait for. That's great, because you are indeed a handsome young man." The man gave him another pair of moccasins in exchange for the ones he was wearing, along with another piece of birch bark that had a different inscription. He pointed to a hill that appeared blue in the distance and said, "With one step, you will reach that hill. Give this bark to a man you meet there, and everything will be fine."

The boy put the moccasins on his feet, and with one step[Pg 108] he reached the distant hill. There he met another old man, to whom he gave the birch bark. This man gave him another pair of moccasins and a large maple leaf bearing a strange symbol, and told him to go to another spot, where he would receive final instructions. He did as he was told, and here he met a very old man, who said, "Down yonder there is a stream. Go towards it and walk straight into it, as if you were on dry ground. But do not look at the water. Take this piece of birch bark bearing these magic figures, and it will change you into whatever you wish, and it will keep you from harm." The boy took the bark and did as he was told, and soon found himself on the opposite bank of the stream. He followed the stream for some distance, and at evening he came to a lake. As he was looking about for a warm place to pass the night, he suddenly came upon the dragon-man, now in the form of a monster dragon, hiding behind the trees. The old woman's words had come true, for his enemy had overtaken him before nightfall, as she had said. There was no time to lose, so the boy waved his magic bark, and at once he became a little fish with red fins, moving slowly in the lake.

The boy put on the moccasins and, with one step[Pg 108], he reached the distant hill. There, he met another old man, to whom he gave the birch bark. This man gave him another pair of moccasins and a large maple leaf with a strange symbol on it, telling him to go to another location where he would get final instructions. He followed the directions and soon encountered a very old man, who said, "Down there is a stream. Go towards it and walk straight into it, as if you were on dry land. But don’t look at the water. Take this piece of birch bark with these magic figures, and it will turn you into whatever you wish, and it will protect you from harm." The boy took the bark and did as instructed, quickly finding himself on the other side of the stream. He followed the stream for a while and, by evening, arrived at a lake. As he searched for a warm spot to spend the night, he suddenly stumbled upon the dragon-man, now transformed into a monstrous dragon, hiding behind the trees. The old woman's words had come true; his enemy had caught up with him before nightfall, just as she had said. With no time to waste, the boy waved his magic bark, and instantly he became a small fish with red fins, swimming slowly in the lake.

When the dragon-man saw the little fish, he cried, "Little fish of the red fins, have you seen the youth I am looking for?" "No, sir," said the little fish, "I have seen no one; I have been asleep. But if he passes this way I will tell you," and he moved rapidly out into the lake.

When the dragon-man saw the little fish, he shouted, "Little fish with the red fins, have you seen the young man I'm searching for?" "No, sir," replied the little fish, "I haven't seen anyone; I've been asleep. But if he comes this way, I'll let you know," and he quickly swam out into the lake.

THE MAN GAVE HIM ANOTHER PAIR OF MOCCASINS IN EXCHANGE FOR THOSE HE WAS WEARING The man gave him another pair of moccasins in exchange for the ones he was wearing.

The dragon-man moved down along the bank of the lake, while the youth watched him from the water. He met a Toad in the path, and said, "Little Toad, have you seen the youth I am looking for? If he passed this way you would surely have seen him." "I am minding my own business," answered the Toad, and he hopped away into the moss. Then the dragon-man saw a very large fish with his head above water, looking for flies, and he said, "Have you seen the boy I am looking for?" "Yes," said the fish, "you have just been talking to him," and he laughed to himself and disappeared. The dragon-man went back and searched everywhere for Toad, but he could not find him. As he looked he came upon a musk-rat running along by the stream, and he said angrily, "Have you seen the person I am looking for?" "No," said the rat. "I think you are he," said the dragon-man. Then the musk-rat began to cry bitterly and said, "No, no; the boy you are looking for passed by just now, and he stepped on the roof of my house and broke it in." The dragon-man was deceived again. He went on and soon came upon old Turtle splashing around in the mud. "You are very old and wise," he said, hoping to flatter him, "you have surely seen the person I am looking for." "Yes," said Turtle, "he is farther down the stream. Go across the river and you will find him. But beware, for[Pg 110] if you do not know him when you see him, he will surely kill you." Turtle knew well that the dragon-man would now meet his fate.

The dragon-man walked along the edge of the lake while the young man watched him from the water. He encountered a Toad on the path and asked, "Hey, Toad, have you seen the young man I'm looking for? If he came this way, you would have seen him." "I'm just taking care of my own business," replied the Toad, hopping away into the moss. Then the dragon-man spotted a large fish with its head above the water, searching for flies, and asked, "Have you seen the boy I'm trying to find?" "Yeah," said the fish, "you were just talking to him," and it chuckled to itself before disappearing. The dragon-man went back and searched everywhere for the Toad, but couldn't find him. As he continued his search, he came across a musk-rat running along the stream and asked angrily, "Have you seen the person I'm looking for?" "No," said the rat. "I think you're him," replied the dragon-man. The musk-rat then started crying bitterly and said, "No, no; the boy you’re after just passed by and stepped on the roof of my house, breaking it." The dragon-man was fooled again. He moved on and soon found an old Turtle splashing around in the mud. "You’re very old and wise," he said, hoping to flatter Turtle, "you must have seen the person I’m looking for." "Yes," said Turtle, "he's further down the stream. Cross the river and you'll find him. But be careful, because [Pg 110] if you don't recognize him when you see him, he will definitely kill you." Turtle knew that the dragon-man's fate was sealed.

The dragon-man followed the lake till he came to the river. For greater caution, so that he might be less easily seen, he changed himself to a Snake. Then he attempted to cross the stream. But the youth, still in the form of a fish and still using the power of his magic bark with the mystic sign, was swimming round and round in a circle in the middle of the river. A rapid whirlpool arose where he swam, but it was not visible on the surface. As the Snake approached it, he saw nothing but clear water. He failed to recognize his enemy, and as Turtle had told him, he swam into the whirlpool before he was aware of it, and was quickly drawn to the bottom, where he was drowned.

The dragon-man followed the lake until he reached the river. To be more cautious and avoid being seen, he transformed into a Snake. Then he tried to cross the stream. However, the youth, still in the shape of a fish and using the power of his magical bark with the mystical symbol, was swimming in circles in the middle of the river. A strong whirlpool formed where he swam, but it was invisible on the surface. As the Snake got closer, he saw nothing but clear water. He didn't recognize his enemy, and as Turtle had warned him, he swam into the whirlpool without realizing it and was quickly pulled to the bottom, where he drowned.

The youth fished him up and cut off his head. Then he changed back to his own form. He went to the dragon-man's lodge to see how the old woman had fared, but she had gone with her bright robe, and the lodge was empty. Then the youth went back to his home and reported what he had done. And he received many rich gifts from the Chief for his brave deed, and the land was never troubled again by dragons. But from that time the snake family was hated because its shape had concealed the dragon-man, and to this day an Indian will not let a snake escape with his life if he[Pg 111] meets one of them in his path. For they still are mindful of the adventure of their ancestor in the old days, and they are suspicious of the evil power the snake family secretly possess.

The young man fished him out and cut off his head. Then he returned to his original form. He went to the dragon-man's lodge to check on the old woman, but she had left with her bright robe, and the lodge was empty. The young man then returned home and told everyone what he had done. He received many valuable gifts from the Chief for his brave act, and the land was never again troubled by dragons. However, from that time on, the snake family was despised because its disguise had hidden the dragon-man, and to this day, an Indian will not let a snake escape if he encounters one on his path. They still remember the adventure of their ancestor from long ago and are wary of the hidden evil power the snake family possesses.


OWL WITH THE GREAT HEAD AND EYES

Long ago, when Glooskap was the ruler of the Indians in Eastern Canada, and when the animals all worked for him and talked like men, Wolf was one of Rabbit's enemies. On the surface they seemed to be friends, but each was afraid of the other and each suspected the other of treachery. Rabbit was very faithful to his work as the forest guide who showed people the way to far places. But he was also a great trickster, and he delighted to play pranks on every one he met. He liked more than all to pester Wolf, for he had a hatred for his cruel ways, and he was always able to outwit him.

Long ago, when Glooskap was the leader of the Indigenous people in Eastern Canada, and when the animals worked for him and could talk like humans, Wolf was one of Rabbit's enemies. On the surface, they seemed like friends, but each was afraid of the other and suspected the other of betrayal. Rabbit was very dedicated to his job as the forest guide, showing people the way to distant places. But he was also a master trickster who loved to play pranks on everyone he encountered. More than anything, he enjoyed annoying Wolf, as he despised his cruel ways and always managed to outsmart him.

It happened that Rabbit and Wolf lived close together, deep in the Canadian forest. Some distance from them, in a little house, lived a poor widow woman who had only one daughter. She was a very beautiful girl, with hair as black as the raven's wing, and with eyes like the dark of the underwater. Rabbit and Wolf each fell in love with her, and each in his own way sought her as his wife. Rabbit tried hard to win her love. When he went to her[Pg 113] house he always dressed himself in a soft brown coat, and he put a bangle around his neck and bells upon his feet. And often he played sweetly on his flute, hoping to charm her with his music, for he was a great player upon the Indian pipe. And he tried to grow a moustache to hide his split lip; but he had little success, for his whiskers would not grow thick, and he has the thin scraggy moustache of a few hairs to this day. But no matter what Rabbit did to adorn himself, the girl gave him cold looks, and old Wolf seemed to be deeper in her favour, for she liked his willowy form and his sleek and bashful ways. And poor Rabbit was sore distressed.

Rabbit and Wolf lived close together in the heart of the Canadian forest. Not far from them, in a small house, lived a poor widow with just one daughter. She was a stunning girl, with hair as black as a raven's wing and eyes as deep as the dark depths of the sea. Both Rabbit and Wolf fell for her and each sought her hand in marriage in his own way. Rabbit worked hard to win her affection. Whenever he visited her[Pg 113] house, he dressed in a soft brown coat, wore a necklace, and had bells on his feet. He often played sweet tunes on his flute, hoping his music would charm her because he was a skilled player of the Indian pipe. He even tried to grow a moustache to hide his split lip, but that didn’t work out well; his whiskers wouldn’t thicken, leaving him with just a few scraggly hairs. But no matter how much Rabbit tried to impress her, the girl looked at him coldly, and old Wolf seemed to have her favor, as she admired his tall, sleek figure and shy demeanor. Poor Rabbit was greatly distressed.

One fine day in the spring-time, Rabbit came upon the girl and her mother gathering May-flowers among the moss. He crept close to listen to their talk. He heard the mother say, "I have no stomach for little Rabbit, but Wolf pleases me well. You must marry Wolf. They tell me he is a great hunter, and if you marry him we shall never want for food."

One beautiful spring day, Rabbit stumbled upon the girl and her mother picking May-flowers in the moss. He quietly moved in to listen to their conversation. He heard the mother say, "I don't have any appetite for little Rabbit, but I really like Wolf. You need to marry Wolf. I've heard he’s a great hunter, and if you marry him, we’ll never be short on food."

When Rabbit heard this he was very sad; he determined that on no account should Wolf marry the widow's daughter, and that he must use all his power to prevent it. That night he went alone to the girl's house. He spoke sneeringly of Wolf, saying with a bitter frown, "Wolf is no hunter; he never catches any game because he is lazy and has no brains; I always have to feed him to keep him[Pg 114] from starving; he is but a beast of burden; I always ride upon his back when I go to a far country, for he is good for nothing else." The girl's mother wondered greatly, and she was very startled by this news, for she did not want her daughter to marry a good-for-nothing; but she was not sure that Rabbit spoke the truth, for she had heard that sometimes he told great lies. So she said, "If you will ride Wolf over here I will believe you, and he shall not marry my daughter, and you shall marry her yourself." And Rabbit went home well pleased and sure of a happy ending to his trick.

When Rabbit heard this, he felt really sad. He decided that under no circumstances should Wolf marry the widow's daughter, and that he would do everything he could to stop it. That night, he went alone to the girl's house. He spoke mockingly about Wolf, saying with a bitter expression, "Wolf is no hunter; he never catches any game because he's lazy and not very smart. I always have to feed him to keep him[Pg 114] from starving; he’s just a pack animal; I always ride on his back when I travel far, because he’s good for nothing else." The girl's mother was very surprised, and she was startled by this news, as she didn’t want her daughter to marry a no-good man. But she wasn't sure if Rabbit was telling the truth, since she had heard that he sometimes lied a lot. So she said, "If you can bring Wolf here, I’ll believe you, and he won't marry my daughter, and you can marry her instead." Rabbit went home feeling pleased and confident that his trick would end well.

The next day Rabbit purposely met Wolf in the forest, and he said, "Let us go together to see the widow's daughter." And Wolf was glad to go. They had not gone far when Rabbit began to cry. Then he lay down on the ground, and rolled and moaned and rubbed his belly as if in great distress. "I have a sharp pain in my belly," he sobbed, "I cannot walk any farther. If I walk I shall surely die, and I cannot go on unless you carry me on your back." Wolf willingly agreed, for he wanted to see the beautiful girl, and he was very sorry for poor Rabbit in his pain; and Rabbit, laughing to himself, climbed on Wolf's back. Wolf ran along, not feeling the load, for Rabbit was very light. They had not gone far when Rabbit cried again and said, "I cannot ride without a saddle, for your bare back hurts me and gives me blisters." So they borrowed[Pg 115] a little saddle from a field by the way and put it on Wolf's back. Soon Rabbit said, "This is fine fun; let us play that you are a horse and that I am a great rider. I should like to put a little bridle on you, and to wear spurs on my feet and to carry a whip." And Wolf, wishing to please Rabbit to make him forget his pain, gladly agreed. So they borrowed a little bridle and spurs and a whip from another field near by, and did as Rabbit asked, and together they went to the girl's home, Wolf trotting along like a little horse, and Rabbit laughing to himself, sitting in the saddle, with his spurs and his whip, holding the bridle reins. When they drew near the house, Rabbit made a great noise so that the mother and her daughter might look out to see where the shouting came from. He called loudly, "Whoa, Whoa." And the girl and her mother opened the door and looked out at them in wonder. Then as they were looking on, Rabbit, chuckling to himself, struck Wolf a stinging blow with his whip, and stuck his spurs deep into Wolf's sides and called him loudly a lazy beast. Wolf jumped and plunged and kicked because of the prick of the spurs and the sting of the whip; he was very cross, but he said nothing.

The next day, Rabbit intentionally ran into Wolf in the forest and said, “Let’s go together to see the widow’s daughter.” Wolf was excited to go. They hadn’t gone far when Rabbit started to cry. Then he lay down on the ground, rolling and moaning, rubbing his belly as if he was in a lot of pain. “I have a sharp pain in my belly,” he sobbed, “I can’t walk any farther. If I walk, I’m definitely going to die, and I can’t continue unless you carry me on your back.” Wolf agreed without hesitation, wanting to see the beautiful girl and feeling sorry for poor Rabbit in his pain. Laughing to himself, Rabbit climbed onto Wolf’s back. Wolf ran along, not feeling the weight at all, since Rabbit was very light. They hadn’t gone far when Rabbit cried out again, saying, “I can’t ride without a saddle because your bare back hurts me and gives me blisters.” So, they borrowed[Pg 115] a little saddle from a nearby field and placed it on Wolf’s back. Soon Rabbit said, “This is fun; let’s pretend you’re a horse and I’m a great rider. I’d like to put a little bridle on you, wear spurs on my feet, and carry a whip.” Wolf, wanting to make Rabbit forget his pain, happily agreed. They borrowed a little bridle, spurs, and a whip from another nearby field and did as Rabbit requested. Together they went to the girl’s house, with Wolf trotting along like a little horse and Rabbit laughing to himself, sitting in the saddle with his spurs and whip, holding the bridle reins. As they approached the house, Rabbit made a loud noise so that the mother and daughter would look out to see where the shouting was coming from. He called out, “Whoa, whoa.” The girl and her mother opened the door and peeked out at them in surprise. Then, as they were watching, Rabbit, chuckling to himself, struck Wolf sharply with his whip and dug his spurs into Wolf’s sides, loudly calling him a lazy beast. Wolf jumped, bucked, and kicked because of the sting from the spurs and the whip; he was very annoyed but didn’t say anything.

Some distance away, Rabbit tied Wolf to a tree, saying, "Stay here and I will send the girl to you." Then he went to the house, and he said to the woman, "Now you will believe that Wolf is a beast of burden, for I have ridden[Pg 116] here on his back." And the woman believed him. She told him to give Wolf some corn or grass. But Rabbit said, "He doesn't eat corn or grass; he eats only fresh meat," for he knew well that Wolf would be quite contented if he got a good meal of meat. Then she gave him some fresh meat, which he brought to Wolf. And Wolf was happy, and his anger disappeared, and he forgot the pain of the spurs and the whip, and he thought it was fine fun to get a good meal so easily. The woman promised that Rabbit should marry her daughter, and when night fell Rabbit went home well pleased, leaving Wolf still tied to the tree. It was so dark that Wolf did not see him leaving the house, and for a long time he thought he was still inside, and he waited long in the starlight. At last he grew tired waiting, for he was hungry and he was cold standing still in the chill night air of early spring. He cut with his teeth the bridle rein that tied him to the tree, and then he went to the woman's house. But the woman would not let him in. She told him to go away, that she never wished to see him again, and she called him a lazy beast of burden. He went home in great anger, for he knew now that he had been tricked, and he swore that he would have vengeance on Rabbit.

Some distance away, Rabbit tied Wolf to a tree and said, "Stay here, and I’ll send the girl to you." Then he went to the house and told the woman, "Now you’ll believe that Wolf is a beast of burden, since I rode[Pg 116] here on his back." And the woman believed him. She told him to give Wolf some corn or grass. But Rabbit said, "He doesn't eat corn or grass; he only eats fresh meat," knowing very well that Wolf would be happy with a good meal of meat. Then she gave him some fresh meat, which he brought to Wolf. Wolf was happy, his anger faded, and he forgot the pain from the spurs and the whip, thinking it was great fun to get a good meal so easily. The woman promised that Rabbit could marry her daughter, and when night fell, Rabbit went home satisfied, leaving Wolf still tied to the tree. It was so dark that Wolf didn’t see him leave the house, and for a long time, he thought Rabbit was still inside, waiting for him in the starlight. Eventually, he grew tired of waiting, feeling hungry and cold standing still in the early spring chill. He bit through the bridle rein that tied him to the tree and went to the woman’s house. But she wouldn’t let him in. She told him to go away, that she never wanted to see him again, and called him a lazy beast of burden. He went home in a rage, realizing he had been tricked, and swore he would get revenge on Rabbit.

WOLF TROTTED ALONG LIKE A LITTLE HORSE, AND RABBIT LAUGHING TO HIMSELF SITTING IN THE SADDLE Wolf trotted along like a little horse, while Rabbit sat in the saddle, laughing to himself.

The next day Rabbit learned from the woman that she had spurned Wolf from her door, and he knew that Wolf realized he had been deceived. He was somewhat frightened, for he dreaded Wolf's vengeance, and for several days he hid among the trees. Then hunger drove him out and he went forth to look for food. One evening he entered a garden in search of cabbage, and he was busy robbing it, when the people who owned the garden spied him. And they said, "Here is the thief who has been stealing our vegetables. We will catch him and teach him a lesson." Before Rabbit knew it, they were upon him, for he was eating heartily, he was so hungry, and they caught him and bound him fast to a tree and went to get scalding water to pour upon his back to teach him not to rob their garden again. But while they were away Wolf came along. He, too, was very hungry, for he had eaten no meal for many days, but he was glad when he saw Rabbit, for now he thought he would have his revenge. Rabbit saw him at a distance, and he resolved to try another trick on him, and to hail him as if he thought he was still his friend. And he cried out to him, "Help me, Wolf! Help me! The people here asked me to eat up a nice little lamb, and when I refused to do it, they tied me up to this tree, and they have gone to bring the lamb to me."

The next day, Rabbit learned from the woman that she had turned Wolf away, and he knew Wolf realized he had been tricked. He was a bit scared because he feared Wolf's revenge, so he hid among the trees for several days. But hunger drove him out, and he went out to look for food. One evening, he entered a garden searching for cabbage, and while he was busy stealing it, the garden's owners spotted him. They said, "Here’s the thief who has been stealing our vegetables. We’ll catch him and teach him a lesson." Before Rabbit knew what was happening, they were on him, as he was eating vigorously because he was so hungry. They grabbed him and tied him fast to a tree, then went to get boiling water to pour on his back to teach him not to steal from their garden again. While they were gone, Wolf came along. He was also very hungry since he hadn't eaten in days, but he was pleased to see Rabbit because he thought he would finally get his revenge. Rabbit spotted him from a distance and decided to try another trick, calling out to him as if he still considered him a friend. He shouted, "Help me, Wolf! Help me! The people here asked me to eat a nice little lamb, and when I refused, they tied me up to this tree, and now they’ve gone to bring the lamb to me."

Wolf was too hungry to be cautious, and he forgot all about Rabbit's tricks, for spring lamb was his favourite food. And he said, "I will eat up the little lamb," and he smacked his lips as he spoke, and thought of the nice tender meal he would have. Then Rabbit said, "Untie[Pg 118] me and take my place, for the people will soon be here with the lamb." So Wolf untied him, and Rabbit in turn bound Wolf fast to the tree, and laughing to himself because he had again outwitted stupid Wolf, he ran rapidly away. Far off he hid behind the trees to see what would happen. Soon the people came back, carrying the pots of scalding water. Wolf saw them coming, and he was in high spirits, for he thought the lamb he was to eat was in one of the pots. It was moonlight, and in the shadow of the great tree the people could not see very clearly, and they thought Wolf was Rabbit, still bound fast where they had left him. So they poured the scalding water on his back and kicked him and knocked him on the head with a big stick, and they said, "Now, thief, we have taught you how dangerous it is to rob gardens in the spring moonlight." Wolf howled with pain, for his back was blistered and his head was sore, and Rabbit heard him, and he sat on a log and shook with laughter because of the success of his prank.

Wolf was too hungry to be cautious and forgot all about Rabbit's tricks, since spring lamb was his favorite food. He said, "I’m going to eat that little lamb," smacking his lips as he spoke, imagining the nice tender meal he would enjoy. Then Rabbit said, "Untie me and take my place, because the people will be here soon with the lamb." So Wolf untied him, and then Rabbit tied Wolf up to the tree, laughing to himself because he had outsmarted the dumb Wolf again, and he ran away quickly. He hid behind the trees to see what would happen. Soon the people returned, carrying pots of boiling water. Wolf saw them coming and was in high spirits, thinking the lamb he was going to eat was in one of the pots. It was moonlight, and in the shadow of the big tree, the people couldn’t see very clearly and thought Wolf was Rabbit, still tied up where they left him. They poured the boiling water on his back and kicked him, hitting him on the head with a big stick, saying, "Now, thief, we’ve taught you how dangerous it is to steal from gardens in the spring moonlight." Wolf howled in pain, as his back was blistered and his head was sore, while Rabbit heard him and sat on a log, shaking with laughter at the success of his prank.

Then the people untied Wolf and let him go. He went away wearily among the trees. And he again swore vengeance on Rabbit, and he resolved to kill him as soon as he set eyes upon him, for he knew he had been tricked a second time. For several days he searched for his enemy. At last, one night of bright moonlight, he came upon Rabbit sitting in a patch of Indian tobacco plants, eating his fill and contentedly chewing the tobacco leaves.[Pg 119] Rabbit's mouth was full of tobacco, but he laughed loudly when he saw Wolf's back bound in bandages because of the blisters, and his sore head tied up in a cloth. But when he saw Wolf's angry eyes he was frightened, and he ran away into the woods. The moon was shining in the forest, and Wolf could catch a glimpse now and then of his brown coat among the trees, and he chased him for a long time. Rabbit tried all his tricks to shake him from his tracks, but without avail. At last, when Rabbit was almost worn out, he took refuge in a hollow tree, into which he slipped through a small hole, where Wolf could not follow him. And Wolf said, "Now I have him in my power. I will kill him; but first I must go home to get my axe to cut down the tree and to chop off his head." Then he looked around for some one to keep watch over the tree while he was gone, so that Rabbit could not escape. At last he saw Owl sitting quietly on a branch near. He called to him and said, "Watch by this hole until I get back, and do not let Rabbit get away." So Owl came down and sat by the hole and promised to keep guard over the prisoner, and Wolf went away to look for his axe.

Then the people untied Wolf and let him go. He walked away tired among the trees. He swore revenge on Rabbit again and decided to kill him as soon as he saw him, knowing he had been tricked a second time. For several days, he searched for his enemy. Finally, one bright moonlit night, he found Rabbit sitting in a patch of Indian tobacco plants, happily munching on the leaves. Rabbit’s mouth was full of tobacco, but he laughed loudly when he saw Wolf’s back wrapped in bandages from the blisters and his sore head covered with a cloth. But when he saw Wolf’s angry eyes, he got scared and ran into the woods. The moon was shining in the forest, and Wolf caught glimpses of Rabbit's brown coat among the trees as he chased him for a long time. Rabbit tried all his tricks to shake him off, but it didn’t work. Finally, when Rabbit was almost exhausted, he took refuge in a hollow tree, slipping through a small hole that Wolf couldn’t follow him through. Wolf said, "Now I have him trapped. I will kill him; but first I need to go home to get my axe to cut down the tree and chop off his head." Then he looked around for someone to keep watch over the tree while he was gone, so Rabbit couldn’t escape. Finally, he spotted Owl sitting quietly on a branch nearby. He called out, "Watch this hole until I get back, and don’t let Rabbit get away." So Owl came down, sat by the hole, and promised to guard the prisoner while Wolf went off to find his axe.

But Rabbit was not caught yet; he had another trick left. After Wolf had gone away, he called to Owl sitting by the hole, and said, "Owl, come and see what a nice little room I have here in the tree." But Owl replied, "It is too dark, I cannot see." Then Rabbit said, "Open[Pg 120] your eyes wide and put your face close to the hole, for I have a light here and you can see easily." Owl did as he was told, for he was a curious fellow. Rabbit had a great mouthful of tobacco juice from the Indian tobacco leaves he had been chewing, and when Owl put his face close to the hole he squirted the juice into Owl's eyes. Owl screamed loudly, for his eyes were smarting and he was blinded by the juice; he ran around the tree and stamped and shrieked and rubbed his eyes, trying to relieve them of their pain. And while he was about it, Rabbit slipped out of the hole and ran away, and Owl did not know he was gone.

But Rabbit wasn't caught yet; he had one more trick up his sleeve. After Wolf left, he called to Owl, who was sitting by the hole, and said, "Owl, come check out the nice little room I have in the tree." But Owl replied, "It's too dark; I can't see." Then Rabbit said, "Open your eyes wide and put your face close to the hole. I have a light here, and you’ll see easily." Owl did what he was told because he was curious. Rabbit had a mouthful of tobacco juice from the Indian tobacco leaves he had been chewing, and when Owl leaned in close to the hole, he squirted the juice into Owl's eyes. Owl screamed loudly, as his eyes burned and he was blinded by the juice; he ran around the tree, stamping and shrieking, rubbing his eyes to ease the pain. Meanwhile, while he was distracted, Rabbit slipped out of the hole and ran away, and Owl didn’t even realize he was gone.

Soon Wolf came back, carrying his big sharp axe. And he said, "Now I shall kill him at last." And Owl was afraid to tell him about his sore eyes; they were still open wide, and he could not close them. At once Wolf chopped down the hollow tree. Then he split it open from end to end. But there was no sign of Rabbit. Wolf then thought Owl had tricked him, and that he had helped Rabbit to escape. But Owl said he had not. He sat with his eyes wide open, staring stupidly and moaning and making strange noises because of his pain. Wolf thought he was laughing at him and taunting him, for he did not know the meaning of Owl's strange cries, and in his rage he fell to beating him over the head with his axe-handle until poor Owl's head was swollen to a great size. And Owl cried,[Pg 121] "Hoot, Hoot, Hoot," and his eyes stared from his swollen head even larger than before. Then Wolf went on his way, resolved to keep away from Rabbit. And since that time Owl has cried "Hoot, Hoot, Hoot" at night, for he still remembers his pain; and his head is still swollen and bigger than that of other birds because of the beating Wolf gave him with his axe-handle; and his eyes are still large and they stare stupidly, and he cannot look at light, and he is blind in the daylight because of the tobacco juice Rabbit squirted into his eyes. And since that night Rabbit and Wolf have avoided each other, and they have not lived in the same place, and they have never since been friends.

Soon Wolf came back, carrying his big sharp axe. He said, "Now I’m finally going to kill him." Owl was too scared to tell him about his sore eyes; they were still wide open, and he couldn’t close them. Immediately, Wolf chopped down the hollow tree. Then he split it open from one end to the other. But there was no sign of Rabbit. Wolf then thought Owl had tricked him and that he helped Rabbit escape. But Owl insisted he hadn’t. He sat there with his eyes wide open, staring blankly and moaning, making strange noises because of his pain. Wolf thought he was laughing at him and taunting him because he didn’t understand Owl's odd cries, and in his rage, he started beating him over the head with his axe handle until poor Owl’s head swelled up significantly. And Owl cried, [Pg 121] "Hoot, Hoot, Hoot," and his eyes bulged from his swollen head even larger than before. Then Wolf went on his way, determined to stay away from Rabbit. Since then, Owl has been hooting "Hoot, Hoot, Hoot" at night because he still remembers his pain; his head is still swollen and bigger than that of other birds because of the beating from Wolf; his eyes are still large and stare blankly, and he can’t handle bright light, leaving him blind during the day due to the tobacco juice Rabbit squirted into his eyes. And since that night, Rabbit and Wolf have avoided each other, never lived in the same place, and have never been friends again.


THE TOBACCO FAIRY FROM THE BLUE HILLS

A man and his wife and two little children were living long ago on the shores of a lake surrounded by large trees, deep in the Canadian forest. They lived very happily together, and as game was plentiful, they wanted for nothing. As the children grew up they became each day more beautiful and gentle, until the old women of the tribe said, "They are too good and lovely for this world; their home is surely elsewhere in the West." Before they grew to maturity a cruel plague spread over the land and carried them off with its ravages. Their mother was the next to go, slowly growing weaker, and wasting away before the eyes of her husband, who was powerless to save her.

A man, his wife, and their two young children lived a long time ago by the shores of a lake surrounded by towering trees deep in the Canadian forest. They were very happy together, and since game was abundant, they lacked for nothing. As the children grew, they became more beautiful and gentle every day, until the older women of the tribe said, "They are too pure and lovely for this world; their true home must be in the West." Before they reached adulthood, a cruel plague swept through the land, taking them with its devastating effects. Their mother was the next to go, slowly getting weaker and wasting away in front of her husband, who could do nothing to save her.

The man was now left all alone upon the earth. The joy of his life had gone with his wife and children, and he went about in great loneliness and sorrow. Life was long to him and dreary, and often he wished that he too was dead. But at last he roused himself and said, "I will go about doing good. I will spend my life helping others, and perhaps in that way I can find peace." So he worked hard[Pg 123] and did all the good he could for the weaker and the poorer people of his tribe. He was held in high esteem by all the people of the village, and in their affection for him they all called him "Grandfather." He grew to be very old, and because of his good deeds he found great happiness. But he was still very solitary, and the days and evenings were long and lonely, and as he grew older and his work grew less, he found it hard to pass away the time, for he could only sit alone and dream of his vanished youth and of his absent friends.

The man was now completely alone on earth. The joy of his life had left with his wife and children, and he wandered around in deep loneliness and sadness. Life felt long and dreary to him, and he often wished he were dead too. But eventually, he snapped out of it and said, "I will go out and do good. I will spend my life helping others, and maybe that way I can find peace." So he worked hard[Pg 123] and did as much good as he could for the weaker and poorer people in his tribe. He was respected by everyone in the village, and out of their affection for him, they all called him "Grandfather." He grew very old, and because of his good deeds, he found great happiness. Still, he was very lonely, and the days and evenings felt long and isolating. As he aged and his work diminished, he struggled to pass the time, only able to sit alone and reminisce about his lost youth and absent friends.

One day he sat thinking by the lake. Many people of the village were around him, but as usual he sat alone. Suddenly a large flock of birds, looking like great black clouds, came flying from the blue hills in the distance toward the shore of the lake. They wheeled and circled about, and hovered long over the trees, uttering strange cries. The people had never before seen such large birds, and they were much afraid and said, "They are not ordinary creatures. They foreshadow some strange happening." Suddenly one of the birds fluttered for an instant and fell slowly to the earth with an arrow in its breast. No one in the village had shot at the flock, and where the arrow had come from no man knew. The mystery frightened the people still more, and they looked to the old man for counsel, for they knew that he was very wise.

One day, he was sitting by the lake, lost in thought. Many villagers were around him, but as usual, he sat alone. Suddenly, a huge flock of birds that looked like massive black clouds flew from the distant blue hills toward the lake's shore. They swooped and circled, hovering for a long time over the trees, making strange noises. The villagers had never seen such big birds before, and they were quite scared, saying, "These are not ordinary creatures. They signal something unusual is about to happen." Then, one of the birds suddenly fluttered for a moment before falling slowly to the ground with an arrow in its chest. No one in the village had shot at the flock, and no one knew where the arrow had come from. The mystery made the people even more frightened, and they turned to the old man for advice, knowing he was very wise.

The fallen bird lay fluttering on the ground, seemingly[Pg 124] in pain. The other birds circled about it for a short time, uttering loud cries. Then they screamed and called to each other and flew back to the distant blue hills, leaving the fallen bird behind them with the arrow sticking in its breast. The old man was not frightened by the sight. He said, "I will go to the stricken bird; perhaps I can heal its wound." But the people, in great fear, said, "Do not go, Grandfather, the bird will do you harm." But the old man answered, "It can do no harm to me. My work is ended and my life is almost done. My sky is dark, for I am full of sorrow, and with me it is already the twilight of time. I am alone in the world, for my kindred have gone. I am not afraid of death, for to me it would be very welcome. What matters it if I should die?" And he went to the stricken bird to see if he could help it.

The fallen bird lay flapping on the ground, seemingly[Pg 124] in pain. The other birds circled around it for a little while, making loud noises. Then they screamed and called to each other and flew back to the distant blue hills, leaving the fallen bird behind with the arrow stuck in its chest. The old man wasn’t scared by the sight. He said, "I will go to the injured bird; maybe I can heal its wound." But the people, in great fear, said, "Don’t go, Grandfather, the bird will harm you." But the old man replied, "It can’t harm me. My work is done, and my life is almost over. My sky is dark, for I am full of sorrow, and it is already twilight for me. I am alone in the world, for my family is gone. I’m not afraid of death; to me, it would be a welcome relief. What does it matter if I should die?" And he went to the injured bird to see if he could help it.

As he went along, his path suddenly grew dark, but as he drew nearer, a bright flame suddenly swept down from the sky to the place where the bird was lying. There was a flash of fire, and when the old man looked he saw that the bird had been completely burned up. When he came to where it had lain, nothing but black ashes remained. He stirred up the ashes with his stick, and lying in the centre he found a large living coal of fire. As he looked at it, in a twinkling it disappeared, and in its place was a strange little figure like a little man, no bigger than his thumb. "Hello, Grandfather," it called, "do not strike me, for I have been sent to help you."

As he walked, the path suddenly became dark, but as he got closer, a bright flame shot down from the sky to where the bird was lying. There was a burst of fire, and when the old man looked, he saw that the bird had been completely burned away. When he reached the spot where it had been, all that was left were black ashes. He poked the ashes with his stick, and in the center, he found a large glowing coal. As he watched it, in an instant, it vanished, and in its place appeared a strange little figure that looked like a tiny man, no bigger than his thumb. "Hello, Grandfather," it said, "don't hit me, because I've been sent to help you."

SUDDENLY A LARGE FLOCK OF BIRDS, LOOKING LIKE GREAT BLACK CLOUDS, CAME FLYING FROM THE BLUE HILLS Suddenly, a large flock of birds, resembling massive black clouds, came flying in from the blue hills.

"Who are you?" asked the old man.

"Who are you?" the old man asked.

"I am one of the Little People from the distant blue hills," said the tiny boy. Then the old man knew that the little fellow was one of the strange fairy people of the mountains, of whom he had often heard. "What do you want?" he asked.

"I’m one of the Little People from the faraway blue hills," said the tiny boy. Then the old man realized that the little guy was one of the unusual fairy folks from the mountains, about whom he had often heard. "What do you want?" he asked.

"I have been sent to you with a precious gift," answered the little man. The old man wondered greatly, but he said nothing.

"I've been sent to you with a special gift," replied the little man. The old man was quite curious, but he said nothing.

Then the fairy from the blue hills said, "You are old and lonely. You have done many noble deeds, and you have always gone about bringing good to others. In that way you have found peace. And because of your good life, I have been sent to bring you more contentment. Your work is done, but your life is not yet ended, and you have still a long time to dwell upon the earth. You must live out your mortal course. You are longing always for your dead wife and children, and you are often thinking of your youth, and with you the days are long and time hangs heavy. But I have been sent to you with a gift that will help you to pass the time more pleasantly."

Then the fairy from the blue hills said, "You’re old and lonely. You’ve done many great things, and you’ve always made an effort to do good for others. That’s how you’ve found peace. Because of your good life, I’ve come to bring you more happiness. Your work is done, but your life isn’t over yet, and you still have a long time to live on this earth. You need to complete your time here. You constantly miss your late wife and kids, and you often think about your youth; that makes your days feel long and time heavy. But I’ve come to you with a gift that will help make your time more enjoyable."

Then the little man gave him a number of small seeds and said, "Plant these at once, here, in the ashes from which I have just risen." The old man did as he was told. At[Pg 126] once the seeds sprouted and great leaves grew from them, and soon the place where the bird had been burned up became a large field of Tobacco.

Then the little man gave him several small seeds and said, "Plant these right away, here, in the ashes from which I have just emerged." The old man followed his instructions. At[Pg 126] once, the seeds sprouted and large leaves grew from them, and soon the spot where the bird had been burned turned into a large field of tobacco.

The fairy then gave him a large pipe and said, "Dry these leaves and place them in this pipe and smoke them. You will have great contentment, and when you have nothing to do it will help you to pass the time away, and when no one is with you it will be a companion. And it will bring you many dreams of the future and of the past. And when the smoke curls upwards it will have for you many visions of those you loved, and you will see their faces in the smoke as you sit alone in the twilight."

The fairy then handed him a large pipe and said, "Dry these leaves, fill this pipe with them, and smoke it. You'll find great satisfaction, and when you're bored, it will help you pass the time. When you're by yourself, it will be your companion. It will bring you many dreams about the future and the past. And as the smoke rises, you'll have visions of those you loved, and you’ll see their faces in the smoke while you sit alone in the evening light."

The old man was very thankful for the fairy's gift. But the little man said, "Teach other old men how to use it, so that they, too, may possess it and enjoy it."

The old man was very grateful for the fairy's gift. But the little man said, "Teach other old men how to use it, so that they can also have it and enjoy it."

Then the fairy quickly disappeared, going towards the distant blue hills, and he was never seen in the village again. And with his pipe and his tobacco the old man went back to his dreaming, with more contentment than before. In this way Tobacco was brought to the Indians in the old days.

Then the fairy quickly vanished, heading toward the distant blue hills, and he was never seen in the village again. With his pipe and tobacco, the old man returned to his dreaming, feeling more content than before. This is how Tobacco was brought to the Indians in the old days.


RAINBOW AND THE AUTUMN LEAVES

In olden days, long before the Indians came to Canada, all the animals talked and worked like men. Every year after midsummer they held a great council at which they were all present. But it happened once in the summer before the council met, that they all wanted to go to the sky to see what the country up there was like. None of them could find a way to go. The oldest and wisest creature on all the earth was Turtle. One day he prayed to the Thunder God to take him to the sky, and his prayer was soon answered. There was a great noise, as if the earth had been split asunder, and when the people next looked for Turtle he was nowhere to be found. They searched everywhere without success. But that evening, when they looked upwards, they saw him in the sky, moving about like a black cloud. Turtle liked the sky so well that he decided to live there always and to send his descendants, later, to the earth. And the sky-people agreed to keep him. They asked him, "Where do you want to dwell?" And he answered, "I should like to dwell in the Black Cloud, in which are the ponds and[Pg 128] streams and lakes and springs of water, for I always dwelt near these places when I was young." So he was allowed to have his wish. But when the Great Council of the animals met on earth in the time of the harvest-moon, he was always present. He came in the Black Cloud, but he always went back to the sky after the Council was ended. And the other animals envied him his good fortune, and they wished that they could go with him.

In ancient times, long before the Indigenous people arrived in Canada, all the animals communicated and worked like humans. Every year after midsummer, they held a big council where everyone was present. However, one summer before the council, they all wanted to go to the sky to see what it was like up there. None of them could figure out how to get there. The oldest and wisest creature on earth was Turtle. One day, he prayed to the Thunder God to take him to the sky, and his prayer was quickly answered. There was a loud noise, as if the earth had split open, and when the others looked for Turtle, he was nowhere to be found. They searched everywhere without luck. But that evening, when they looked up, they saw him in the sky, moving like a dark cloud. Turtle loved the sky so much that he decided to stay there and later send his descendants to earth. The sky beings agreed to keep him there. They asked him, "Where do you want to live?" He replied, "I would like to live in the Black Cloud, where the ponds, streams, lakes, and springs of water are, because I always lived near these places when I was young." So, he got his wish. But when the Great Council of the animals gathered on earth during the harvest moon, he was always there. He came in the Black Cloud but returned to the sky once the Council ended. The other animals envied his good fortune and wished they could join him.

After a time the animals were greatly distressed and angered by the rumour that a new race of creatures was coming from far over the ocean to inhabit their land. They talked it over very carefully, and they all thought how fortunate it would be if they could all go to the sky with old Turtle, and live like him, free from fear and trouble and care. But they were puzzled to know how to get there, for Turtle had never told any of them the way.

After a while, the animals were really upset and angry about the rumor that a new group of creatures was coming from across the ocean to take over their land. They discussed it thoroughly and thought about how great it would be if they could all join Old Turtle in the sky and live like him, free from fear, trouble, and worry. But they were confused about how to get there since Turtle had never shared the way with any of them.

One day Deer, wandering about alone in the forest, as was his custom, came across Rainbow, who often built a path of many colours to the sky. And he said to Rainbow, "Carry me up to the sky, for I want to see Turtle." But Rainbow was afraid to do it, for he wished first to ask the Thunder God for permission, and he put Deer off, and to gain time he said, "Come to me in winter, when I stay for a time on the mountain near the lake. Then I will gladly carry you to the place where Turtle dwells."

One day, Deer was wandering alone in the forest, as he usually did, when he came across Rainbow, who often created a colorful path to the sky. He said to Rainbow, "Take me up to the sky; I want to see Turtle." But Rainbow was hesitant because he wanted to first ask the Thunder God for permission. So, he postponed Deer’s request and said, "Come back to me in winter when I stay for a while on the mountain near the lake. Then I’d be happy to take you to where Turtle lives."

THROUGHOUT THE LONG WINTER MONTHS DEER LOOKED LONGINGLY FOR RAINBOW During the long winter months, deer eagerly searched for rainbow.

Throughout the long winter months Deer looked longingly for Rainbow, but Rainbow did not come. Life was growing harder on the earth, and the animals were in terror of the new race that was soon to come to their land, and Deer was very timid and impatient. At last, one day in the early summer, Rainbow came again, and Deer hastened to meet him. "Why were you false to me?" he asked; "I waited for you all winter long on the mountain by the lake, but you did not come as you promised. I want to go to the sky now, for I must see Turtle." Rainbow answered, "I cannot take you now. But some day, when there is a Fog over the lake, I shall come back to drive it away. Come to me then, and I shall take you to the sky and to the place where Turtle dwells. This time I will not deceive you."

Throughout the long winter months, Deer longed for Rainbow, but Rainbow didn’t show up. Life was getting tougher on the earth, and the animals were terrified of a new race that was about to arrive in their land, leaving Deer feeling anxious and restless. Finally, one day in early summer, Rainbow returned, and Deer rushed to meet him. "Why did you let me down?" he asked. "I waited for you all winter on the mountain by the lake, but you didn’t come as you promised. I want to go to the sky now because I need to see Turtle." Rainbow replied, "I can’t take you right now. But someday, when there’s a Fog over the lake, I’ll come back to clear it away. Come to me then, and I’ll take you to the sky and to where Turtle lives. This time I won’t betray you."

Rainbow consulted the Thunder God, and received permission to do as Deer wished. Soon afterwards the Fog one day rolled in a thick bank across the lake, and Deer hurried out to wait for Rainbow. Sure enough, Rainbow came down, as he had promised, to drive the Fog away. He threw his arch of many colours from the lake to the blue hills far away, and the Fog at once disappeared from the place. And he said to Deer, who stood watching him, "Now I will keep my promise. Follow my many-coloured path over the hills and the forests and the streams, and be not afraid, and you will soon reach Turtle's home in the sky." Deer did as he was told, and soon he reached the[Pg 130] sky. Turtle was glad to see him, and Deer liked the country so well that he decided to stay for ever. And he roamed over the sky everywhere, moving like the wind from place to place.

Rainbow talked to the Thunder God and got the go-ahead to do what Deer wanted. Soon after, one day a thick fog rolled in across the lake, and Deer rushed out to wait for Rainbow. As promised, Rainbow came down to clear away the Fog. He stretched his colorful arch from the lake to the distant blue hills, and the Fog instantly vanished. He said to Deer, who was watching, "Now I’ve kept my promise. Follow my colorful path over the hills, forests, and streams, don’t be afraid, and you’ll soon reach Turtle's home in the sky." Deer followed his instructions and soon reached the [Pg 130] sky. Turtle was happy to see him, and Deer liked the place so much that he decided to stay forever. He roamed the sky everywhere, moving like the wind from one spot to another.

When midsummer had passed and the harvest-moon had come and the Great Council again met together, Deer was absent for the first time in his life. The animals waited long for him to appear, for they needed his advice, but he did not come. They sent the Birds out to find him. Black Hawk and Woodpecker and Bluejay all sought him in the forest, but they could not find a trace of him. Then Wolf and Fox scoured the woods far and near, but they came back and reported that he could not be found anywhere. At last Turtle arrived at the meeting of the Great Council, as was his custom, coming in his Black Cloud, in which were the ponds and lakes and streams and springs of water. And Bear said, "Deer is absent from the Council meeting. Where is Deer? We cannot meet without him, for we need his advice." And Turtle replied, "Deer is in the sky. Have you not heard? Rainbow made a wonderful pathway for him of many varied colours, and by that he came to the sky. There he is now," and he pointed to a golden cloud scurrying across the sky overhead.

When midsummer ended and the harvest moon rose, the Great Council gathered again, but Deer was missing for the first time in his life. The animals waited a long time for him to show up because they needed his advice, but he never arrived. They sent the Birds out to look for him. Black Hawk, Woodpecker, and Bluejay all searched for him in the forest, but they couldn’t find any trace of him. Then Wolf and Fox combed the woods far and wide, but they returned saying he couldn’t be found anywhere. At last, Turtle showed up at the Great Council meeting, as usual, arriving in his Black Cloud, which carried the ponds, lakes, streams, and springs of water. Bear said, "Deer is missing from the Council meeting. Where is Deer? We can’t meet without him; we need his advice." And Turtle replied, "Deer is in the sky. Haven’t you heard? Rainbow created a beautiful path for him made of many colors, and that’s how he got to the sky. He’s up there now," and he pointed to a golden cloud racing across the sky above.

Turtle advised that the animals should all go to the sky to live until they could be sure that the new race of creatures would bring them no harm. And he showed them the[Pg 131] pathway that Rainbow had made, stretching from the earth in wonderful colours. The animals all agreed at the Great Council to take Turtle's advice. But they were all very angry at Deer for leaving them without warning, for they thought that all the animals should either stay together faithfully on the earth or go all together to the sky. Bear showed the greatest anger and annoyance. Because of his great strength, he had no fear of the new race that was said soon to be coming, and he had always been inclined to look with scorn on Deer's timid and impatient ways. "Deer has forsaken us," he said; "he deserted us in the hour of our danger, and that is contrary to forest laws and to our code of defence." And he thought to himself, "I shall punish him for this when the time comes."

Turtle suggested that the animals should all go up to the sky to wait until they could be sure that the new race of creatures wouldn't harm them. He pointed out the[Pg 131] pathway that Rainbow had created, stretching from the earth in beautiful colors. The animals all agreed at the Great Council to follow Turtle's advice. However, they were all really angry at Deer for leaving without any notice, as they believed all the animals should either stay together loyally on the earth or go up together to the sky. Bear showed the most anger and frustration. Because of his great strength, he felt no fear of the new race that was supposedly coming, and he had always looked down on Deer’s timid and impatient ways. "Deer has abandoned us," he said; "he deserted us in our time of danger, and that goes against forest laws and our code of defense." And he thought to himself, "I will make him pay for this when the time is right."

In the late autumn, the time agreed upon came for the animals to leave the earth, and Rainbow again made his bright path for them to the sky. Bear was the first to go up because he was the leader, and because with his great weight he wanted to test the strength of the bridge of burning colours over which they had to pass. When he had almost reached the sky, he met Deer on the path waiting to welcome the animals to their new home. And he said to him in anger, "Why did you leave us behind, without warning, for the land of the Turtle? Why did you desert the Great Council? Why did you not wait until[Pg 132] all could come together? You are a traitor to your comrades, and you have been false to our faith." And Deer answered, also in anger, "Who are you to doubt me or my faith? None but the Wolf may ask me why I came or question my fidelity. I will kill you for your insolence." Deer had grown very proud since he had gone to live in the sky, and he was no longer timid as he had been on earth. His eyes flashed in his fury, and he arched his neck and lowered his antlered head, and rushed madly at Bear to push him from the path.

In late autumn, the time they agreed on came for the animals to leave the earth, and Rainbow once again created his bright path for them to the sky. Bear was the first to ascend because he was the leader and he wanted to test the strength of the burning-colored bridge they had to cross, given his large weight. As he was nearly reaching the sky, he encountered Deer on the path, waiting to welcome the animals to their new home. He angrily said to him, "Why did you leave us behind without a word for the land of the Turtle? Why did you abandon the Great Council? Why didn’t you wait until[Pg 132] we could all gather? You are a traitor to your comrades, and you've betrayed our trust." Deer replied angrily, "Who are you to doubt me or my loyalty? Only the Wolf has the right to ask me why I came or question my faithfulness. I’ll kill you for your disrespect." Deer had become very proud since moving to the sky, and he was no longer the timid creature he had been on earth. His eyes burned with fury, and he arched his neck, lowered his antlered head, and charged furiously at Bear to push him off the path.

But Bear was not afraid, for he had often tested his strength with Deer upon the earth. His low, hoarse growls sounded all over the sky, and he prepared to fight. They came together with a shock. For a long time they battled, until the bridge of burning colours trembled and the heavens shook from the force of the conflict. The animals waiting by the lake at the end of the path looked up and saw the battle above them. They feared the results, for they wanted neither Bear nor Deer to die. So they sent Wolf up to the sky to put a stop to the contest. When Wolf reached the combatants, Bear was bleeding freely, for Deer with his antlers had pierced his neck and side. Deer, too, was bleeding where Bear's strong claws had torn a great wound in his head. Wolf soon stopped the battle, and Bear and Deer went away to dress their wounds. Then the other animals went up to the sky over Rainbow's flaming[Pg 133] path. And they decided to live in the sky and to send their descendants back to earth when the new race of creatures should come. And they can still sometimes be seen, like clouds hurrying across the sky, in the shape they had on earth.

But Bear wasn’t afraid, since he had often tested his strength against Deer on the ground. His deep, hoarse growls echoed through the sky as he got ready to fight. They collided with a bang. They battled for a long time, shaking the bridge of burning colors and making the heavens tremble from the intensity of the fight. The animals waiting by the lake at the end of the path looked up and saw the battle above them. They feared the outcome because they didn’t want either Bear or Deer to die. So they sent Wolf up into the sky to stop the fight. When Wolf reached the fighters, Bear was bleeding heavily, with Deer’s antlers having pierced his neck and side. Deer was also bleeding from a large wound Bear’s strong claws had made in his head. Wolf quickly ended the battle, and Bear and Deer went off to tend to their wounds. Then the other animals ascended to the sky over Rainbow's burning[Pg 133] path. They decided to live in the sky and send their descendants back to earth when a new race of creatures would emerge. They can still sometimes be seen, like clouds racing across the sky, in the forms they had on earth.

But the blood of Bear and of Deer dropped from them as they moved to the sky from the scene of their battle along the Rainbow road. It fell freely upon the leaves of the trees beneath them, and changed them into varied colours. And every year when autumn comes in the north country, the leaves take on again the bright and wondrous colours given to them by the blood of Bear and Deer when they fought on the Rainbow path ages and ages ago. And Bear and Deer have never since been friends, and their descendants no longer dwell together in peace, as they did in the olden days.

But the blood of Bear and Deer dripped from them as they ascended to the sky from the site of their battle along the Rainbow road. It fell freely on the leaves of the trees below, transforming them into different colors. Every year when autumn arrives in the northern lands, the leaves once again adopt the bright and stunning colors bestowed upon them by the blood of Bear and Deer when they fought on the Rainbow path long ago. Since then, Bear and Deer have never been friends, and their descendants no longer live together in peace, as they did in the past.


RABBIT AND THE MOON-MAN

Once, long ago, Rabbit lived with his old grandmother deep in the Canadian forest, far from all other people. He was a great hunter, and all around, far and near, he laid snares and set traps to catch game for food. It was winter, and he caught many little animals and birds. He brought them home daily to feed himself and his old grandmother, and he was well pleased with his success. But after some weeks had passed he was unable to catch any game. He always found his traps and snares empty, although many tracks were always around them, and there were many signs that animals were prowling about. He knew then that he was being robbed nightly, and that a thief was pilfering his traps. It was very cold and the snow lay deep in the forest, and Rabbit and his old grandmother were in dire need of food. Every morning Rabbit rose very early and hurried off to his traps, but always he found them empty, for the thief had been ahead of him. He was greatly puzzled, for he could not think who the thief was.[Pg 135]

Once, a long time ago, Rabbit lived with his old grandmother deep in the Canadian forest, far away from any other people. He was a skilled hunter, setting snares and traps all around to catch food. It was winter, and he managed to catch many small animals and birds. Every day, he brought them home to feed himself and his grandmother, feeling satisfied with his success. But after a few weeks, he couldn't catch anything anymore. He always found his traps and snares empty, even though there were plenty of tracks around them and signs that animals were lurking nearby. He realized that he was being robbed every night, and someone was stealing from his traps. It was freezing, and the snow covered the forest, leaving Rabbit and his grandmother desperately in need of food. Every morning, Rabbit woke up very early and hurried to check his traps, but they were always empty because the thief had gotten there first. He was really confused, unable to figure out who the thief was.[Pg 135]

At last one morning, after a new fall of snow, he found the mark of a long foot near his traps, and he knew it was the foot of the game-robber. It was the longest foot-print he had ever seen, long and narrow and very light, like a moonbeam. And Rabbit said, "Now I shall rise earlier in the morning, and I shall go to my traps ahead of the thief and take my game, so that they will all be empty when he comes." Each morning he rose earlier to catch the thief, but the man of the long foot was always there before him, and his game was always gone. No matter how early Rabbit got up, the thief was always ahead of him and his traps were always empty.

At last one morning, after a fresh snowfall, he discovered a long footprint near his traps, and he recognized it as the mark of the game thief. It was the longest footprint he had ever seen—long, narrow, and very light, like a moonbeam. Rabbit said, "Now I'll wake up earlier in the morning and check my traps before the thief arrives, so that they will all be empty when he shows up." Each morning, he got up earlier to catch the thief, but the guy with the long foot was always there first, and his game was always gone. No matter how early Rabbit woke up, the thief was always ahead of him, and his traps were always empty.

So Rabbit said to his old grandmother, "The man of the long foot, who robs my traps, is always up ahead of me, no matter how early I rise. I will make a snare from a bow-string, and I will watch all this night, and I will surely catch him." He made a trap from a stout bow-string and set it beside his snares, and took the end of the bow-string some distance away to a clump of trees, behind which he hid. He hoped that the thief would step into the trap; then he would pull the bow-string and tie him fast to a tree. He sat very quiet, waiting for the man of the long foot to appear. It was moonlight when he set out, but soon it grew very dark in the forest. The Moon suddenly disappeared. But the stars were all shining on the[Pg 136] white snow and there were no clouds in the sky, and Rabbit wondered what had happened to the Moon. He waited very still and a little frightened in the starlight.

So Rabbit said to his old grandma, "The guy with the long foot who keeps stealing from my traps is always ahead of me, no matter how early I wake up. I’m going to make a snare from a bowstring, and I’ll keep watch all night to catch him." He made a trap using a strong bowstring and set it next to his snares. Then he took one end of the bowstring and went a little way off to a group of trees, where he hid. He hoped the thief would step into the trap; then he could pull the bowstring and tie him to a tree. He sat quietly, waiting for the guy with the long foot to show up. It was moonlight when he started, but soon it got really dark in the forest. The Moon suddenly vanished. But the stars were all shining on the[Pg 136] white snow, and there were no clouds in the sky. Rabbit wondered what had happened to the Moon. He waited very still, feeling a little scared in the starlight.

Soon he heard some one coming, sneaking stealthily through the trees. Then he saw a white light which dazzled his eyes. The light went towards the snares, until it stopped just at the trap Rabbit had set. Then Rabbit pulled the bow-string, closed the trap as he had hoped, and tied the string fast to a tree. He heard sounds of a struggle, and he saw the white light move from side to side, but he knew that he had his prisoner fast and that the man of the long foot was caught at last. He was much afraid of the white light, and he ran home as fast as he could and told his old grandmother that he had caught the game-robber in the trap, and that he did not know who he was, for he was too frightened to look. And his grandmother said, "You must go back and see who it is, and tell him he must stop robbing your snares." But Rabbit said, "I do not want to go until daylight, for the Moon has gone down and the forest is very dark." But his grandmother said, "You must go." So poor Rabbit, although he was very frightened by what he had seen, set out again for his traps.

Soon he heard someone coming, sneaking quietly through the trees. Then he saw a white light that dazzled his eyes. The light moved toward the traps until it stopped right at the one Rabbit had set. Then Rabbit pulled the bowstring, closed the trap as he had hoped, and tied the string securely to a tree. He heard sounds of a struggle and saw the white light move from side to side, but he knew he had his prisoner captured and that the man with the long feet was finally caught. He was very afraid of the white light, so he ran home as fast as he could and told his grandmother that he had caught the game thief in the trap, and that he didn’t know who it was because he was too scared to look. His grandmother said, "You need to go back and see who it is, and tell him to stop robbing your traps." But Rabbit said, "I don’t want to go until it’s light out, because the Moon has gone down and the forest is really dark." But his grandmother insisted, "You must go." So poor Rabbit, even though he was very frightened by what he had seen, set out again for his traps.

HE SAT VERY QUIET, WAITING FOR THE MAN OF THE LONG FOOT TO APPEAR He sat quietly, waiting for the man with the long foot to show up.

When he drew near to his snares he saw that the white light was still shining. It was so bright that his eyes were dazzled and he had to stop far from it. Then he approached nearer, but his eyes soon became very sore. There was a stream flowing beside him, and he bathed his eyes in the cold water, but it brought him no relief, and his eyes felt hot and red, and tears fell from them because of the dazzling light. Then he took great handfuls of snow and threw snowballs at the light, hoping thereby to put it out. But when the snowballs came near to the light they melted and fell down like rain. Then, with his eyes still smarting, Rabbit in his rage scooped up great handfuls of soft black mud from the bottom of the stream, and forming it into balls, he threw them with all his force at the white light. He heard them strike something with a dull thud, and he heard loud yells from the prisoner—the man of the long foot—behind the shining light. Then a voice came from the light, saying, "Why did you snare me? Come and untie me at once. I am the Man in the Moon. It is near to the morning, and before dawn I must be on my way home. You have already spotted my face with mud, and if you do not loose me at once I shall kill all your tribe."

When he got closer to his traps, he saw that the bright light was still shining. It was so intense that it dazzled his eyes, forcing him to stop far away. He tried getting nearer, but soon his eyes began to hurt badly. There was a stream next to him, and he splashed cold water on his eyes, but it didn’t help; they felt hot and red, and tears streamed down his face because of the blinding light. He then scooped up large handfuls of snow and threw snowballs at the light, hoping to extinguish it. But when the snowballs got close to the light, they melted and fell like rain. Still stinging from the brightness, Rabbit, in his anger, grabbed handfuls of soft black mud from the bottom of the stream, formed it into balls, and hurled them with all his might at the shining light. He heard them hit something with a dull thump, followed by loud shouts from the prisoner—the man with the long foot—behind the bright light. Then a voice from the light said, "Why did you trap me? Come and untie me right now. I am the Man in the Moon. It’s almost morning, and I need to be on my way home before dawn. You’ve already splattered my face with mud, and if you don’t free me at once, I will destroy your entire tribe."

Poor Rabbit was more frightened than before, and he ran home and told his old grandmother what had happened. And his grandmother was also very frightened, for she thought that no good could come of it. And she told Rabbit[Pg 138] to go back at once and untie the Man in the Moon, for the night was almost spent, and the dawn would soon be breaking. So poor Rabbit, trembling in his fear, went back to his traps. From a great distance he cried, "I will untie you if you will never again rob my snares, and if you will never come back to earth." And the prisoner in the trap promised, and said, "I swear it by my white light." Then Rabbit approached very carefully. He had to shut his eyes and grope his way because of the bright light, and his lip quivered because of the great heat. At last he rushed in and cut the bow-string snare with his teeth, and the Man in the Moon hurried on his way, for he could already see the dawn in the East. But Rabbit was almost blinded while he was about it, and his shoulders were badly scorched. And ever since that time Rabbit blinks and his eyelids are pink, and water runs from his eyes when he looks at a bright light; and his lip always quivers; and his shoulders are yellow, even when he wears his white winter coat, because of the great light and heat on the winter night long ago when he loosed the Man in the Moon from the snare. And since that night the Man in the Moon has never come back to earth. He stays at his task in the sky, lighting the forest by night; but he still bears on his face the marks of the black mud which Rabbit threw at him. And sometimes for several nights he goes away to a quiet place, where he tries to wash[Pg 139] off the mud; and then the land is dark. But he never succeeds in cleaning himself, and when he comes back to his work the marks of Rabbit's mud-balls are still upon his shining face.

Poor Rabbit was more scared than ever, so he ran home and told his grandmother what had happened. She was also very frightened because she thought nothing good would come of it. She told Rabbit[Pg 138] to go back right away and untie the Man in the Moon, since the night was almost over and dawn would soon arrive. Trembling with fear, Rabbit returned to his traps. From a distance, he shouted, "I'll untie you if you promise never to rob my traps again and never come back to Earth." The prisoner in the trap agreed, saying, "I swear it by my white light." Rabbit approached very cautiously. He had to close his eyes and feel his way because of the bright light, and his lip trembled from the intense heat. Finally, he rushed in and bit through the bow-string snare, and the Man in the Moon hurried away because he could already see the dawn in the East. But Rabbit was nearly blinded in the process, and his shoulders were badly scorched. Ever since that time, Rabbit blinks and his eyelids are pink, and tears flow from his eyes when he looks at bright light; his lip always trembles, and his shoulders are yellow, even when he wears his white winter coat, due to the intense light and heat on that winter night long ago when he freed the Man in the Moon from the snare. Since that night, the Man in the Moon has never returned to Earth. He stays in the sky, lighting the forest at night; but he still bears the marks of the black mud Rabbit threw at him. Sometimes, for several nights, he goes to a quiet place where he tries to wash[Pg 139] off the mud, causing the land to go dark. But he never manages to clean himself, and when he returns to his work, the marks of Rabbit's mud-balls are still on his shining face.


THE CHILDREN WITH ONE EYE

Two little children, a boy and a girl, lived long ago with their widowed mother in the Canadian forest. The woman was very poor, for her husband had long been dead and she had to work very hard to provide food for herself and her children. Often she had to go far from home in search of fish and game, and at times she was absent for many days. When she went on these long journeys she left her children behind her, and thus they were allowed to grow up with very little oversight or discipline or care. They soon became very unruly because they were so often left to have their own way, and when their mother returned from her hunting trips she frequently found that they would not obey her, and that they did pretty much as they pleased. As they grew older they became more headstrong and disobedient, and their mother could do very little to control them. And she said, "Some day they will suffer for their waywardness."

Two little kids, a boy and a girl, lived a long time ago with their widowed mother in the Canadian forest. The woman was really poor because her husband had died a long time ago, and she had to work super hard to provide food for herself and her kids. Often, she had to go far from home looking for fish and game, and sometimes she was gone for many days. When she went on these long trips, she left her kids behind, so they grew up with very little supervision or discipline. They quickly became unruly because they were often left to do whatever they wanted, and when their mom came back from her hunting trips, she usually found that they wouldn’t listen to her and did pretty much what they pleased. As they got older, they became even more headstrong and disobedient, and their mom could do very little to rein them in. And she said, "Someday they will suffer for their waywardness."

One day the woman went to visit a neighbour not far[Pg 141] away. She left a large pot of bear-fat boiling on the fire. And she said to the children, "Do not meddle with the pot while I am gone, for the fat may harm you if it catches fire." But she was not gone long when the boy said to the girl as they played around the pot, "Let us see if the fat will burn." So they took a burning stick of wood and dropped it into the fat, and stood looking into the large pot to see what would happen. The fat sputtered for an instant; then there was a sudden flash, and a tongue of flame shot upwards from the pot into the faces of the children. Their hair was burned to a crisp and their faces were scorched, and they ran from the house crying with pain. But when they reached the outer air, they found that they could not see, for the fire had blinded their eyes. So they stumbled around in darkness, crying loudly for help. But no help came.

One day, a woman went to visit a neighbor not far[Pg 141] away. She left a large pot of bear fat boiling on the stove. She told the kids, "Don't mess with the pot while I'm gone, because the fat can hurt you if it catches fire." But she hadn’t been gone long when the boy said to the girl as they played near the pot, "Let’s see if the fat will burn." So they grabbed a burning stick of wood and dropped it into the fat, then stood there watching the large pot to see what would happen. The fat sputtered for a moment; then suddenly, there was a flash, and a burst of flames shot up from the pot into the children’s faces. Their hair was singed, their faces burned, and they ran out of the house crying in pain. But when they got outside, they realized they couldn’t see because the fire had blinded them. They stumbled around in darkness, crying out for help. But no one came.

When their mother came home she tried every remedy she thought might restore their sight. But all her medicine was unavailing, and she said, "You will always be blind. That is the punishment for your disobedience."

When their mother came home, she tried every remedy she could think of to restore their sight. But none of her medicine worked, and she said, "You will always be blind. That is the consequence of your disobedience."

So the children lived in darkness for a long time. But they were no longer headstrong and unruly, and although they could no longer see, they were less trouble to their mother than they were when they had[Pg 142] their sight, for they did not now refuse to do her bidding.

So the kids lived in darkness for a long time. But they were no longer stubborn and wild, and even though they couldn't see anymore, they were easier for their mom to handle than when they could see, because they didn't refuse to do what she asked them to anymore.

One day, when their mother was far away hunting in the forest, an old woman came along and asked the children for food. And they brought good food to her as she sat before the door. After she had eaten, she said, "You are blind, but I can help you, for I am from the Land of the Little People. I cannot give you four eyes, but I will give you one eye between you. You can each use it at different times, and it will be better than no sight at all. But handle it with great care and do not leave it lying on the ground." Then she gave them an eye which she took from her pocket, and disappeared. So they used the one eye between them, and when the boy had the eye and the girl wished to see anything, she would say, "Give me the eye," and her brother would carefully pass it to her. When their mother came home she was very glad when she found that they had now some means of sight.

One day, when their mother was far away hunting in the woods, an old woman came by and asked the children for food. They brought her some good food to enjoy as she sat at the door. After she ate, she said, "You are blind, but I can help you, because I come from the Land of the Little People. I can't give you four eyes, but I'll give you one eye to share. You can each use it at different times, and it will be better than having no sight at all. But be very careful with it and don’t leave it lying on the ground." Then she took an eye from her pocket and gave it to them before disappearing. So, they used the eye together, and when the boy had it and the girl wanted to see something, she would say, "Give me the eye," and her brother would carefully pass it to her. When their mother came home, she was very happy to find out they now had a way to see.

THE BOY WENT INTO THE FOREST WITH HIS BOW AND ARROWS. HE HAD NOT GONE FAR WHEN HE SAW A FAT YOUNG DEER, WHICH HE KILLED The boy entered the forest with his bow and arrows. He hadn't gone far when he spotted a plump young deer, which he shot.

One day when their mother was away again, the boy went into the forest with his bow and arrows. He carried the eye with him. He had not gone far when he saw a fat young deer, which he killed. The deer was too heavy for him to carry home alone. So he said, "I will go and get my sister, and we shall cut it up and put it in a basket and carry it home together." He went home and told his sister of his good fortune, and he led her to where the deer lay, and they began to cut up the body. But they had forgotten to bring a basket or a bag. He called to his sister saying, "You must weave a basket into which we can put the meat to carry it home." And his sister said, "How can I make a basket when I cannot see? If I am to weave a basket, I must have the eye." The boy brought the eye to her and she made a large basket from green twigs.

One day, when their mom was away again, the boy went into the forest with his bow and arrows. He took the eye with him. He hadn't gone far when he spotted a fat young deer, which he killed. The deer was too heavy for him to carry home by himself. So he said, "I’ll go get my sister, and we can cut it up and put it in a basket to carry it home together." He returned home and told his sister about his lucky find, then led her to where the deer lay, and they started to cut it up. But they had forgotten to bring a basket or bag. He called to his sister, saying, "You need to weave a basket to put the meat in to carry it home." His sister replied, "How can I make a basket if I can't see? If I'm going to weave a basket, I need the eye." The boy brought the eye to her, and she made a large basket from green twigs.

When she had finished making the basket the boy said, "I must finish cutting up the meat. Give me the eye." So she brought him the eye, and he proceeded to chop up the meat and to put it in the basket. Then he said, "Why can we not have a meal here? I am very hungry." His sister agreed that this was a good idea, and he said, "You cook the meal while I pack the meat." The girl made a fire, but she was afraid she would burn the meat, so she said, "I cannot see to cook. I must have the eye." By this time her brother had finished packing the meat into the basket, and he brought her the eye and she went on with her cooking. The fire was low and she said, "I must have some dry wood. Bring me some dry pine." The boy wandered off into the forest in search of wood, but he had not gone far when he stumbled over a log and fell to the ground. He called to his sister in anger, saying, "You always want the eye for yourself. How can I[Pg 144] gather dry pine when I cannot see? Give me the eye at once."

When she finished making the basket, the boy said, "I need to finish cutting the meat. Give me the eye." So she handed him the eye, and he started chopping the meat and putting it in the basket. Then he asked, "Why can’t we have a meal here? I'm really hungry." His sister agreed this was a great idea, and he said, "You cook the meal while I pack the meat." The girl built a fire, but she was worried about burning the meat, so she said, "I can’t see well enough to cook. I need the eye." By this time, her brother had finished packing the meat into the basket, and he handed her the eye, allowing her to continue cooking. The fire was low, and she said, "I need some dry wood. Get me some dry pine." The boy wandered off into the forest to look for wood, but he hadn’t gone far when he tripped over a log and fell. He shouted to his sister in frustration, "You always want the eye for yourself. How am I supposed to gather dry pine if I can’t see? Give me the eye right now."

His sister ran to him and helped him up and gave him the eye. She found her way back to the fire, but as she reached it she smelled the meat burning on the spit. She shouted, "The meat is burning and our dinner will be spoiled. Give me the eye at once, so that I may see if the meat is cooked." The boy was some distance away, and in his anger he threw the eye to her, saying, "Find it. I am not going to walk to you with it if you are too lazy to come and get it." The eye fell to the ground between them, and neither of them knew where it lay. They groped for it among the dead leaves, but as they searched for it, a wood-pecker, watching from a branch of a tree near by, swooped suddenly down and gobbled it up and flew away.

His sister ran over and helped him up, giving him a look. She made her way back to the fire, but when she got there, she smelled the meat burning on the spit. She yelled, "The meat is burning, and our dinner will be ruined. Hand over the eye right now so I can check if the meat is done." The boy was a good distance away, and in his anger, he threw the eye to her, saying, "Find it yourself. I'm not coming over to you with it if you're too lazy to come get it." The eye fell to the ground between them, and neither of them knew where it landed. They fumbled around in the dead leaves searching for it, but while they were looking, a woodpecker, watching from a nearby tree branch, suddenly swooped down, snatched it up, and flew away.

As they were still searching for it, the old woman who had given it to them came along. She had been hiding among the trees, and she had seen the wood-pecker flying away with her gift. She said, "Where is the eye I gave you?" "It dropped from my head," answered the boy, "and I cannot find it in the grass." "Yes," said the girl, "it dropped from his head, and we cannot find it." "You have lied to me," said the old woman, "and you have disobeyed, and for that I shall punish you." And with her magic power she changed the boy into a mole and[Pg 145] the girl into a bat, and said, "Now live blind upon the earth, with only your sense of sound to guide you." At once the boy and the girl were changed. And so the Mole and the Bat appeared upon the earth.

As they were still looking for it, the old woman who had given it to them came along. She had been hiding among the trees and had seen the woodpecker fly away with her gift. She asked, "Where is the eye I gave you?" "It fell from my head," the boy replied, "and I can't find it in the grass." "Yes," the girl said, "it fell from his head, and we can't find it." "You've lied to me," the old woman replied, "and you have disobeyed, and for that, I will punish you." With her magic power, she turned the boy into a mole and[Pg 145] the girl into a bat, saying, "Now live blind on the earth, with only your sense of sound to guide you." Immediately, the boy and the girl transformed. And so, the Mole and the Bat came to exist on the earth.


THE GIANT WITH THE GREY FEATHERS

Once long ago, when the Blackfeet Indians dwelt on the Canadian plains, there was a great famine in all the land. For many months no buffaloes were killed, and there was no meat to be had at any price. One by one the old people dropped off because of a lack of food, and the young children died early because there was no nourishment, and there was great sorrow everywhere. Only the strong women and the stronger warriors remained alive, but even they gradually grew weaker because of the pinch of the hunger sent into the land by famine. At last the Chief of the tribe prayed that the Great Chieftain of the Indians might come into his territory to tell the people what to do to save themselves.

Once upon a time, when the Blackfeet Indians lived on the Canadian plains, there was a terrible famine across the entire land. For months, no buffalo were killed, and there was no meat available at any price. One by one, the elders passed away due to a lack of food, and the young children died early because they had no nourishment, causing great sorrow everywhere. Only the strong women and even stronger warriors managed to survive, but they gradually became weaker from the hunger that the famine brought to the land. Finally, the Chief of the tribe prayed for the Great Chieftain of the Indians to come to his territory and guide the people on how to save themselves.

The Great Chief was at that time far away in the south country where the warm winds were blowing and the flowers were blooming. But one night he heard the Chief's prayer borne to him on the winds, and he hastened northward, for he knew that his people on the plains were somehow in dire distress. Soon he arrived at the village of the hungry tribe. "Who has called me here?" he asked. "It was I," answered the Chief. "My people are all starving because there are no buffaloes in the country, and if you had not come we should soon have all perished." Then the Great Chief looked upon his people and he noticed that the old folks and the little children had disappeared; only a few children were left and they had pinched cheeks and sunken eyes. And he took pity on them and said, "There is a great thief not far distant. He is probably a wicked giant, and he has driven all the buffaloes away. But I will find him and soon you shall have food." And the people were all comforted, for they knew that the Great Chief would keep his word.

The Great Chief was far away in the southern lands where the warm winds blew and the flowers bloomed. But one night, he heard the Chief's prayer carried to him on the winds, and he quickly headed north, knowing his people on the plains were in serious trouble. Soon, he arrived at the village of the starving tribe. "Who has called me here?" he asked. "It was I," replied the Chief. "My people are all starving because there are no buffaloes in the land, and if you hadn't come, we would have all perished soon." The Great Chief then looked at his people and noticed that the elderly and young children were missing; only a few children remained, with gaunt cheeks and hollow eyes. He felt compassion for them and said, "There’s a great thief not far away. He’s likely a wicked giant who has driven all the buffaloes away. But I will find him, and soon you will have food." The people felt reassured, knowing that the Great Chief would keep his promise.

Then the Chief took with him the young Chief's son and set out on his quest. The people wanted to go with him, but he said, "No! We shall go alone. It is a dangerous duty, and it is better that, if need be, two should die in the attempt, than that all should perish." They journeyed westwards across the prairies towards the Great Water in the West, and as they went, the youth prayed to the Sun and the Moon and the Morning Star to send them success. Soon they came to the rolling foot-hills covered with sweet-grass and scrubby pine. But still they saw no signs of buffalo. At last they reached a narrow stream, on the bank of which they saw a house with smoke coming from the chimney. "There is the cause of all our[Pg 148] troubles," said the Chief. "In that house dwells the giant Buffalo-thief and his wife. They have driven all the animals from the prairies until not one is left. My magic power tells me it is so!" Then by his magic power he changed his companion into a sharp-pointed straight stick, while he himself took the shape of a dog, and they lay on the ground and waited.

Then the Chief took the young Chief's son with him and set out on his quest. The people wanted to join them, but he said, "No! We will go alone. This is a dangerous mission, and it’s better if just two of us die trying than for all to perish." They traveled west across the prairies toward the Great Water, and as they went, the young man prayed to the Sun, the Moon, and the Morning Star for success. Soon they arrived at the rolling foothills covered in sweet grass and scrubby pine. But they still didn’t see any signs of buffalo. Finally, they reached a narrow stream, and on its bank, they spotted a house with smoke coming from the chimney. "There is the source of all our troubles," said the Chief. "In that house lives the giant Buffalo-thief and his wife. They’ve driven all the animals from the prairies until none are left. My magic tells me it’s true!" Then, using his magic, he transformed his companion into a sharp pointed stick while he himself took the shape of a dog, and they lay down on the ground and waited.

Soon the giant and his wife and their little son came along. The boy patted the dog on the head, and said, "See what a nice dog I have found. He must be lost. May I take him home?" His father said, "No, I do not like his looks. Do not touch him." The boy cried bitterly, for he had long hoped for a dog of his own, and his mother pleaded for him so hard that at last the giant father said, "Oh, very well. Have your own way, but no good can come of it." The woman picked up the stick and said, "I will take this nice straight stick along with me. I can dig roots with it to make medicine." So they all went to the giant's house, the giant frowning angrily, the woman carrying the stick, and the boy leading the dog.

Soon the giant, his wife, and their little son came along. The boy patted the dog on the head and said, "Look at this nice dog I found. He must be lost. Can I take him home?" His father replied, "No, I don't like the way he looks. Don't touch him." The boy cried bitterly because he had long hoped for his own dog, and his mother pleaded so hard that eventually the giant father said, "Alright, fine. Do what you want, but nothing good will come of it." The woman picked up the stick and said, "I’ll take this nice straight stick with me. I can use it to dig roots for medicine." So they all went to the giant’s house, the giant frowning angrily, the woman carrying the stick, and the boy leading the dog.

THE GIANT FROWNING ANGRILY, THE WOMAN CARRYING THE STICK AND THE BOY LEADING THE DOG THE GIANT SCOWLING ANGRILY, THE WOMAN WITH THE STICK, AND THE BOY WALKING THE DOG

The next morning the giant went out and soon came back with a fat young buffalo, all skinned and ready for cooking. They roasted it on a spit over the fire and had a good meal. The boy fed some meat to the dog, but his father, when he saw what the boy was doing, beat him soundly, and said, "Have I not told you the dog is an evil thing? You must not disobey me." But again the woman pleaded for her boy, and the dog was fed. That night when all the world was asleep, the dog and the stick changed back to their human form and had a good supper of what was left of the buffalo-meat. And the Chief said to the youth, "The giant is the Buffalo-thief who keeps the herds from coming to the prairies. It is useless to kill him until we have found where he has hidden them." So they changed back to the shapes of dog and stick and went to sleep.

The next morning, the giant went out and soon returned with a plump young buffalo, all skinned and ready to cook. They roasted it on a spit over the fire and enjoyed a hearty meal. The boy fed some meat to the dog, but when his father saw what he was doing, he hit him hard and said, "Haven't I told you that the dog is a wicked creature? You must not disobey me." But once again, the woman advocated for her son, and the dog was fed. That night, while the whole world slept, the dog and the stick transformed back into their human forms and happily had a feast with the leftover buffalo meat. The Chief said to the young man, "The giant is the Buffalo-thief who prevents the herds from coming to the plains. There's no point in trying to kill him until we find out where he's hiding them." So they turned back into the forms of the dog and the stick and went to sleep.

The next morning the woman and her boy set off to the forest near the mountain, to gather berries and to dig up medicine roots. They took the dog and the stick with them. At noon, after they had worked for some time, they sat down to have their luncheon. The woman threw the stick down on the ground, and the boy let the dog run away among the shrubs. The dog wandered to the side of the mountain. There he found an opening like the mouth of a cave. Peering into the place he saw many buffaloes within, and he knew that at last he had found the hiding place of the giant's plunder. He went back to the woman and the boy and began to bark. This was the signal agreed on with his companion. The woman and her son thought he was barking at a bird, and they laughed at his capers as he jumped about. But he was in reality calling to his comrade. The stick understood the call and wiggled like a snake through the underbrush to the dog's side, unseen[Pg 150] by the boy and his mother. They then entered the large cave in the side of the mountain, and there they found a great herd of buffaloes—all the buffaloes that had been driven from the prairies. The dog barked at them and snapped at their heels, and the stick beat them, and they began to drive them quickly out of the cavern and eastward toward the plains. But they still kept the shape of dog and stick. When evening came, and it was time for the boy and his mother to go home, the boy searched for the dog and the woman looked for her stick, but they could not find them, and they had to go home without them.

The next morning, the woman and her son headed to the forest near the mountain to gather berries and dig up medicinal roots. They brought the dog and the stick along. At noon, after working for a while, they sat down for lunch. The woman tossed the stick on the ground, and the boy let the dog run off into the bushes. The dog wandered to the mountain's edge, where he found an opening that looked like a cave. Looking inside, he saw many buffalo and realized he had finally discovered the giant's hidden loot. He returned to the woman and the boy and began to bark. This was the signal they had agreed upon. The woman and her son thought he was barking at a bird and laughed at his antics as he jumped around. But he was really calling his friend. The stick understood the call and slithered like a snake through the underbrush to the dog's side, unseen by the boy and his mother. They then entered the large cave in the mountain and found a massive herd of buffalo—all the buffalo that had been driven from the plains. The dog barked at them and snapped at their heels, while the stick beat them, and they quickly drove the buffalo out of the cave and eastward toward the plains. They still kept the shapes of dog and stick. When evening came, and it was time for the boy and his mother to head home, the boy searched for the dog and the woman looked for her stick, but they couldn't find them and had to return home without them.

Just as the woman and her son reached their house on the bank of the river, the giant-thief was coming home too. He chanced to look to the east, and there he saw, far away, many buffaloes running towards the foot-hills where the sweet-grass grew. He was very angry, and he cried loudly to his son, "Where is the dog? Where is the dog?" "I lost him in the underbrush," said the boy; "he chased a bird and did not come back." "It was not a bird he chased," said the giant; "it was one of my buffaloes. I told you he was an evil thing and not to touch him, but you and your mother would have your way. Now my buffaloes are all gone." He gnashed his teeth in a great rage, and rushed off to the hidden cave to see if any buffaloes were left, crying as he went, "I will kill the dog if I find him." When he reached the cave the Chief and[Pg 151] the youth, still in the form of a dog and a stick, were just rounding up the last of the buffaloes. The giant rushed at them to kill the dog and to break the stick, but they sprang upon an old buffalo and hid in his long hair and, clinging on tightly, the dog bit the buffalo until the old animal plunged and roared and rushed from the cave, bearing the Chief and the youth concealed on his back. He galloped eastward until he reached the herd far away on the prairie, leaving the giant far behind to make the best of his anger. Then the Chief and the brave youth took their old form of men, and in high spirits they drove the herd of buffaloes back to their hungry people waiting patiently on the plains.

Just as the woman and her son got to their house by the river, the giant-thief was coming home as well. He happened to look to the east and saw many buffaloes running toward the foothills where the sweet grass grew. He was really angry and shouted to his son, "Where's the dog? Where's the dog?" "I lost him in the underbrush," the boy replied; "he chased a bird and didn’t come back." "It wasn’t a bird he chased," the giant said. "It was one of my buffaloes. I told you he was trouble and not to mess with him, but you and your mother insisted. Now all my buffaloes are gone." He ground his teeth in rage and rushed off to the hidden cave to see if any buffaloes were left, shouting as he ran, "I’ll kill the dog if I find him." When he got to the cave, the Chief and[Pg 151] the youth, still in the forms of a dog and a stick, were just rounding up the last of the buffaloes. The giant charged at them to kill the dog and break the stick, but they jumped onto an old buffalo and hid in his long hair. Clinging tightly, the dog bit the buffalo until the old animal bucked and roared, then rushed out of the cave, carrying the Chief and the youth concealed on his back. He sprinted eastward until he reached the herd far away on the prairie, leaving the giant far behind to stew in his anger. Then the Chief and the brave youth took their original forms as men and, feeling triumphant, herded the buffaloes back to their hungry people who were patiently waiting on the plains.

The people were very pleased to see the Great Chief and the youth returning to the village with the great herd of fat buffaloes, for they knew now that the famine was ended. But as they drove the animals into a great fenced enclosure, a large grey bird flew over their heads and swooped down upon them and pecked at them with its bill, and tried to frighten them and drive them away. The Great Chief knew by his magic power that the grey bird was none other than the giant-thief who had stolen the buffaloes, and who had changed himself into a bird to fly across the prairies in pursuit of them. Then the Chief changed himself into an otter and lay down on the bank of the stream, pretending to be dead. The grey bird[Pg 152] flew down upon him, for he thought he would have a good meal of fat otter. But the Chief seized him by the leg, and changing back to his own form, he bore him in triumph to his camp. He tied him up fast to the smoke-hole of his tent and made a great fire inside. The giant cried, "Spare me, spare me, and I shall never do you more harm." But the Chief left him on the tent pole all night long while the black smoke from the fire poured out around him. In the morning his feathers were all black. Then the Chief let him down. And he said, "You may go now, but you will never be able to resume your former shape. You will henceforth be a raven, a bird of ill-omen upon the earth, an outlaw and a brigand among the birds, despised among men because of your thefts. And you will always have to steal and to hunt hard for your food." And to this day the feathers of the raven are black, and he is a bird of ill-omen upon the earth because of his encounter with the Great Chieftain long ago.

The people were really happy to see the Great Chief and the young man returning to the village with the big herd of fat buffaloes, knowing that the famine was over. But as they herded the animals into a large fenced area, a big grey bird flew overhead, swooping down at them and pecking at them with its beak, trying to scare them away. The Great Chief sensed with his magical abilities that the grey bird was actually the giant-thief who had stolen the buffaloes and had transformed into a bird to chase after them across the prairies. The Chief then transformed himself into an otter and lay down by the stream, pretending to be dead. The grey bird landed nearby, thinking it would have a nice meal of fat otter. But the Chief grabbed its leg, changing back into his usual form, and triumphantly took it back to his camp. He tied it securely to the smoke hole of his tent and started a big fire inside. The giant cried out, "Please spare me, and I won't harm you again." But the Chief left him on the tent pole all night while the thick black smoke from the fire surrounded him. By morning, all his feathers were black. Then the Chief let him down and said, "You can go now, but you will never return to your old form. From now on, you will be a raven, a bird of bad luck on Earth, an outlaw and a thief among birds, looked down upon by people because of your crimes. You will always have to steal and work hard for your food." And to this day, the feathers of the raven are black, and it remains a bird of ill-omen on the Earth because of its encounter with the Great Chief long ago.


THE CRUEL STEPMOTHER

Once long ago, when the Blackfeet Indians dwelt on the Canadian prairies, a poor Indian and his two children, a boy and a girl, were living near the bank of a great river. The children's mother had long been dead and they had long been left to the care of their father. Their father did not think it was right that they should grow up without a woman's kindness, and he decided at last to take another wife. So he went far away to a distant village and there he married a queer woman of another tribe. Soon times grew hard in the North Country, and it was very difficult to get food. The family lived for many days on roots and berries, and often they were very hungry because there was no meat. Now it happened that the woman the man had married was a very wicked witch-woman, who was capable of doing many evil deeds. She had no love for her stepchildren, and she treated them very cruelly. She blamed them for the lack of food in the house, and beating them soundly, she said, "You gluttonous brats; you always eat too much. It is little wonder that we cannot keep the house supplied[Pg 154] with food." The man saw his wife's cruelty to the children, but although it made him sad, and at times angry, he did not interfere, for he thought the woman should rule her home.

Once long ago, when the Blackfeet Indians lived on the Canadian prairies, a poor man and his two kids, a boy and a girl, were staying near the bank of a great river. Their mother had been dead for a long time, and they had been solely in their father's care. He felt it wasn't right for them to grow up without a woman's kindness, so he finally decided to take another wife. He traveled far away to a distant village and married a strange woman from another tribe. Soon, tough times hit the North Country, and it became hard to find food. The family survived for many days on roots and berries, often going hungry because there was no meat. It turned out that the woman the man had married was a wicked witch, capable of many evil deeds. She had no love for her stepkids and treated them very cruelly. She blamed them for the lack of food in the house, and after beating them soundly, she said, "You greedy brats; you always eat too much. It's no wonder we can't keep the house stocked with food." The man noticed his wife's cruelty towards the children, but although it made him sad and sometimes angry, he didn't intervene, thinking that the woman should manage her home.

One night in the early spring, as the man slept, his first wife appeared to him in a dream, and said, "Hang a large spider web across the trail in the forest where the animals pass and you will get plenty of food. But be good to my children. Their cruel stepmother is planning to kill them." And she told him where to look for the magical spider web. The next day the man found the large spider web, and he went far away into the forest and hung it from the trees over the trail where the animals passed. That evening when he went back to the web he found many animals entangled in its meshes, for it had magical power. He killed the animals and brought them home, and that night they had a good fat supper of roast deer meat. Day after day the magical spider web gave him great numbers of rabbits and deer, as the vision of his dead wife had told him in the night, and from that time on the family did not want for food.

One night in early spring, while the man was sleeping, his first wife appeared to him in a dream and said, "Hang a big spider web across the path in the forest where the animals go by, and you'll have plenty of food. But take care of my kids. Their cruel stepmother is planning to kill them." She then told him where to find the magical spider web. The next day, the man discovered the large spider web and ventured deep into the forest, hanging it from the trees over the trail where the animals passed. That evening, when he returned to the web, he found many animals caught in its strands because it had magical power. He killed the animals and brought them home, and that night they enjoyed a hearty dinner of roast deer meat. Day after day, the magical spider web provided him with a lot of rabbits and deer, just as his deceased wife had told him in the dream, and from that point on, the family never lacked for food.

But the man's success in hunting only angered his witch-wife. She had now no cause for complaint against the little children, and she could no longer scold them and say that because of them there was no food in the house. Her hatred for them grew stronger each day, and at last[Pg 155] she decided to kill them and to kill their father as soon as she could. Their father was going away on the morrow in search of wood to make arrows for his bows, and she thought she would have a good chance to kill them while he was gone. Then she would kill their father when he returned. So she laid her plans. But that night the vision of his first wife came again to the man as he slept, and it said, "Your present wife is a witch-woman. She plans to kill the children to-morrow when you are away, and when you come home she will kill you, too. You must kill her while there is yet time. Remember my little children."

But the man's success in hunting only made his witch-wife more furious. She had no reason to complain about the little children anymore, and she couldn't scold them by claiming they were the reason for the lack of food in the house. Her hatred for them increased every day, and eventually[Pg 155] she decided she would kill them and their father as soon as possible. Their father was leaving the next day to look for wood to make arrows for his bows, and she thought it would be the perfect opportunity to get rid of them while he was away. Then, she would kill their father when he got back. So, she made her plans. But that night, the vision of his first wife appeared to the man as he slept and said, "Your current wife is a witch. She plans to kill the children tomorrow while you’re gone, and when you return, she'll kill you too. You must stop her while you still can. Remember my little children."

When the man awoke in the morning he was much alarmed because of the story told him by the vision of the night. He no longer trusted his witch-wife and he decided to get rid of her. But he feared she would attack the children before he could prevent it. So when the witch-wife went out to get water from the stream to make breakfast, he gave each of the children a stick, a white stone, and a bunch of soft moss, and he said, "You must run away from here and stay away until I can find you, for you are in great danger. You will find these three things I give you of great use. Throw them behind you if any evil thing pursues you, and they will keep you from harm." The children in great fear at once ran away into the forest. Then the man hung his magical spider web over the door[Pg 156] of the house, and sat quietly inside waiting for his wife to come back. In a little while she came home, carrying a pail of water, but she did not see the web with its fine strands hanging across the door, and when she walked into it she was at once entangled in its meshes. She struggled hard to get free, but her head was inside the door while her body was outside, and the web held her fast around the neck. Then the man said, "I know now that you are a cruel witch-woman. You will beat my children no more." With his stone-axe he struck her a mighty blow which completely severed her head from her body. Then he ran from the house as fast as he could and went towards his children, who were watching him not far away.

When the man woke up in the morning, he was very alarmed because of the story his night vision had told him. He no longer trusted his witch-wife and decided he needed to get rid of her. However, he was afraid she would harm the children before he could stop her. So, when the witch-wife went out to collect water from the stream to prepare breakfast, he gave each of the children a stick, a white stone, and a bunch of soft moss. He said, "You need to run away from here and stay away until I can find you because you’re in great danger. These three things I’m giving you will be very useful. If anything evil follows you, throw them behind you, and they will protect you." The children, terrified, immediately ran into the forest. Then the man hung his magical spider web over the door[Pg 156] of the house and sat quietly inside, waiting for his wife to return. Shortly after, she came home with a bucket of water, but she didn’t notice the web with its fine strands strung across the door, and when she walked into it, she got immediately tangled up. She struggled hard to escape, but her head was inside the house while her body was outside, and the web held her tightly around the neck. Then the man said, "Now I know you’re a cruel witch. You won't hurt my children anymore." With his stone axe, he struck her a powerful blow that completely severed her head from her body. Then he ran out of the house as fast as he could and headed towards his children, who were watching him not far away.

But the man was not yet done with the cruel witch-woman. As he ran from the house her headless body, freed from the spider web, ran after him, while her severed head, with eyes staring and hair flying, followed the children, sometimes bumping along the ground and sometimes rising through the air. The father thought it would be well to go in a different direction from the children, and he went west, while they went east. The children were very frightened when they saw the horrible head behind them, slowly gaining upon them. Then they remembered their father's magic gifts. When the head was close upon them, they threw their sticks on the ground at their backs and at once a dense forest sprang up[Pg 157] between them and their pursuer. The children said, "Now we will rest here for a while, for we are nearly out of breath. The wicked head cannot get through that dense forest." And they sat on the grass and rested.

But the man was not finished with the cruel witch-woman yet. As he ran from the house, her headless body, freed from the spider web, chased after him, while her severed head, with eyes wide open and hair flying, followed the children, sometimes bouncing along the ground and sometimes floating in the air. The father decided it would be better to go in a different direction from the kids, so he headed west while they went east. The children were very scared when they saw the terrible head behind them, slowly getting closer. Then they remembered their father's magic gifts. When the head was almost upon them, they threw their sticks on the ground behind them, and immediately a thick forest sprang up[Pg 157] between them and their pursuer. The children said, "Now we can rest here for a bit, because we’re nearly out of breath. The wicked head can’t get through that thick forest." So they sat on the grass and rested.

Soon, however, the pursuing head emerged from the thick trees. The children got up and ran as hard as they could, but close behind them came the severed head, rolling its eyes and gnashing its teeth in a great frenzy, and uttering terrible yells. It was very near to them, when the children again remembered their father's gifts. They threw the white stones behind them, and at once a high mountain of white rock rose between them and their enemy. They sat on the ground and rested, and said, "Oh dear, oh dear, what shall we do? We have only one means of safety left, these little bits of moss." The wicked head hurled itself against the mountain, but it could not get through. A big buffalo bull was feeding on the grass near it, and the head called to him to break a road through the mountain. The bull rushed at the mountain with all his force, but the mountain was so hard that it broke his head and he fell down dead. Some moles were playing in the soft earth near by, and the head called to them to make a passage through the hill. So the moles searched and found a soft earthy place in the midst of the rock and soon they tunnelled a hole to the other side of the mountain, through which the head was able to pass. When the[Pg 158] children saw their pursuer coming out of the moles' tunnel they cried loudly and ran away as fast as they could. At last, after a very long chase, the head was almost upon them, and they decided to use their last means of protection. They threw the wet moss behind them, and at once a long black swamp appeared where the moss had fallen, between them and their wicked follower. The head was going at such a great speed, bumping over the ground, that it could not stop. It rolled into the swamp and disappeared into the soft mud and was never seen again.

Soon, however, the chasing head emerged from the thick trees. The children got up and ran as fast as they could, but right behind them came the severed head, rolling its eyes and gnashing its teeth in a wild frenzy, letting out terrible screams. It was very close to them when the children remembered their father's gifts again. They threw the white stones behind them, and immediately a tall mountain of white rock rose between them and their enemy. They sat on the ground and rested, saying, "Oh no, oh no, what should we do? We only have one way to stay safe left, these little bits of moss." The evil head charged at the mountain, but it couldn't get through. A big buffalo was grazing on the grass nearby, and the head called to him to break a path through the mountain. The bull charged at the mountain with all his strength, but the mountain was so solid that it smashed his head and he fell down dead. Some moles were playing in the soft earth nearby, and the head called to them to create a way through the hill. So the moles searched and found a soft spot in the middle of the rock and quickly tunneled a hole to the other side of the mountain, letting the head pass through. When the[Pg 158] children saw their pursuer coming out of the moles' tunnel, they screamed loudly and ran away as fast as they could. Finally, after a very long chase, the head was almost upon them, and they decided to use their last means of protection. They threw the wet moss behind them, and instantly a long black swamp appeared where the moss had fallen, between them and their wicked follower. The head was moving at such a great speed, bouncing along the ground, that it couldn't stop. It rolled into the swamp and vanished into the soft mud, never to be seen again.

THE BULL RUSHED AT THE MOUNTAIN WITH ALL HIS FORCE THE BULL CHARGED AT THE MOUNTAIN WITH ALL HIS STRENGTH

The children then went home to wait for their father. It was a long journey, for they had run far. But their father never came. Months and months they waited, but he did not come, and they grew up to be great magicians and very powerful among their tribe. At last, by their magic power, they learned what had happened to their father. Their stepmother's body continued to follow him as he ran towards the west. It followed him for many days. Then by his magic power, which the vision of his dead wife had brought to him, he changed himself into the Sun, and went to live with his wife in the sky-country. But the old witch-woman also had magic power, and she changed herself into the Moon and followed him to the land of the stars. And there she still pursues him. And while he keeps ahead of her and she cannot catch him, night follows day in all the world. But if she overtakes him she will kill him, and day will disappear and night shall reign for evermore upon the earth. And the Blackfeet of the plains pray that he will always keep in front in the race with his former witch-wife, so that there may be always Night and Day in succession in all the land.

The children went home to wait for their dad. It was a long trip because they had run a long way. But their dad never came back. They waited for months and months, but he still didn’t show up, and they grew up to be powerful magicians in their tribe. Finally, with their magical abilities, they discovered what had happened to their dad. Their stepmother’s spirit continued to chase him as he ran west. She followed him for many days. Then, through the magic he gained from the vision of his dead wife, he transformed into the Sun and went to live with her in the sky. But the old witch also had magic, and she turned herself into the Moon, following him to the starry land. And she still chases him there. As long as he stays ahead of her and she can’t catch him, day follows night all over the world. But if she catches up to him, she will kill him, and day will vanish, leaving night to reign forever on earth. The Blackfeet of the plains pray that he will always stay ahead in the race against his former witch-wife so that day and night can continue to alternate throughout the land.


THE BOY WHO WAS SAVED BY THOUGHTS

A poor widow woman once lived near the sea in Eastern Canada. Her husband had been drowned catching fish one stormy day far off the coast, and her little boy was now her only means of support. He had no brothers or sisters, and he and his mother, because they lived alone, were always good comrades. Although he was very young and small, he was very strong, and he could catch fish and game like a man. Every day he brought home food to his mother, and they were never in want.

A poor widow once lived by the sea in Eastern Canada. Her husband had drowned while fishing during a storm far off the coast, and now her little boy was her only source of support. He had no brothers or sisters, and since they lived alone, he and his mother were always good companions. Although he was very young and small, he was quite strong, and he could catch fish and game like an adult. Every day, he brought home food for his mother, and they were never in need.

Now it happened that the Great Eagle who made the Winds in these parts became very angry because he was not given enough to eat. He went screaming through the land in search of food, but no food could he find. And he said, "If the people will not give me food, I will take care that they get no food for themselves, and when I grow very hungry I shall eat up all the little children in the land. For my young ones must have nourishment too." So he tossed the waters about with the wind of his great wings, and he bent the trees and flattened the corn, and for days[Pg 161] he made such a hurly-burly on the earth that the people stayed indoors, and they were afraid to come out in search of food.

Now it happened that the Great Eagle, who created the Winds in this area, got really angry because he wasn't getting enough to eat. He flew around the land, screaming in search of food, but he couldn't find anything. And he said, "If the people won’t give me food, I’ll make sure they can’t find any for themselves, and when I get really hungry, I’ll eat all the little children in the land. After all, my young ones need to eat too." So he stirred up the waters with the wind from his massive wings, bent the trees, and flattened the crops, and for days[Pg 161] he created such chaos on the earth that the people stayed indoors, too scared to go out looking for food.

At last the boy and his mother became very hungry. And the boy said, "I must go and find food, for there is not a crumb left in the house. We cannot wait longer." And he said to his mother, "I know where a fat young beaver lives in his house of reeds on the bank of the stream near the sea. I shall go and kill him, and his flesh will feed us for many days." His mother did not want him to make this hazardous journey, for the Great Eagle was still in the land. But he said to her, "You must think of me always when I am gone, and I will think of you, and while we keep each other in our memories I shall come to no harm." So, taking his long hunting knife, he set out for the beaver's home in his house of reeds on the bank of the stream near the sea. He reached the place without mishap and there he found Beaver fast asleep. He soon killed him and slung him over his shoulder and started back to his mother's house. "A good fat load I have here," he said to himself, "and we shall now have many a good dinner of roast beaver-meat."

At last, the boy and his mother were very hungry. The boy said, "I need to go find food, because there’s not a crumb left in the house. We can’t wait any longer." He told his mother, "I know where a fat young beaver lives in his house of reeds along the stream near the sea. I’ll go and kill him, and his meat will feed us for many days." His mother didn’t want him to take this risky trip since the Great Eagle was still around. But he said to her, "You have to think of me while I’m gone, and I’ll think of you. As long as we keep each other in our thoughts, I won’t come to any harm." So, taking his long hunting knife, he set off for the beaver’s home in his house of reeds by the stream near the sea. He got there without any problems and found the Beaver sound asleep. He quickly killed him, slung him over his shoulder, and started back to his mother’s house. "What a good, heavy load I have here," he said to himself, "and now we’ll be able to enjoy many delicious dinners of roasted beaver meat."

But as he went along with his load on his back the Great Eagle spied him from a distance and swooped down upon him without warning. Before he could strike with his knife, the Eagle caught him by the shoulders and soared[Pg 162] away, holding him in a mighty grip with the beaver still on his back. The boy tried to plunge his knife into the Eagle's breast, but the feathers were too thick and tough, and he was not strong enough to drive the knife through them. He could do nothing but make the best of his sorry plight. "Surely I can think of a way of escape," he said to himself, "and my mother's thoughts will be with me to help me." Soon the Eagle arrived at his home. It was built on a high cliff overlooking the sea, hundreds of feet above the beach, where even the sound of the surf rolling in from afar could not reach it. There were many young birds in the nest, all clamouring for food. Great Eagle threw the boy to the side of the nest and told him to stay there. And he said, "I shall first eat the beaver, and after he is all eaten up we shall have a good fat meal from you." Then he picked the beaver to pieces and fed part of it to his young ones.

But as he walked along with his load on his back, the Great Eagle spotted him from afar and swooped down on him unexpectedly. Before he could stab it with his knife, the Eagle grabbed him by the shoulders and soared[Pg 162] away, holding him tightly with the beaver still on his back. The boy tried to stab the Eagle in the chest, but its feathers were too thick and tough, and he wasn't strong enough to break through them. He could only make the best of his unfortunate situation. "I can surely think of a way to escape," he told himself, "and my mother's thoughts will be with me to help." Soon the Eagle reached its home, which was perched on a high cliff overlooking the sea, hundreds of feet above the beach, where even the sound of the surf rolling in from afar couldn't reach. There were many young birds in the nest, all crying out for food. The Great Eagle tossed the boy to the side of the nest and told him to stay there. Then it said, "I will first eat the beaver, and after it's all gone, we will have a nice fat meal from you." Then it tore the beaver apart and fed some of it to its chicks.

FOR SOME DAYS THE BOY LAY IN TERROR IN THE NEST ... AND FAR OUT ON THE OCEAN HE COULD SEE GREAT SHIPS GOING BY For several days, the boy lay in fear in the nest... and far out on the ocean, he could see large ships passing by.

For some days the boy lay in terror in the nest, trying to think of a way of escape. Birds flew high over his head, and far out on the ocean he could see great ships going by. But no help came to him, and he thought that death would soon be upon him. And his mother sat at home waiting for him to return, but day after day passed and still he did not come. She thought he must surely be in great danger, or that perhaps he was already dead. One day, as she was weeping, thinking of her lost boy, an old woman came along.[Pg 163] "Why do you cry?" she asked. And the weeping woman said, "My boy has been away for many days. I know that harm has come upon him. The men of my tribe have gone in search of him, and they will kill whatever holds him a prisoner, but I fear he will never come back alive." And the old woman said, "Little good the men of your tribe can do you! You must aid him with your thoughts, for material things are vain. I will help you, for I have been given great power by the Little People of the Hills." So the woman used her thoughts and her wishes to bring back her boy.

For several days, the boy lay in fear in the nest, trying to figure out a way to escape. Birds flew high above him, and far out on the ocean, he could see large ships passing by. But no help came, and he thought that death would soon find him. Meanwhile, his mother waited at home for his return, but day after day went by, and he still didn't come back. She began to worry that he was in serious danger or that he might already be dead. One day, as she was crying over her missing son, an old woman approached.[Pg 163] "Why are you crying?" she asked. The grieving woman replied, "My son has been gone for many days. I know something terrible has happened to him. The men from my tribe have gone to look for him, and they will kill whatever is keeping him captive, but I fear he will never come back alive." The old woman said, "Your tribe's men can do little for you! You need to help him with your thoughts, because material things are useless. I will assist you, for I have been given great power by the Little People of the Hills." So the woman used her thoughts and wishes to bring her son back.

That night the boy noticed that the beaver had all been eaten up and that not a morsel remained. He knew that unless he could save himself at once he would surely die on the morrow. The Great Eagle, he knew, would swoop down upon him and kill him with a blow of his powerful beak and claws. But when the boy slept, he saw his mother in his slumber. And she said to him, "To-morrow when Great Eagle goes from the nest, brace your knife, point upwards, against the rock. When he swoops down to kill you his breast will strike the knife, and he will be pierced to death. You are not strong enough to cut through his feathers with your knife, but he is powerful enough to destroy himself." The next morning when Great Eagle went out, the boy did as the vision of the night had told him. He braced his sharp hunting-knife, point upwards,[Pg 164] against the rock and sat still and waited. Then he heard the young eagles making a great noise and crying loudly for their breakfast. He knew that his hour had come. Soon the Great Eagle, hearing the screams of his young ones, came flying back to the nest to kill the boy. He circled around above him with loud cries and then with great force swooped down upon him, hoping to kill him with his beak and claws. But instead, he struck the blade braced upwards against the rock. The knife pierced far into his breast, and with a loud scream he rolled over dead into the nest. The boy then killed the young eagles, and he knew that now for a time he was safe.

That night, the boy realized that all the beaver had been eaten, and not a bit was left. He understood that if he didn't escape right away, he would definitely die the next day. He knew the Great Eagle would swoop down on him and kill him with a strike from its powerful beak and claws. But while he slept, he dreamed of his mother, who told him, "Tomorrow, when the Great Eagle leaves the nest, brace your knife, point up, against the rock. When it swoops down to kill you, its chest will hit the knife, and it will be pierced to death. You aren't strong enough to cut through its feathers, but it is strong enough to destroy itself." The next morning, when the Great Eagle flew out, the boy followed the vision he had and set his sharp hunting knife point up against the rock, then sat still and waited. He soon heard the young eagles making a commotion, crying loudly for their breakfast. He knew his time had come. Before long, the Great Eagle, hearing the cries of its young, flew back to the nest to kill the boy. It circled above him, squawking loudly, and then swooped down with great force, intending to strike him with its beak and claws. Instead, it hit the blade that was braced upward against the rock. The knife pierced deep into its chest, and with a loud scream, it fell dead into the nest. The boy then killed the young eagles, knowing he was safe for the time being.

But he did not know how to get down from the Eagle's nest, for it jutted out like a shelf far over the beach, and behind it was a wall of rock around which he could not climb. He had no means of making a ladder, and his cries would not be heard upon the beach because of the constant roaring of the surf. He thought he would surely starve to death, and that night he cried himself to sleep. But in the night he again saw his mother in his slumbers. And she said, "You are a foolish boy. Why do you not use the thoughts I send you? To-morrow skin the eagle and crawl inside the skin. If the wide wings can hold the Eagle in the air they can likewise hold you. Drop off from the cliff and you will land safely on the beach." The next day the boy did as the vision of the night had told him. He[Pg 165] carefully skinned the Great Eagle. Then he crawled inside the skin and thrust his arms through the skin just above the wings, so that his extended arms would hold the wings straight out beneath them. Then he prepared to drop down. But when he looked over the cliff, he was very frightened, for the sight made him dizzy. On the beach, men looked like flies, they were so far away. But he remembered the promise made to him in his slumbers. So he pushed himself from the cliff and dropped down. The wings of Great Eagle let him fall gently through the air and he landed safely and unhurt upon the beach. He crawled out of the skin and set out for his home. It was a long journey, for Great Eagle had carried him far away, but towards evening he reached his home safely, and his mother received him with great gladness.

But he didn’t know how to get down from the Eagle's nest, which stuck out like a shelf high above the beach, and behind it was a rock wall that he couldn’t climb. He had no way of making a ladder, and his cries wouldn’t be heard on the beach because of the constant roar of the surf. He thought he would surely starve to death, and that night he cried himself to sleep. But during the night, he saw his mother in his dreams again. She said, "You’re a foolish boy. Why don’t you use the ideas I send you? Tomorrow, skin the eagle and crawl inside the skin. If the wide wings can hold the Eagle in the air, they can hold you too. Jump off the cliff and you’ll land safely on the beach." The next day, the boy did as the dream had instructed. He[Pg 165] carefully skinned the Great Eagle. Then he crawled inside the skin and pushed his arms through the openings just above the wings, so that his outstretched arms would hold the wings straight out beneath him. Then he got ready to jump down. But when he looked over the edge of the cliff, he was very scared, as the sight made him dizzy. On the beach, the men looked like tiny flies, they were so far away. But he remembered the promise made to him in his dreams. So he pushed himself off the cliff and fell. The wings of the Great Eagle gently carried him through the air, and he landed safely and unharmed on the beach. He crawled out of the skin and set off for home. It was a long journey since the Great Eagle had taken him far away, but by evening he reached home safely, and his mother greeted him with great joy.

The boy began to boast of his adventure, and he told how he had killed Great Eagle and how he had dropped down unscathed from the cliff. He spoke of himself with great pride and of his strength and his shrewdness. But the old woman from the Land of the Little People, the fairies of the hills, who was still present with his mother, said, "Oh, vain boy, do not think so highly of yourself. Your strength is nothing; your shrewdness is nothing. It was not these things that saved you, but it was the strength of our thoughts. These alone endure and succeed when all else fails. I have taught you the uselessness of[Pg 166] all material things, which in the end are but as ashes or as dust. Our thoughts alone can help us in the end, for they alone are eternal." And the boy listened and wondered at what the old woman from the Land of Little People had said, but he boasted of his strength no more.

The boy started bragging about his adventure, talking about how he had defeated Great Eagle and how he had fallen from the cliff without a scratch. He spoke of himself with great pride, highlighting his strength and cleverness. However, the old woman from the Land of the Little People, the fairies of the hills, who was still there with his mother, said, "Oh, vain boy, don't think too highly of yourself. Your strength means nothing; your cleverness means nothing. It wasn't those things that saved you, but the strength of our thoughts. Those alone last and succeed when everything else fails. I've taught you that all material things are useless, as they ultimately turn to ashes or dust. It's our thoughts that will help us in the end, because they alone are eternal." The boy listened and pondered what the old woman from the Land of Little People had said, but he no longer bragged about his strength.


THE SONG-BIRD AND THE HEALING WATERS

Once when the snow lay very deep on the ground and the days were grey with frost, there was great sorrow in an Indian village. A dreadful plague had come upon the place and had carried away many of the people. Neither old nor young were proof against its ravages, and the weak and the strong fell helpless before its power. The people tried every means to get rid of the plague, but they had no success. And they prayed to all their good spirits to help them, but no help came. In the tribe was a young warrior who had lost his parents and all his brothers and sisters because of the dreaded disease. Now his young wife fell sick, and he was in great sorrow, for he thought that she would soon follow his parents into the Land of the Shadows. And so he went about in great fear, not knowing when the end would come.

Once, when the snow covered the ground deeply and the days were gray with frost, there was great sorrow in an Indian village. A terrible plague had struck the area, taking away many people. Neither the old nor the young were safe from its effects, and both the weak and the strong fell helpless before its power. The people tried everything to rid themselves of the plague, but nothing worked. They prayed to all their good spirits for help, but no assistance came. In the tribe was a young warrior who had lost his parents and all his siblings to the dreaded disease. Now his young wife was falling ill, and he was filled with deep sorrow, fearing that she would soon join his parents in the Land of the Shadows. He walked around in great fear, not knowing when the end would come.

One day he met an old woman in the forest. "Why do you look so sorrowful?" she asked him. "I am sad because my young wife is going to die," he answered; "the plague will carry her off like the others." But the old woman said, "There is something that will save your[Pg 168] wife from death. Far away in the East is a bird of sweet song which dwells close to the Healing Waters. Go until you find it. It will point you to the spring, the waters of which alone can heal." And the young man said, "I must find the Healing Waters. Wherever they may be upon the earth, I must find them." So he went home and said good-bye to his friends, and set out eastward on his quest.

One day he met an old woman in the forest. "Why do you look so sad?" she asked him. "I'm sad because my young wife is going to die," he replied; "the plague will take her like it has the others." But the old woman said, "There’s something that can save your[Pg 168] wife from death. Far away in the East lives a bird with a sweet song that is near the Healing Waters. Go until you find it. It will lead you to the spring, and the waters there are the only ones that can heal." And the young man said, "I have to find the Healing Waters. No matter where they are on this earth, I must find them." So he went home, said goodbye to his friends, and set off eastward on his journey.

All the next day he searched eagerly for the Waters, listening always for the bird of the sweet song. But he found nothing. The snow lay deep in the forest and he moved along with difficulty. He met a rabbit in his path and he said, "Tell me where I shall find the Healing Spring?" But the rabbit scurried away over the snow and made no answer. Then he asked a bear, but he met with the same rebuff. Thus for many days and nights he wandered on, crossing rivers and climbing steep hills, but always without success.

All the next day, he eagerly searched for the Waters, always listening for the bird with the sweet song. But he found nothing. The snow lay thick in the forest, and he struggled to move through it. He encountered a rabbit in his path and asked, "Can you tell me where to find the Healing Spring?" But the rabbit quickly dashed away over the snow without answering. Then he approached a bear, but received the same cold response. For many days and nights, he continued to wander, crossing rivers and climbing steep hills, but always without success.

Then one day he emerged from the snow country and came to a land where the airs were warmer and where little streams were flowing. Suddenly he came upon the body of a dead man lying across his path. He stopped and buried the body, for he thought that it was not right to leave it lying bare upon the ground for the birds to peck at. That night as he went along in the moonlight he met a Fox in his path. "Hello," said the Fox. "What are you looking[Pg 169] for so late at night in the forest?" And he answered, "I am looking for the bird of the sweet song, who will show me the way to the Healing Waters." And the Fox said, "I am the spirit of the man you buried yesterday by the forest path, and in return for your kindness to me I shall do a kindness to you. You have always been good to the animals and the birds, and you have never killed them needlessly, nor when you did not require them for clothing or for food. And you have always been careful of the flowers and the trees, and you have often protected them from harm. So now they want to be good to you, and I am going to guide you. But first you must rest, for you are tired from your long journey."

Then one day, he came out of the snowy area and arrived in a place where the air was warmer and little streams were flowing. Suddenly, he stumbled upon a dead man lying in his path. He paused and buried the body because he thought it wasn’t right to leave it exposed on the ground for the birds to peck at. That night, as he walked in the moonlight, he encountered a Fox on his path. "Hello," said the Fox. "What are you looking for so late at night in the forest?" He replied, "I’m looking for the bird with the sweet song, who will show me the way to the Healing Waters." The Fox said, "I am the spirit of the man you buried yesterday by the forest path, and in return for your kindness to me, I will do a kindness for you. You have always been good to the animals and the birds, and you’ve never killed them unnecessarily, nor when you didn’t need them for clothing or food. You’ve also been careful with the flowers and trees, often protecting them from harm. So now they want to repay your kindness, and I will guide you. But first, you need to rest because you’re tired from your long journey."

Then the young man lay down to sleep and the Fox stood guard beside him. As he slept he dreamed. And in his dream he saw his wife pale and thin and worn, and as he looked he heard her singing a song of wonderful melody. Then he heard a waterfall rippling near him and it said, "Seek me, O warrior, and when you find me your wife shall live, for I am the Healing Waters." In the morning the Fox led him but a short distance through the forest and on the branch of a tree he heard a bird singing a song of wonderful melody, just as he had heard in his dream of the night before. He knew now that this was the bird of the sweet song of which the old woman in the forest had spoken. Then, as he listened, he heard the sound of a[Pg 170] waterfall rippling not far away. He searched for it, but he could not find it. And Fox said, "You must seek it; you must not despair; it will not come to you unless you search." So he searched again, and soon he thought he heard a voice speaking beneath his feet. "Release us," it called, "set us free and your wife and your people shall be saved." He seized a sharp stick and dug rapidly into the earth where he had heard the voice. He worked eagerly and quickly, and he had not dug far when the spring gushed forth and boiled upwards carrying to the world its healing power. And the young man knew that at last he had found the cure for his ills. He plunged into the spring and bathed himself in the water, and all his weariness left him and he was strong again.

Then the young man lay down to sleep while the Fox stood watch beside him. As he slept, he dreamed. In his dream, he saw his wife looking pale, thin, and worn out, and as he looked, he heard her singing a beautiful song. Then he heard a waterfall nearby, and it said, "Seek me, O warrior, and when you find me, your wife will live, for I am the Healing Waters." In the morning, the Fox led him only a short way through the forest, and on the branch of a tree, he heard a bird singing a beautiful song, just like the one he had heard in his dream the night before. He realized that this was the bird the old woman in the forest had talked about. Then, as he listened, he heard the sound of a[Pg 170] waterfall rippling nearby. He searched for it, but he couldn't find it. The Fox said, "You need to seek it; don’t despair; it won’t come to you unless you search." So he searched again, and soon he thought he heard a voice speaking beneath his feet. "Release us," it called, "set us free and your wife and your people will be safe." He grabbed a sharp stick and quickly dug into the ground where he heard the voice. He worked eagerly and rapidly, and he hadn’t dug far when the spring burst forth, bubbling up and bringing its healing power to the world. The young man knew he had finally found the cure for his troubles. He jumped into the spring and bathed in the water, and all his fatigue vanished, making him strong again.

Then the young man moulded from the soft earth a large pot. He baked it in the fire until it was quite hard. "Now," said the Fox spirit, "I will leave you. Your kindness has been rewarded. You will need me no more, for you have found the Healing Waters." And he disappeared as mysteriously as he had come. The young man filled his clay pot with the sparkling water and hastened back to his home, running through the forest with the speed of the wind, because of his renewed strength.

Then the young man shaped a large pot from the soft earth. He baked it in the fire until it was completely hard. "Now," said the Fox spirit, "I will leave you. Your kindness has been rewarded. You won’t need me anymore, because you have found the Healing Waters." And he vanished as mysteriously as he had appeared. The young man filled his clay pot with the sparkling water and rushed back home, running through the forest with the speed of the wind, thanks to his renewed strength.

THEN THE YOUNG MAN LAY DOWN TO SLEEP AND FOX STOOD GUARD BESIDE HIM Then the young man lay down to sleep, and Fox stood guard beside him.

When he reached his native village, the people met him with sad faces, for the plague was still raging and they told him that his young wife was about to pass to the Land of the Shadows. But he hurried to his home, and he forced some of the Healing Waters between his wife's parched lips, and bathed her hands and her brow until she fell into a deep slumber. He watched by her side until she awoke, and when sleep left her she was well again. Then with his Healing Waters he cured all the people in the village, and the cruel plague left them and there was no more sickness in the land. And since that time no plague has spread among his tribe. In this way the Mineral Springs, the places of Healing Waters, came upon the earth, bearing health and happiness wherever they rise, and accompanied always by the songs of birds.

When he got back to his home village, the people greeted him with sorrowful faces because the plague was still devastating them. They told him that his young wife was on the verge of dying. He rushed home and forced some Healing Waters between her dry lips, and he bathed her hands and forehead until she fell into a deep sleep. He stayed by her side until she woke up, and when she did, she was better again. Then, using his Healing Waters, he healed everyone in the village, and the terrible plague vanished, bringing an end to the suffering in the land. Since then, no plague has spread among his people. This is how the Mineral Springs, the sources of Healing Waters, appeared on earth, bringing health and happiness wherever they arise, always accompanied by the songs of birds.


THE BOY WHO OVERCAME THE GIANTS

Once long ago, before the white man came to Canada, an orphan boy was living alone with his uncle. He was not very happy, for he had to work very hard, and tasks more fitted for a man's shoulders than for a boy's were often placed upon him. When his parents died and left him without brother or sister, his uncle took him to his own home because there was no one else to take care of him. But he treated him very cruelly and often he wished to get rid of him. It mattered not how well the boy did his work or how many fish and animals he caught, his uncle was never satisfied, and often he beat the boy harshly and with little cause. The boy would have run away but he did not know where to go, and he feared to wander alone in the dark forest. So he decided to endure his hardships as best he could.

Once upon a time, before white people arrived in Canada, an orphan boy lived alone with his uncle. He wasn't very happy because he had to work really hard, and tasks meant for a grown man were often forced upon him. When his parents passed away, leaving him without any siblings, his uncle took him in since no one else was there to care for him. But his uncle treated him very badly and often wished to get rid of him. No matter how well the boy did his work or how many fish and animals he caught, his uncle was never satisfied, and he would often beat the boy harshly for little reason. The boy thought about running away but didn’t know where to go and was afraid to wander alone in the dark forest. So, he decided to endure his struggles as best he could.

Now it happened that in a distant village near the sea there lived a Chief who was noted far and wide for his cruelty. He had a wicked temper, and he was known to have put many people to death for no reason whatsoever. More than all else, he hated boastfulness and he had[Pg 173] scanty patience with anyone who was vain of his own strength. He pledged himself always to humble the proud and to debase the haughty. The boy's uncle had heard of this wicked ruler, and he said, "Here is a chance for me to get rid of the boy. I will tell lies about him to the Chief."

Now it happened that in a distant village near the sea, there lived a Chief who was known far and wide for his cruelty. He had a bad temper and was notorious for having put many people to death for no reason at all. More than anything, he hated arrogance and had[Pg 173] little patience for anyone who bragged about their own strength. He committed himself to always bring down the proud and humble the haughty. The boy's uncle had heard of this wicked leader, and he said, "Here’s my chance to get rid of the boy. I will lie about him to the Chief."

It chanced just at this time that three giants came into the Chief's territory. Where they came from, no man knew, but they dwelt in a large cave near the sea, and they caused great havoc and destruction in all the land. They ate up great stores of food, and all the little children they could lay their hands on. The Chief used every means to get rid of the giants, but without success. Night after night his best warriors went to the cave by the ocean to seek out the giants, but not a man returned. A piece of birch bark bearing a picture of a warrior with an arrow in his heart, found the next day at the Chief's door, always told him of the warrior's fate. And the giants continued their cruel work, for no one could stop them.

It just so happened that three giants entered the Chief's territory around this time. No one knew where they came from, but they lived in a big cave by the sea and wreaked havoc all across the land. They devoured massive amounts of food and snatched up any little children they could find. The Chief tried everything he could to get rid of the giants, but nothing worked. Night after night, his bravest warriors would go to the cave by the ocean to confront the giants, but not a single one came back. Each time, a piece of birch bark with a picture of a warrior with an arrow in his heart would be found at the Chief's door the next day, always a grim reminder of the warrior's fate. Meanwhile, the giants continued their destruction, unstoppable by anyone.

Soon all the country was in great terror. The Chief wondered greatly what was to be done. At last he thought, "I will give my daughter to the man who can rid me of these pests." His daughter was his only child and she was very beautiful, and he knew that many suitors would now appear to seek her hand, for although the task was dangerous, the prize was worth while. When the wicked[Pg 174] uncle in the distant village heard of it, he thought, "Now I can get rid of the boy, for I will tell the Chief that the boy says he can kill the giants." So taking his nephew with him he went to the Chief's house and begged to see him. "Oh, Chief," he said, "I have a boy who boasts that before many days have passed he can free your land from the giants." And the Chief said, "Bring him to me." The man said, "Here he is." The Chief was surprised when he saw the small boy, and he said, "You have promised that you can rid my land of giants. Now we shall see if you can do it. If you succeed you may have my daughter. If you fail, you will die. If you escape from the giants, I will kill you myself. I hate vain boasters, and they shall not live in my land."

Soon the whole country was filled with fear. The Chief was deeply troubled about what to do. Finally, he thought, "I will give my daughter to the man who can get rid of these nuisances." His daughter was his only child and very beautiful, and he knew many suitors would come forward to seek her hand, even though the task was dangerous; the reward was worth it. When the evil uncle in the distant village heard about this, he thought, "Now I can get rid of the boy by telling the Chief that he claims he can kill the giants." So, taking his nephew with him, he went to the Chief's house and asked to see him. "Oh, Chief," he said, "I have a boy who boasts that he can free your land from the giants in just a few days." The Chief replied, "Bring him to me." The man said, "Here he is." The Chief was surprised when he saw the small boy and said, "You claim you can rid my land of giants. Now we shall see if you can do it. If you succeed, you may have my daughter. If you fail, you will die. If you escape from the giants, I will kill you myself. I hate vain boasters, and they shall not live in my land."

The boy went and sat by the ocean, and cried as hard as he could. He thought that he would surely die, for he was very small and he had no means of killing the giants. But as he sat there an old woman came along. She came quietly and quickly out of the grey mist of the sea. And she said, "Why are you crying?" And the boy said, "I am crying because I am forced to attack the giants in the cave, and if I cannot kill them I shall surely die," and he cried louder than before. But the old woman, who was the good fairy of the sea, said, "Take this bag and this knife and these three little stones that I will give you, and when you go to-night to the giants' cave, use them as I tell you[Pg 175] and all will be well." She gave him three small white stones and a small knife, and a bag like the bladder of a bear, and she taught him their use. Then she disappeared into the grey mist that hung low on the ocean and the boy never saw her again.

The boy went and sat by the ocean, crying as hard as he could. He thought he would surely die because he was very small and had no way to defeat the giants. But while he was there, an old woman appeared. She came quietly and quickly out of the gray mist of the sea. She asked, "Why are you crying?" The boy replied, "I’m crying because I have to face the giants in the cave, and if I can't kill them, I will definitely die," and he cried even louder. But the old woman, who was the good fairy of the sea, said, "Take this bag, this knife, and these three little stones that I will give you, and when you go to the giants' cave tonight, use them as I instruct you[Pg 175] and everything will be fine." She gave him three small white stones, a small knife, and a bag that looked like a bear's bladder, and she explained their use to him. Then she vanished into the gray mist that hung low on the ocean, and the boy never saw her again.

The boy lay down on the sand and went to sleep. When he awoke, the moon was shining, and far along the coast in the bright light he could see an opening in the rocks which he knew was the entrance to the giants' cave. Taking his bag and his knife and the three little stones, he approached it cautiously with a trembling heart. When he reached the mouth of the cave he could hear the giants snoring inside, all making different noises, louder than the roar of the sea. Then he remembered the old woman's instructions. He tied the bag inside his coat so that the mouth of it was close to his chin. Then he took one of the stones from his pocket. At once it grew to immense size, so heavy that the boy could scarcely hold it. He threw it at the biggest giant with great force, and it hit him squarely on the head. The giant sat up staring wildly and rubbing his brow. He kicked his younger brother, who was lying beside him, and said in great anger, "Why did you strike me?" "I did not strike you," said his brother. "You struck me on the head while I slept," said the giant, "and if you do it again I will kill you." Then they went to sleep again.[Pg 176]

The boy lay down on the sand and fell asleep. When he woke up, the moon was shining, and far down the coast in the bright light, he could see an opening in the rocks that was the entrance to the giants' cave. Grabbing his bag, knife, and the three small stones, he approached it cautiously with a racing heart. When he got to the cave's entrance, he could hear the giants snoring inside, each making different noises, even louder than the roar of the sea. Then he remembered the old woman's instructions. He tucked the bag inside his coat so the opening was close to his chin. Then he took one of the stones from his pocket. Immediately, it grew to an enormous size, so heavy that the boy could barely hold it. He threw it at the biggest giant with all his might, and it hit him squarely on the head. The giant sat up, staring wildly and rubbing his forehead. He kicked his younger brother, who was lying next to him, and said angrily, "Why did you hit me?" "I didn’t hit you," replied his brother. "You hit me on the head while I was sleeping," said the giant, "and if you do it again, I’ll kill you." Then they went back to sleep again.[Pg 176]

When the boy heard them snoring loudly again, he took a second stone from his pocket. At once it grew great in size and the boy hurled it with great force at the biggest giant. Again the giant sat up staring wildly and rubbing his head. But this time he did not speak. He grasped his axe, which was lying beside him, and killed his brother with a blow. Then he went to sleep again. When the boy heard him snoring, he took the third stone from his pocket. At once it grew to great size and weight, and he hurled it with all his force at the giant. Again the giant sat up with great staring eyes, rubbing the lump on his head. He was now in a great rage. "My brothers have plotted to kill me," he yelled, and seizing his axe he killed his remaining brother with a blow. Then he went to sleep, and the boy slipped from the cave, first gathering up the three stones, which were now of their usual small size.

When the boy heard the giants snoring loudly again, he pulled out a second stone from his pocket. Instantly, it grew larger, and he threw it with all his strength at the biggest giant. The giant sat up once more, staring wildly and rubbing his head. But this time, he didn’t say anything. He grabbed his axe, which was next to him, and killed his brother with a single blow. Then he went back to sleep. When the boy heard him snoring again, he took the third stone from his pocket. It grew heavy and large, and he hurled it at the giant with all his might. The giant sat up with wide, staring eyes, rubbing the bump on his head. He was now furious. "My brothers have plotted to kill me,” he shouted, and grabbing his axe, he killed his remaining brother with a single blow. Then he went back to sleep, and the boy slipped out of the cave, first picking up the three stones, which were now back to their regular small size.

The next morning when the giant went to get water from the stream, the boy hid in the trees and began to cry loudly. The giant soon discovered him and asked, "Why are you crying?" "I have lost my way," said the boy, "my parents have gone and left me. Please take me into your service, for I would like to work for such a kind handsome man, and I can do many things." The giant was flattered by what the boy said, and although he liked to eat little children, he thought, "Now that I am alone, I ought to have a companion, so I will spare the boy's life[Pg 177] and make him my servant." And he took the boy back to his cave, and said, "Cook my dinner before I come home. Make some good stew, for I shall be very hungry."

The next morning, when the giant went to get water from the stream, the boy hid in the trees and started crying loudly. The giant soon found him and asked, "Why are you crying?" "I’ve lost my way," said the boy, "my parents have left me. Please take me into your service; I’d like to work for such a kind and handsome man, and I can do many things." The giant was flattered by what the boy said, and even though he liked to eat little children, he thought, "Now that I’m alone, I should have a companion, so I’ll spare the boy’s life[Pg 177] and make him my servant." He took the boy back to his cave and said, "Cook my dinner before I come home. Make some good stew, because I’ll be very hungry."

When the giant went into the forest the boy prepared the evening meal. He cut up a great store of deer meat and put it in a large pot bigger than a hogshead, and made a good meat stew. When the giant came home in the evening he was very hungry, and he was well pleased to see the big pot filled with his favourite food. He seated himself on one side of the pot, and the boy seated himself on the other side, and they dipped their spoons into the big dish. And the boy said, "We must eat it all up so that I can clean the pot well and ready for the corn mush we will have for breakfast." The stew was very hot, and to cool it before he ate it the giant blew his breath on what he dipped out. But the boy poured his own share into the bag under his coat, and said, "Why can't you eat hot food—a big man like you? In my country men never stop to cool their stew with their breath." Now the giant could not see very well, for his eyesight was not very good, and the cave was dark, and he did not notice the boy putting the stew in the bag so quickly. He thought the boy was eating it. And he was shamed by the boy's taunts because he was so much larger than the boy, so he ate up the hot stew at once in great gulps and burned his throat badly. But he was too proud to stop or to complain.

When the giant went into the forest, the boy got the evening meal ready. He chopped up a lot of deer meat and put it in a big pot that was larger than a hogshead, making a hearty meat stew. When the giant came home that evening, he was really hungry and happy to see the large pot filled with his favorite food. He sat down on one side of the pot, and the boy sat down on the other side, and they both scooped their spoons into the big dish. The boy said, "We have to eat it all so I can clean the pot well and get it ready for the corn mush we'll have for breakfast." The stew was very hot, and to cool it before eating, the giant blew on what he took out. But the boy poured his share into the bag under his coat and said, "Why can't you eat hot food—a big guy like you? In my country, men never stop to cool their stew with their breath." The giant couldn't see very well because his eyesight was poor and the cave was dark, so he didn't notice the boy quickly putting the stew into the bag. He thought the boy was eating it. The boy's teasing embarrassed him since he was much bigger than the boy, so he gulped down the hot stew all at once and burned his throat badly. But he was too proud to stop or complain.

"STRIKE HARD," SAID THE BOY, "OR IT WILL DO YOU NO GOOD" "STRIKE HARD," SAID THE BOY, "OR IT WON'T HELP YOU AT ALL."

[Pg 178]When they had eaten half the potful, the giant said, "I am full. I think I have had enough." "No, indeed," said the boy, "you must show that you like my cooking. In my country men eat much more than that," and he kept on eating. The giant was not to be outdone by a boy, so he fell to eating again, and they did not stop until they had consumed the whole potful of stew. But the boy had poured his share into the bag and when they had finished he was swelled out to an immense size. The giant could scarcely move, he had eaten so much, and he said, "I have eaten too much; I feel very full, and I have a great pain in my belly." And the boy said, "I do not feel very comfortable myself, but I have a way to cure pains." So saying he took his little knife and thrust it gently into the side of the bag and the stew oozed out and he was soon back to his normal size. The giant wondered greatly at the sight, but the boy said, "It is a way they have in my country after they have had a great feast." "Does the knife not hurt?" asked the giant. "No, indeed," said the boy, "it brings great relief." "My throat is very sore," said the giant, for the hot stew had burned him. "You will soon feel better," said the boy, "if you will do as I have done." The giant hesitated to do this, but soon he felt so uncomfortable that he could bear it no longer. He saw that the boy was feeling quite well. So he took his long knife and plunged it into his stomach. "Strike hard," said the boy, "or it will do[Pg 179] you no good." The giant plunged the knife into the hilt, and in an instant he fell dead.

[Pg 178]After they had eaten half of the pot, the giant said, "I'm full. I think I've had enough." "Oh, no," said the boy, "you have to show that you like my cooking. In my country, people eat a lot more than that," and he continued to eat. The giant didn't want to be outdone by the boy, so he started eating again, and they didn't stop until they had finished the whole pot of stew. But the boy had poured his share into a bag, and when they were done, he had swelled up to a huge size. The giant could hardly move; he had eaten so much, and he said, "I've eaten too much; I feel really full, and I have a bad pain in my belly." The boy replied, "I don't feel too comfortable either, but I have a way to ease the pain." With that, he took out his small knife and gently poked it into the side of the bag, and the stew oozed out, bringing him back to his normal size. The giant was amazed by the sight, but the boy explained, "It's a method we use in my country after a big feast." "Does the knife not hurt?" asked the giant. "Not at all," said the boy, "it’s very relieving." "My throat is really sore," the giant admitted, since the hot stew had burned him. "You'll feel better soon if you do what I did," said the boy. The giant hesitated, but soon he felt so uncomfortable that he couldn't stand it anymore. He noticed that the boy was feeling fine. So he took his long knife and stabbed it into his stomach. "You have to push hard," said the boy, "or it won't help you at all." The giant drove the knife in completely, and in an instant, he fell dead. [Pg 179]

Then the boy took the stones and the bag and the knife which the Woman of the Mist had given him and went and told the Chief what he had done. The Chief sent his messengers to the cave to make sure that the boy spoke the truth. Sure enough, they found the three giants lying dead. When they told the Chief what they had seen, he said to the boy, "You may have my daughter as your wife." But the boy said, "I do not want your daughter. She is too old and fat. I want only traps to catch fish and game." So the Chief gave the boy many good traps, and he went into a far country to hunt game, and there he lived happily by himself. And his wicked uncle never saw him again. But the land was troubled no more by giants, because of the boy's great deeds.

Then the boy took the stones, the bag, and the knife that the Woman of the Mist had given him and went to tell the Chief what he had done. The Chief sent his messengers to the cave to verify the boy's story. Sure enough, they found the three giants lying dead. When they reported to the Chief what they had seen, he said to the boy, "You can have my daughter as your wife." But the boy replied, "I don't want your daughter. She's too old and heavy. I only want traps to catch fish and game." So the Chief gave the boy many good traps, and he traveled to a distant land to hunt game, where he lived happily on his own. And his wicked uncle never saw him again. But the land was no longer troubled by giants because of the boy's great deeds.


THE YOUTH AND THE DOG-DANCE

Once long ago, when the Indians dwelt in the country in the north-west, a youth went far away from his native village to catch birds. His people lived near a lake where only small birds nested, and as he wanted large and bright-coloured feathers for his arrows and his bonnet he had to go far into the forest, where larger birds of brilliant plumage lived. When he reached the Land of Many Feathers far in the north country, he dug a pit on the top of a high hill. Then he covered the pit with poles and over the poles he spread grass and leaves so that the place looked like the earth around it. He put meat and corn on the grass, and tied the food to the poles so that the birds could not carry it away. Then he climbed down into the pit and waited for the birds to come, when he could reach up and catch them by the feet and kill them.

Once upon a time, when the Native Americans lived in the northwest, a young man traveled far from his village to catch birds. His people lived near a lake where only small birds nested, and since he wanted large, bright-colored feathers for his arrows and his headdress, he had to venture deep into the forest, where larger birds with stunning plumage lived. When he arrived in the Land of Many Feathers far to the north, he dug a pit on top of a high hill. He covered the pit with poles and then spread grass and leaves over the poles to make it blend in with the surrounding earth. He placed meat and corn on the grass and tied the food to the poles so the birds couldn't carry it away. Then he climbed down into the pit and waited for the birds to come, so he could reach up, grab them by the feet, and kill them.

All day long and far into the night the youth waited for birds, but no birds came. Towards morning he heard a distant sound like that of a partridge drumming. But the sound did not come nearer. The next night, as the youth watched and waited in the pit, he heard the same sound,[Pg 181] and he said, "I will see where the noise comes from and I will discover the cause, for it is not a partridge, and it is very strange." So he climbed out of the pit and went in the direction of the sound. He walked along rapidly through the forest until he came at dawn to the shore of a large lake. The drumming came from somewhere in the lake, but as he stood listening to it, the sound suddenly stopped. The next night the youth heard the drumming louder than before. Again he went to the lake. The sound was again distinct as it rose from the water, and when he looked he saw great numbers of birds and animals swimming in the lake in the moonlight. But there was no explanation of the strange sound. As he sat watching the animals and birds, he prayed to his guardian spirit to tell him the cause of the drumming. Soon an old man came along. He was old and bent and wrinkled, but his eyes were kind. The youth gave him some tobacco and they sat down together on the edge of the lake and watched the swimmers in the dim light, and smoked their pipes.

All day and late into the night, the young man waited for birds, but none arrived. As morning approached, he heard a distant sound that resembled a partridge drumming. However, the sound didn’t get closer. The following night, while the young man was watching and waiting in the pit, he heard the same sound,[Pg 181] and he said, "I’ll find out where that noise is coming from and discover its cause, because it’s not a partridge, and it’s very strange." So he climbed out of the pit and headed toward the sound. He walked quickly through the forest until he reached the shore of a large lake at dawn. The drumming was coming from somewhere in the lake, but as he stood there listening, the sound suddenly stopped. The next night, he heard the drumming even louder than before. Again, he went to the lake. The sound was clear as it rose from the water, and when he looked, he saw many birds and animals swimming in the lake in the moonlight. But there was no explanation for the strange sound. As he watched the animals and birds, he prayed to his guardian spirit to reveal the cause of the drumming. Soon, an old man appeared. He was frail and wrinkled, but his eyes were kind. The young man offered him some tobacco, and they sat down together at the edge of the lake, watching the swimmers in the dim light, and smoked their pipes.

"What are you doing here?" asked the old man. "I am trying to learn the cause of the strange drumming," said the youth. "You do well indeed to seek it," said the old man, "and to seek to know the cause of all things. Only in that way will you be great and wise. But remember there are some things the cause of which you can never find." "Where have you come from?" said the boy.[Pg 182] "Oh," said the man, "I lived once upon a time like you in the Country of Fancy where great Dreams dwell, and indeed I live there still, but your dreams are all of the future while mine are of the past. But some day you too will change and your thoughts will be like mine." "Tell me the cause of the drumming," said the boy. And the old man said, "Take this wand that I will give you and wave it before you go to sleep, and maybe you will see strange things." Then he gave the boy a wand and disappeared into the forest and the boy never saw him again. The boy waved the wand and fell asleep on the sand as the old man had told him. When he awoke he found himself in a large room in the midst of many people. Some of them were dancing gracefully, and some sat around and talked. They wore wonderful robes of skins and feathers, of many different colours. The boy wished he could get such feathers for his own clothes and his bonnet. But as he looked at the people he was suddenly aware that they were none other than the animals and birds he had seen for two nights swimming in the lake in the moonlight. They were now changed into human form, through some strange and miraculous power. They were very kind to the youth and treated him with great courtesy.

"What are you doing here?" the old man asked. "I'm trying to find out the reason for the strange drumming," the young man replied. "It's wise of you to seek answers," the old man said, "and to understand the reasons behind everything. Only then will you become great and wise. But remember, some things you'll never be able to explain." "Where did you come from?" the boy asked. "Oh," the man replied, "I once lived, just like you, in the Country of Fancy where great Dreams reside, and I still live there, but your dreams are all about the future, while mine are about the past. One day, you too will change, and your thoughts will be like mine." "Tell me the reason for the drumming," the boy said. The old man responded, "Take this wand I'll give you and wave it before you sleep, and perhaps you’ll see extraordinary things." He then handed the boy a wand and vanished into the forest, never to be seen again. The boy waved the wand and fell asleep on the sand, just as the old man instructed. When he woke up, he found himself in a large room filled with many people. Some were dancing gracefully, while others sat around chatting. They wore stunning robes made of skins and feathers in many vibrant colors. The boy wished he could have such feathers for his own clothes and hat. But as he looked around, he suddenly realized that they were none other than the animals and birds he had seen swimming in the lake under the moonlight for the past two nights. They had now transformed into human form through some strange and miraculous power. They were very kind to the young man and treated him with great respect.

AND THEY SAT DOWN TOGETHER ON THE EDGE OF THE LAKE AND THEY SAT DOWN TOGETHER AT THE LAKE'S EDGE

At last the dancing ceased and the talking stopped, and one who seemed to be the Chief stood up at the end of the room and said, "Oh, young stranger, the Great Spirit has[Pg 183] heard your prayers, and because of your magic wand we have been sent to you in these shapes. The creatures you see here are the animals and birds of the world. I am the Dog, whom the Great Spirit loves well. I have much power, and my power I shall give to you, and I shall always protect you and guard you. And even if you should treat me with cruelty I shall never be unfaithful to you, nor shall I ever be unkind. But you must take this Dance home with you and teach it to your people and they must celebrate the Dance once a year." Then he taught the youth the secrets of their Dance.

At last, the dancing stopped and the talking quieted down. One who appeared to be the Chief stood up at the end of the room and said, "Oh, young stranger, the Great Spirit has[Pg 183] heard your prayers, and because of your magic wand, we have taken these forms. The creatures you see here are the animals and birds of the world. I am the Dog, whom the Great Spirit cherishes. I have great power, and I will share that power with you, always protecting and guarding you. Even if you treat me badly, I will never betray you or be unkind. But you must take this Dance home with you, teach it to your people, and they must celebrate the Dance once a year." Then he taught the young man the secrets of their Dance.

When the youth had learned the Dance, the Chief turned to his companions and said, "My comrades and brothers, I have taught the young stranger the secrets of the Dance. I have given him my own power. Will you not have pity on a creature from earth and give him some of the power of which you too are possessed?"

When the young man had mastered the Dance, the Chief turned to his friends and said, "My friends and brothers, I’ve taught the young stranger the secrets of the Dance. I’ve shared my own strength with him. Will you not show compassion for a being from earth and share some of the strength that you also possess?"

For a long time no one spoke, but at last Owl arose and said, "I too will help him. I have power to see far in the darkness, and to hunt by night. When he goes out at night I will be near him and he shall see a great distance. I give him these feathers to fasten in his hair." And the Owl gave him a bunch of feathers, which the youth tied to his head.

For a long time, no one said anything, but finally, Owl stood up and said, "I’ll help him too. I can see far in the dark and hunt at night. When he goes out at night, I’ll be close by so he can see a long way. I’m giving him these feathers to put in his hair." And the Owl handed him a bunch of feathers, which the young man tied to his head.

Then Buffalo came forward and said, "I too will help him. I will give him my endurance and my strength, and[Pg 184] my power to trample my enemies underfoot. And I give him this belt of tanned buffalo-hide to wear when he goes to war." And he gave the youth a very wondrous belt to fasten around his waist.

Then Buffalo stepped up and said, "I’ll help him too. I’ll give him my endurance and strength, and[Pg 184] my power to crush my enemies. And I’m giving him this amazing belt made of tanned buffalo hide to wear when he goes to war." And he handed the young man a truly incredible belt to fasten around his waist.

The animals and birds, one after the other, gave him gladly of their power. Porcupine gave him quills with which to decorate his leather belt and his bonnet, and he said, "I too will aid you, and when you make war I will be near you. I can make my enemies as weak as children, and they always flee when I approach, for they fear the shooting of my quills. When you meet your foes you will always overcome them, for I give you power as it was given to me."

The animals and birds each happily offered him their strengths. The porcupine gave him quills to embellish his leather belt and his hat, saying, "I too will help you, and when you go to battle, I’ll be by your side. I can make my enemies as defenseless as children, and they always run away when I come near because they fear the sting of my quills. When you face your enemies, you will always triumph, for I grant you the same power that was given to me."

And Bear said, "I will give you my toughness and my strength, and a strip of fur for your leather belt and your coat. And when you are in danger, I will not be far away."

And Bear said, "I will give you my toughness and my strength, and a strip of fur for your leather belt and your coat. And when you're in danger, I won't be far away."

Then Deer said, "I give you my swiftness so that you may be fleet of foot. And when you pursue your enemies you will always overtake them, and should you flee from them, you will always out-run them in the race."

Then Deer said, "I give you my speed so that you can be quick on your feet. When you chase your enemies, you'll always catch up to them, and if you need to run away from them, you'll always outrun them in the race."

Then the birds spoke again, and Crane said, "I give you a bone from my wing to make a war-whistle to frighten your enemies away or to summon your people to your assistance when you need them. And I give you my wings for your head-dress."

Then the birds spoke again, and Crane said, "I give you a bone from my wing to make a war whistle to scare off your enemies or to call your people for help when you need them. And I give you my wings for your headdress."

The giant Eagle then spoke and said, "Oh, youth, I will[Pg 185] be with you wherever you go, and I will give you my strength and my power in war. And even as I do, you will always see your enemies from afar, and you can always escape them if you so desire." And he gave him a large bunch of wonderful eagle feathers to tie in his hair as a token of his fidelity.

The giant Eagle then spoke and said, "Oh, young one, I will[Pg 185] be with you wherever you go, and I will give you my strength and power in battle. And just like that, you will always see your enemies from a distance, and you can always get away from them if you want." And he gave him a large bundle of amazing eagle feathers to tie in his hair as a sign of his loyalty.

And finally, Wild-Cat said, "I give you my power to crawl stealthily through the grass and the underbrush and to spring unexpectedly on your foes and take them unawares. And I give you too my power of hiding from my enemies." And he gave him strips of his fur to decorate his clothing in token of his friendship.

And finally, Wild-Cat said, "I give you my ability to move quietly through the grass and bushes and to surprise your enemies when they least expect it. I also give you my power to hide from your foes." Then he gave him strips of his fur to decorate his clothing as a sign of their friendship.

From all the animals and the birds the youth received power and gifts. Then he waved his magic wand and lay down to sleep. When he awoke, he found himself on the shore of the lake, and far in the east the dawn was breaking. But he could see farther than he had ever seen before, and away in the distance he could make out blue hills and smoke rising from far-off villages. And he knew that strange power was upon him. But not a sound came from the lake, and the drumming had for ever ended.

From all the animals and birds, the young man received power and gifts. Then he waved his magic wand and went to sleep. When he woke up, he found himself on the shore of the lake, and far in the east, dawn was breaking. But he could see farther than he ever had before, and in the distance, he could make out blue hills and smoke rising from distant villages. And he knew that a strange power was upon him. But there was no sound from the lake, and the drumming had ended forever.

The youth took his magic wand and his gifts and set out for his home. And he told his people what had happened and he taught them the secrets of the Dance which was to make them strong and victorious in war. And among his[Pg 186] people it became a great ceremony and was practised for long ages, and was known as the Dog-Dance. And since that time, the animals and birds have been friends to the Indians, and the Indians have acquired much of their cunning and skill and power. And ever after the night of moonlight by the lake when the youth with the magic wand received the strange gifts, the Indians have decorated their war clothes with fur and quills and feathers from the animals and the birds. And in the far north country, the Dog-Dance is still held at intervals out of gratitude for the gifts, for the Indians do not forget the promise of long ago.

The young man took his magic wand and his gifts and headed home. He shared what had happened with his people and taught them the secrets of the Dance that would make them strong and victorious in battle. Among his[Pg 186] people, it became a significant ceremony practiced for many ages, known as the Dog-Dance. Since then, animals and birds have been friends to the Indians, who have learned a lot from their cunning, skill, and strength. Ever since that moonlit night by the lake when the young man with the magic wand received the strange gifts, the Indians have adorned their war clothes with fur, quills, and feathers from the animals and birds. In the far northern lands, the Dog-Dance continues to be performed periodically in gratitude for those gifts, as the Indians have not forgotten the promise made long ago.


SPARROW'S SEARCH FOR THE RAIN

Long ago, in a village near the sea, many Indian people were living. Among them was a very nice old warrior who had been given great power at his birth, and who, therefore, could do many wonderful deeds. There was nothing that was beyond his understanding, for he knew all things. His wife had long been dead, but he had one daughter. She was very beautiful and gentle, and she was as nearly perfect as any woman could be. She took no interest in frivolous things and she lived a very quiet life, but all the people liked her well, and she was always welcome wherever she went. Her old father was very proud of her, and he said boastfully, "She has inherited much of my wisdom, and some day she will marry a great man." But the girl on her part had little thought of marriage or of men, for she said they had small minds, and she would rather live alone than listen always to their boastfulness and their foolish chatter.

Long ago, in a village by the sea, many Indigenous people lived there. Among them was a kind old warrior who had been given great power at birth, allowing him to perform many amazing feats. Nothing was beyond his understanding; he knew all things. His wife had passed away a long time ago, but he had one daughter. She was very beautiful and gentle, nearly perfect in every way a woman could be. She had no interest in trivial matters and led a very quiet life, yet everyone liked her, and she was always welcomed wherever she went. Her old father was very proud of her and said with pride, "She has inherited much of my wisdom, and someday she will marry a great man." However, the girl rarely thought about marriage or men, believing they had small minds, and she would prefer to live alone rather than always listen to their vanity and silly chatter.

Soon the daughter's fame spread far and wide through the sea-coast villages, and many suitors came seeking for[Pg 188] her hand. But her father said, "I have nothing to say. She will make her own choice. She must please herself. For to-day children please themselves and not their parents." And she said, "I will marry only some one who can amuse me and interest me and keep me company. I have scant liking for dull people." One day Loon came to see her. He was very good looking although he was somewhat tall and skinny, and his neck was a bit longer and more scrawny than ordinary, but he wore good clothes and he had great skill as a fisherman. He came because he thought he was very handsome, and he believed that his good looks would win the maiden. But she had no love for Loon, for he had not a word to say. When she talked to him he only stared, and at last he burst out into loud and foolish laughter. Then the maiden said, "You have a small mind like the others," and in disgust she withdrew from his presence.

Soon the daughter's fame spread widely through the seaside villages, and many suitors came seeking for[Pg 188] her hand. But her father said, "I have nothing to say. She will make her own choice. She must please herself. Nowadays, children please themselves and not their parents." And she said, "I will only marry someone who can entertain me, interest me, and keep me company. I have little patience for boring people." One day, Loon came to see her. He was very good looking, though he was somewhat tall and skinny, and his neck was a bit longer and more slender than usual, but he wore nice clothes and was a skilled fisherman. He came because he thought he was very handsome, and he believed that his looks would win the maiden over. But she had no feelings for Loon, as he didn’t know how to hold a conversation. When she talked to him, he just stared, and eventually, he broke into loud, silly laughter. Then the maiden said, "You have a small mind like the others," and in disgust, she walked away from him.

Then Fox came in an effort to win the maiden as his wife. And for a whole day he cut capers, and chased his tail round and round in a circle, trying to amuse the serious girl. But he did not succeed very well, and like Loon he departed in despair. And many others came, but they met the same fate, and at last the girl decided to see no more of them, but to live alone with her father. The young men of the village were all very angry because the girl had spoken of them all so scornfully, and often they talked among themselves of her proud and haughty air. "She calls us[Pg 189] Scattered-Brains," said one. "She says we have small minds," said another. "She must pay for these insults," said a third. So they vowed that they would somehow break her proud spirit and bring her sorrow because of her ideas and her decision to stay single all her life. One of the great men of the village was Whirlwind. He could make himself invisible, and he was often guilty of many wicked pranks. So the young men went to him and asked his aid in humbling the pride of the haughty maiden. As they were talking to him, they saw the girl approaching not far off. And quite unawares, Whirlwind rushed towards her and knocked her down in the mud and tore her hat from her head and swept it into the sea. The young men looked on at her plight and they all laughed loudly, and the girl was very much ashamed. She went back home and told her father what had happened, and showed him her soiled clothes and her blown hair falling about her face. Her father was very angry, and he said, "Whirlwind must pay for this. He shall be banished at once."

Then Fox came in hopes of winning the maiden as his wife. He spent the entire day trying to entertain the serious girl, dancing around and chasing his tail in circles. But he didn’t do a very good job and, similar to Loon, he left feeling defeated. Many others tried as well, but they all had the same outcome, and eventually, the girl decided she would no longer entertain them and would live alone with her father. The young men in the village were furious because she had spoken of them so disdainfully, and they often discussed her proud and arrogant attitude among themselves. "She calls us[Pg 189] Scattered-Brains," said one. "She claims we have small minds," said another. "She needs to face the consequences for these insults," said a third. So they pledged to find a way to break her proud spirit and make her suffer for her opinions and her choice to remain single for the rest of her life. One notable man in the village was Whirlwind. He had the ability to become invisible and often engaged in mischievous pranks. So, the young men approached him and asked for his help in bringing down the pride of the arrogant maiden. While they were speaking with him, they spotted the girl approaching nearby. Without warning, Whirlwind dashed towards her, knocked her down into the mud, ripped her hat off her head, and tossed it into the sea. The young men watched her humiliation and erupted in loud laughter, leaving the girl feeling extremely embarrassed. She returned home, told her father what had happened, and showed him her dirty clothes and disheveled hair. Her father was furious and declared, "Whirlwind must pay for this. He shall be banished immediately."

Then her father went to the Chief and made complaint against Whirlwind, and the Chief decreed that Whirlwind must leave the village forthwith. He did not consider very carefully what the result of this decree might be, and he acted hastily and without thought, for he feared to differ from the wise man. So Whirlwind prepared to leave the place. Now his best friend was Rain. Rain had been[Pg 190] born without eyes. He was black blind, and Whirlwind always had to lead him along wherever he wished to go. So Rain said, "If you are leaving the village, I want to leave it too, for I cannot live here without you. I will be helpless if I have no one to lead me." So the two set out together, Whirlwind leading old Rain along by his side. Where they went no man knew, for they had told nobody of their destination. They were gone for many months before the people missed them very much. Then their absence began to be felt in all the land, for there was no wind and there was no rain.

Then her father went to the Chief and complained about Whirlwind, and the Chief decided that Whirlwind had to leave the village immediately. He didn’t think through the consequences of this decision and acted quickly without consideration, as he was afraid to disagree with the wise man. So Whirlwind got ready to leave. His best friend was Rain. Rain had been born without eyes. He was completely blind, and Whirlwind always had to guide him wherever he wanted to go. So Rain said, "If you’re leaving the village, I want to leave too because I can't live here without you. I’ll be helpless without someone to lead me." So the two set out together, with Whirlwind guiding old Rain by his side. No one knew where they went, since they hadn’t told anyone their destination. They were gone for many months before people began to really miss them. Then their absence started to be felt throughout the land, because there was no wind and no rain.

At last the Chief summoned a council, and the decree of banishment against Whirlwind was revoked. The people decided to send messengers to the two wandering ones to tell them what had happened and to bring them back. So they first sent Fox out on the quest. Fox went through the land for many weeks, running as fast as he could over many roads, in and out among marshy lake shores and over high wooded mountains. He searched every cave and crevice, but he had no success. Not a leaf or a blade of grass was stirring, and the country was all parched and the grass was withered brown and the streams were all getting dry. At last, after a fruitless search, he came home and shamefully confessed that his quest had failed.

Finally, the Chief called a council, and the banishment order against Whirlwind was lifted. The people decided to send messengers to the two wanderers to tell them what had happened and to bring them back. They initially sent Fox on the mission. Fox traveled through the land for many weeks, running as fast as he could across various roads, weaving through marshy lakeshores and over steep wooded mountains. He searched every cave and crevice, but he found nothing. Not a leaf or a blade of grass was moving, and the land was dry with the grass turned brown and the streams running low. Eventually, after a fruitless search, he returned home and shamefully admitted that he had failed in his quest.

Then the people called on Bear to continue the search. And Bear went lumbering over the earth, sniffing the air,[Pg 191] and turning over logs and great rocks with his powerful shoulders, and venturing into deep caverns. And he made many inquiries, and he asked the Mountain Ash, "Where is Whirlwind?" But Mountain Ash said, "I do not know. I have not seen him for many months." And he asked the Red Fir, and the Pine, and the Aspen, which always sees Whirlwind first, but they were all ignorant of his whereabouts. So Bear came home and said, "Not a trace of either of them have I found."

Then the people asked Bear to keep looking. So Bear lumbered across the land, sniffing the air,[Pg 191] rolling over logs and big rocks with his strong shoulders, and exploring deep caves. He asked many questions and inquired of the Mountain Ash, "Where is Whirlwind?" But the Mountain Ash replied, "I don’t know. I haven’t seen him in months." He also asked the Red Fir, the Pine, and the Aspen, which always notices Whirlwind first, but they were all unaware of where he was. So Bear returned home and said, "I haven’t found any trace of either of them."

The Chief was very angry because of the failure of Fox and Bear, but the wise man said, "The animals are useless in a quest like this. Let us try the birds. They often succeed where the animals fail." And the Chief agreed, for the land was in great distress. Many fishing-boats lay silent on the sea near the coast unable to move because Whirlwind was away, and the wells and streams were all dry because Rain was absent, and the grass and the flowers were withering to decay. So they called the birds to their aid. The great Crane searched in the shallows and among the reeds, thrusting his long neck into deep places, and Crow looked among the hills, and Kingfisher flew far out to sea, but they all came back and said, "We, too, have failed. The wandering ones are nowhere on the land or upon the sea." Then little Sparrow took up the search. Before he set out, he plucked from his breast a small down-feather and fastened it to a stick no bigger than a wisp of[Pg 192] hay. He held the stick in his bill and flew off. For many days he went towards the south-land, all the time watching the feather hanging to the stick in his bill. But it hung there motionless. One day, after he had travelled a great distance, he saw the down-feather moving very gently, and he knew that Whirlwind must be not far away. He went in the direction from which the feather was blowing. Soon he saw beneath him soft green grass and wonderful flowers of varied colours, and trees with green leaves and many rippling streams of running water. And he said to himself, "At last I have found the wanderers." He followed a little stream for some distance until it ended in a cave in the hills. In front of the cave many flowers were blooming and the grass was soft and green, and the tall grasses were nodding their heads very gently. He knew that those he was seeking were inside, and he entered the cave very quietly. Just beyond the door a fire was smouldering and near it lay Rain and Whirlwind both fast asleep. Sparrow tried to wake them with his bill and his cries, but they were sleeping too soundly. Then he took a coal from the fire and put it on Rain's back, but it spluttered and fizzled and soon went out. He tried another, but the same thing happened. Then he took a third coal, and this time Rain woke up. He was much surprised to hear a stranger in the cave, but he could not see him because he was blind. So he woke up Whirlwind to protect him.[Pg 193]

The Chief was really angry because Fox and Bear had failed, but the wise man said, "The animals aren’t useful for a quest like this. Let’s try the birds. They often succeed where the animals do not." The Chief agreed since the land was in serious trouble. Many fishing boats were still on the sea near the coast, unable to move because Whirlwind was gone, and the wells and streams were dry because Rain was missing, and the grass and flowers were wilting away. So they called on the birds for help. The great Crane searched in the shallows and among the reeds, stretching his long neck into deep spots, and Crow looked among the hills, while Kingfisher flew far out to sea, but they all returned and said, "We’ve failed too. The wanderers are nowhere on land or at sea." Then little Sparrow took up the search. Before he set out, he plucked a small down feather from his chest and fastened it to a stick no bigger than a wisp of hay. He held the stick in his beak and flew off. For many days, he headed south, keeping an eye on the feather hanging from the stick in his beak. But it remained motionless. One day, after traveling a long way, he noticed the down feather moving ever so slightly, and he realized that Whirlwind must be nearby. He flew in the direction the feather was blowing. Soon, he spotted soft green grass, wonderful flowers of various colors, and trees with green leaves along with many babbling streams of running water. He thought to himself, "I’ve finally found the wanderers." He followed a little stream for a while until it ended at a cave in the hills. In front of the cave, many flowers were blooming, the grass was soft and green, and the tall grasses were gently swaying. He knew that those he was looking for were inside, so he quietly entered the cave. Just beyond the entrance, a fire was smoldering, and near it lay Rain and Whirlwind both fast asleep. Sparrow tried to wake them with his beak and his calls, but they were asleep too deeply. Then he took a coal from the fire and placed it on Rain's back, but it sputtered and fizzled out quickly. He tried another one, but the same thing happened. Then he took a third coal, and this time Rain woke up. He was very surprised to hear a stranger in the cave, but he couldn’t see him because he was blind. So he woke up Whirlwind to protect him.[Pg 193]

Then Sparrow told them of the great trouble in the north country and of the great hardship and sorrow their absence had brought to the people, and of how sadly they had been missed and of the decision of the council to call them back. And Whirlwind said, "We shall return to-morrow if we are so badly needed. You may go back and tell your people that we are coming. We shall be there the day after you arrive." So Sparrow, feeling very proud of his success, flew back home. But when he arrived after many days, he went first to his own people to tell them the good news. And the Sparrow-people all gathered together and held a feast of celebration, and they twittered and danced and made a great hub-bub in their excitement because Rain was coming back on the morrow. Then Sparrow went to the Chief and said, "Oh, Chief, I have found Rain and Whirlwind and to-morrow they will be here," and he told the story of his flight to the south and of his discovery. And the Chief said, "Because of your success, you will never be hunted for game or killed for food."

Then Sparrow told them about the big trouble in the northern land and how much hardship and sadness their absence had caused the people, and how much they had been missed. He shared the council's decision to call them back. Whirlwind replied, "We'll return tomorrow if we’re really needed. Go back and tell your people we're coming. We’ll arrive the day after you get back." Feeling very proud of his achievement, Sparrow flew home. After many days, when he arrived, he went straight to his own people to share the good news. The Sparrow-people all gathered together for a celebratory feast, twittering and dancing, creating a huge commotion in their excitement because Rain was coming back the next day. Then Sparrow approached the Chief and said, "Oh, Chief, I’ve found Rain and Whirlwind, and they’ll be here tomorrow," and he recounted his journey to the south and his discovery. The Chief replied, "Because of your success, you will never be hunted for sport or killed for food."

The next morning the two travellers who had been so long away came back to the land. Whirlwind came first and great clouds of dust foretold his coming, and the sea dashed high against the rocks, and the trees shrieked and tossed their heads, all dancing gaily because of his return. When Whirlwind had passed by, Rain came along following close, because of his blindness. For several days Rain stayed[Pg 194] with the people and the flowers bloomed and the grass was green again and the wells and streams were no longer dry. And since that time Wind and Rain have never long been absent from the Atlantic Coast. And to this day the Sparrow-people know when Rain is coming, and to signal his approach they gather together and twitter and hop along and make a great hub-bub, just as they did when their ancestor found him by means of his down-feather in the olden days. But the Indians have been true to the Chief's promise, and they will not hunt Sparrows for game nor kill them for food or for their feathers. For they remember that of all the birds it was old Sparrow who long ago searched successfully for the Rain.

The next morning, the two travelers who had been away for so long returned to the land. Whirlwind was the first to arrive, and big clouds of dust announced his approach. The sea crashed fiercely against the rocks, and the trees swayed and shouted, all joyfully celebrating his return. After Whirlwind passed, Rain followed closely behind, guided by his blindness. For several days, Rain stayed[Pg 194] with the people, and the flowers bloomed, the grass turned green again, and the wells and streams were no longer dry. Since then, Wind and Rain have never been absent for long from the Atlantic Coast. To this day, the Sparrow people know when Rain is coming, and to signal his arrival, they gather, chirp, hop around, and create a big commotion, just as they did when their ancestor found him by using his down-feather back in the old days. The Indians have kept the Chief's promise and won’t hunt Sparrows for sport or kill them for food or feathers. They remember that it was old Sparrow who successfully searched for Rain a long time ago.


THE BOY IN THE LAND OF SHADOWS

Two orphan children, a boy and a girl, lived alone near the mountains. Their parents had long been dead and the children were left to look after themselves without any kindred upon the earth. The boy hunted all day long and provided much food, and the girl kept the house in order and did the cooking. They had a very deep love for each other and as they grew up they said, "We shall never leave each other. We shall always stay here together." But one year it happened that in the early spring-time it was very cold. The snow lingered on the plains and the ice moved slowly from the rivers and chill winds were always blowing and grey vapours hovered over all the land. And there was very little food to be had, for the animals hid in their warm winter dens and the wild-geese and ducks were still far south. And in this cruel period of bad weather the little girl sickened and died. Her brother worked hard to provide her with nourishing food and he gathered all the medicine roots he thought could bring her relief, but it was all to no purpose. And despite all his efforts, one evening in the twilight his sister went[Pg 196] away to the West, leaving him alone behind upon the earth.

Two orphaned kids, a boy and a girl, lived by themselves near the mountains. Their parents had passed away long ago, and the kids had no family left in the world. The boy spent all day hunting and brought back a lot of food, while the girl kept the house tidy and did the cooking. They had a strong bond and promised each other, "We’ll never leave each other. We’ll always stay here together." But one year, early in the spring, the weather was very cold. Snow still covered the plains, ice moved slowly down the rivers, cold winds blew constantly, and gray clouds hung over the land. There was hardly any food available because the animals were tucked away in their warm winter dens, and the wild geese and ducks were still far to the south. During this harsh spell of bad weather, the little girl fell ill and died. Her brother did everything he could to find her nourishing food and gathered all kinds of medicinal roots he thought might help her, but it was all in vain. Despite his efforts, one evening, as twilight fell, his sister went[Pg 196] away to the West, leaving him all alone on the earth.

The boy was heart-broken because of his sister's death. And when the late spring came and the days grew warm and food was plentiful again, he said, "She must be somewhere in the West, for they say that our people do not really die. I will go and search for her, and perhaps I can find her and bring her back." So one morning he set out on his strange quest. He journeyed many days westward towards the Great Water, killing game for food as he went, and sleeping at night under the stars. He met many strange people, but he did not tell them the purpose of his travels. At last he came to the shore of the Great Water, and he sat looking towards the sunset wondering what next to do. In the evening an old man came along. "What are you doing here?" asked the man. "I am looking for my sister," said the boy; "some time ago she sickened and died and I am lonely without her, and I want to find her and bring her back." And the man said, "Some time ago she whom you seek passed this way. If you wish to find her you must undertake a dangerous journey." The boy answered that he would gladly risk any dangers to find his sister, and the old man said, "I will help you. Your sister has gone to the Land of Shadows far away in the Country of Silence which lies out yonder in the Island of the Blest. To reach the Island you must sail far into the West, but I warn you[Pg 197] that it is a perilous journey, for the crossing is always rough and your boat will be tossed by tempests. But you will be well repaid for your trouble, for in that land nobody is ever hungry or tired; there is no death and no sorrow; there are no tears, and no one ever grows old."

The boy was heartbroken because of his sister's death. When late spring arrived and the days warmed up and food became abundant again, he said, "She must be somewhere in the West, because they say our people don't truly die. I'm going to search for her, and maybe I can find her and bring her back." So one morning, he set out on his unusual quest. He traveled many days westward toward the Great Water, hunting for food along the way and sleeping under the stars at night. He encountered many interesting people, but he didn't share the purpose of his journey with them. Eventually, he reached the shore of the Great Water, and he sat looking towards the sunset, pondering what to do next. In the evening, an old man approached him. "What are you doing here?" the man asked. "I'm looking for my sister," the boy replied; "some time ago, she got sick and died, and I'm lonely without her. I want to find her and bring her back." The man said, "Some time ago, the one you seek passed this way. If you want to find her, you must embark on a dangerous journey." The boy expressed that he would gladly face any dangers to find his sister, and the old man said, "I will help you. Your sister has gone to the Land of Shadows far away in the Country of Silence, which lies out there in the Island of the Blest. To reach the Island, you need to sail far into the West, but I warn you [Pg 197] that it is a perilous journey, as the crossing is always rough and your boat will be tossed by storms. However, you will be well rewarded for your efforts, for in that land, no one is ever hungry or tired; there is no death and no sorrow; there are no tears, and no one ever grows old."

Then the old man gave the boy a large pipe and some tobacco and said, "This will help you in your need." And he brought him to where a small canoe lay dry upon the beach. It was a wonderful canoe, the most beautiful the boy had ever seen. It was cut from a single white stone and it sparkled in the red twilight like a polished jewel. And the old man said, "This canoe will weather all storms. But see that you handle it carefully, and when you come back see that you leave it in the cove where you found it."

Then the old man handed the boy a big pipe and some tobacco and said, "This will help you when you need it." He took him to where a small canoe rested on the beach. It was an amazing canoe, the most beautiful one the boy had ever seen. It was carved from a single piece of white stone and shimmered in the red twilight like a polished gem. The old man said, "This canoe can withstand any storm. But make sure you take care of it, and when you come back, leave it in the cove where you found it."

Soon afterwards, the boy set out on his journey. The moon was full and the night was cold with stars. He sailed into the West over a rough and angry sea, but he was in no danger, for his canoe rode easily on the waters. All around him he saw in the moonlight many other canoes going in the same direction and all white and shining like his own. But no one seemed to be guiding them, and although he looked long at them not a person could he make out. He wondered if the canoes were drifting unoccupied, for when he called to them there was no answer. Sometimes a canoe[Pg 198] upset in the tossing sea and the waves rose over it and it was seen no more, and the boy often thought he heard an anguished cry. For several days he sailed on to the West, and all the time other canoes were not far away, and all the time some of them were dropping from sight beneath the surging waters, but he saw no people in them.

Soon after that, the boy set off on his journey. The moon was full, and the night was cold and starry. He sailed westward over a rough and choppy sea, but he was safe, as his canoe glided easily on the waters. All around him, he saw in the moonlight many other canoes heading in the same direction, all white and glowing like his own. But no one seemed to be steering them, and even though he looked closely, he couldn’t make out a single person. He wondered if the canoes were drifting empty, because when he called out to them, there was no reply. Sometimes a canoe[Pg 198] capsized in the turbulent sea, the waves overtook it, and it vanished from sight, and the boy often thought he heard a desperate cry. For several days, he continued sailing west, and all the while, other canoes were not far away, with some disappearing beneath the surging waters, but he never saw anyone in them.

At last, after a long journey, the sea grew calm and the air was sweet and warm. There was no trace of the storm, for the waves were quiet and the sky was as clear as crystal. He saw that he was near the Island of the Blest of which the old man had spoken, for it was now plain to his view, as it rose above the ocean, topped with green grass and trees, and a snow-white beach. Soon he reached the shore and drew up his canoe. As he turned away he came upon a skeleton lying flat upon the sand. He stopped to look at it, and as he did so, the skeleton sat up and said in great surprise, "You should not be here. Why have you come?" And the boy said, "I seek my sister. In the early spring-time she sickened and died, and I am going to the Land of Shadows in the Country of Silence in search of her." "You must go far inland," said the skeleton, "and the way is hard to find for such as you." The boy asked for guidance and the skeleton said, "Let me smoke and I will help you." The boy gave him the pipe and the tobacco he had received from the old man, and he laughed when he saw his strange companion with the pipe between his teeth. The skeleton smoked for some time and at last, as the smoke rose from his pipe, it changed to a flock of little white birds, which flew about like doves. The boy looked on in wonder, and the skeleton said, "These birds will guide you. Follow them." Then he gave back the pipe and stretched out again flat upon the sand, and the boy could not rouse him from his sleep.

At last, after a long journey, the sea calmed down, and the air was sweet and warm. There was no sign of the storm; the waves were still, and the sky was clear as glass. He realized he was close to the Island of the Blest that the old man had mentioned, as it became visible, rising above the ocean, covered in green grass and trees, with a pristine white beach. Soon, he reached the shore and pulled his canoe up. As he turned away, he stumbled upon a skeleton lying flat on the sand. He paused to look at it, and as he did, the skeleton sat up and said in shock, "You shouldn't be here. Why have you come?" The boy replied, "I’m looking for my sister. She got sick and died in early spring, and I'm going to the Land of Shadows in the Country of Silence to find her." "You need to go far inland," the skeleton said, "and the path is hard to find for someone like you." The boy asked for directions, and the skeleton said, "Let me smoke, and I’ll help you." The boy handed him the pipe and the tobacco he had received from the old man, laughing at the sight of his unusual companion with the pipe in his mouth. The skeleton smoked for a while, and finally, as the smoke rose from his pipe, it transformed into a flock of little white birds that flew around like doves. The boy watched in amazement, and the skeleton said, "These birds will guide you. Follow them." Then he gave the pipe back and lay down flat on the sand again, and the boy couldn’t wake him from his slumber.

THEN THE OLD MAN GAVE THE BOY A LARGE PIPE AND SOME TOBACCO Then the old man gave the boy a big pipe and some tobacco.

The boy followed the little white birds as he had been told. He went along through a land of great beauty where flowers were blooming and countless birds were singing. Not a person did he meet on the way. The place was deserted except for the song-birds and the flowers. He passed through the Country of Silence, and came to a mysterious land where no one dwelt. But although he saw no one he heard many voices and he could not tell whence they came. They seemed to be all around him. At last the birds stopped at the entrance to a great garden, and flew around his head in a circle. They would go no further and they alighted on a tree close by, all except one, which perched on the boy's shoulder. The lad knew that here at last was the Land of Shadows.

The boy followed the little white birds as he had been instructed. He traveled through a beautiful land filled with blooming flowers and countless singing birds. He didn't encounter a single person along the way. The place was empty except for the songbirds and the flowers. He passed through the Country of Silence and arrived at a mysterious land where no one lived. Yet, even though he saw no one, he heard many voices whose origins he couldn't identify. They seemed to surround him. Eventually, the birds stopped at the entrance of a vast garden and flew in a circle around his head. They would go no further and settled on a nearby tree, except for one that perched on the boy's shoulder. He understood that he had finally reached the Land of Shadows.

When he entered the garden he heard again many low voices. But he saw no one. He saw only many shadows of people on the grass, but he could not see from what the shadows came. He wondered greatly at the strange and[Pg 200] unusual sight, for back in his homeland in that time the sunlight made no shadows. He listened again to the voices and he knew now that the shadows were speaking. He wandered about for some time marvelling greatly at the strange place with its weird unearthly beauty. At last he heard a voice which he knew to be his sister's. It was soft and sweet, just as he had known it when they were together on the earth, and it had not changed since she left him. He went to the shadow from which the voice came, and throwing himself on the grass beside it, he said, "I have long sought you, my sister. I have come to take you home. Let me see you as you were when we dwelt together." But his sister said, "You have done wisely to keep me in your memory, and to seek to find me. But here we cannot appear to the people of earth except as shadows. I cannot go back with you, for it is now too late. I have eaten of the food of this land; if you had come before I had eaten, perhaps you could have taken me away. Who knows? But my heart and my voice are unchanged, and I still remember my dear ones, and with unaltered love I still watch my old home. And although I cannot go to you, you can some day come to me. First you must finish your work on earth. Go back to your home in the Earth Country. You will become a great Chief among your people. Rule wisely and justly and well, and give freely of your food to the poor among the Indians who have not as much as you have. And when[Pg 201] your work on earth is done you shall come to me in this Land of Shadows beyond the Country of Silence, and we shall be together again and our youth and strength and beauty will never leave us."

When he walked into the garden, he heard many soft voices again. But he saw no one. He only noticed the shadows of people on the grass, but he couldn't tell where the shadows were coming from. He was amazed by the strange and unusual sight because back home, sunlight didn't create shadows. He listened to the voices again and realized the shadows were talking. He wandered around for a while, marveling at the strange place with its otherworldly beauty. Finally, he heard a voice he recognized as his sister's. It was soft and sweet, just like he remembered from when they were together on Earth, and it hadn’t changed since she left him. He approached the shadow from which the voice came and threw himself on the grass beside it, saying, "I've been looking for you, my sister. I've come to take you home. Let me see you as you were when we lived together." But his sister replied, "You've done well to keep me in your memory and to try to find me. But here, we can only appear to the people of Earth as shadows. I can’t go back with you; it’s too late now. I’ve eaten the food of this land. If you had come before I ate, maybe you could have taken me away. Who knows? But my heart and my voice are unchanged, and I still remember my loved ones. With unchanged love, I still watch over our old home. Although I can’t come to you, one day you can come to me. First, you need to finish your work on Earth. Go back to your home in the Earth Country. You will become a great Chief among your people. Rule wisely, justly, and well, and share your food with the poor among the Indians who have less than you. And when your work on Earth is done, you will come to me in this Land of Shadows beyond the Country of Silence, and we will be together again, with our youth, strength, and beauty never fading."

And the boy, wondering greatly and in deep sorrow, said, "Let me stay with you now." But his sister said, "That cannot be." Then she said, "I will give you a Shadow, which you must keep with you as your guardian spirit. And while you have it with you, no harm can come to you, for it will be present only in the Light, and where there is Light there can be no wickedness. But when it disappears you must be on your guard against doing evil, for then there will be darkness, and darkness may lead you to wrong."

And the boy, filled with confusion and sadness, said, "Please, let me stay with you now." But his sister replied, "That’s not possible." Then she added, "I will give you a Shadow, which you must carry with you as your guiding spirit. As long as you have it with you, nothing can harm you, because it will exist only in the Light, and where there is Light, there can be no evil. But when it vanishes, you need to be careful not to do wrong, because then darkness will come, and darkness can lead you astray."

So the boy took the Shadow, and said good-bye for a season and set out on his homeward journey. The little white birds, which had waited for him in the trees, guided him back to the beach. His canoe was still there, but the skeleton-man had gone and there was not a trace of him to be found upon the sand. And the Island of the Blest was silent except for the songs of the birds and the ripple of the little streams. The boy embarked in his canoe and sailed towards the east, and as he pushed off from the beach the little white birds left him and disappeared in the air. The sea was now calm and there was no storm, as there had been on his outward journey. Soon he reached the shore[Pg 202] on the other side. He left his canoe in the cove as the old man had told him, and in a few days he arrived at his home, still bearing the Shadow from the Country of Silence.

So the boy took the Shadow, said goodbye for a while, and started his journey home. The little white birds that had been waiting for him in the trees guided him back to the beach. His canoe was still there, but the skeleton-man was gone, leaving no trace on the sand. The Island of the Blest was quiet, except for the songs of the birds and the gentle ripple of the small streams. The boy got into his canoe and sailed east, and as he pushed off from the beach, the little white birds left him and vanished into the sky. The sea was calm now, with no storm like there had been on his way out. Soon he reached the shore[Pg 202] on the other side. He left his canoe in the cove as the old man had instructed, and after a few days, he returned home, still carrying the Shadow from the Country of Silence.

He worked hard for many years but he did no evil, and in the end he became a great Chief and did much good for his people. He ruled wisely and justly and well, as his sister had commanded him. Then one day, when he was old and his work was done, he disappeared, and his people knew that he had gone to join his sister in the Land of Shadows in the Country of Silence far away somewhere in the West. But he left behind him the Shadow his sister had given him; and while there is Light the Indians still have their Shadow and no harm can come to them, for where there is Light there can be no evil.

He worked hard for many years, but he never did anything wrong, and in the end, he became a great Chief who did a lot of good for his people. He ruled wisely, justly, and effectively, just as his sister had instructed him. Then one day, when he was old and his work was finished, he disappeared, and his people knew he had gone to join his sister in the Land of Shadows in the Country of Silence, far away somewhere in the West. But he left behind the Shadow his sister had given him; and as long as there is Light, the Indians still have their Shadow, and no harm can come to them because where there is Light, there can be no evil.

But always in the late autumn the Shadows of the Indian brother and sister in the Country of Silence are lonely for their former life. And they think of their living friends and of the places of their youth, and they wish once more to follow the hunt, for they know that the hunter's moon is shining. And when their memory dwells with longing on their earlier days, their spirits are allowed to come back to earth for a brief season from the Land of Shadows. Then the winds are silent and the days are very still, and the smoke of their camp fires appears like haze upon the air. And men call this season Indian Summer, but it is really but a[Pg 203] Shadow of the golden summer that has gone. And it always is a reminder to the Indians that in the Land of Shadows, far away in the Country of Silence in the West, there are no dead.

But every late autumn, the Shadows of the Indian brother and sister in the Country of Silence feel lonely for their past life. They remember their living friends and the places of their youth, wishing once more to go on the hunt, knowing that the hunter's moon is shining. As they long for their earlier days, their spirits are allowed to return to earth for a short while from the Land of Shadows. During this time, the winds are quiet and the days are very calm, and the smoke from their campfires looks like haze in the air. People call this season Indian Summer, but it is really just a[Pg 203] Shadow of the golden summer that has passed. It always serves as a reminder to the Indians that in the Land of Shadows, far away in the Country of Silence in the West, there are no dead.

THE END




        
        
    
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