Inlovingmemoryofmymother，MARYGRAHAMBUISSON，atwhosekneemostofthestoriescontainedinthislittlevolumeweretoldtome，thisbookisaffec-
tionatelydedicatedTABLEOFCONTENTS
DedicationForewordTheForgottenEarofCornTheLittleMiceThePetRabbitThePetDonkeyTheRabbitandtheElkTheRabbitandtheGrouseGirlsTheFaithfulLoversTheArtichokeandtheMuskratTheRabbit，andtheBearwiththeFlintBodyStoryoftheLostWifeTheRaccoonandtheCrawfishLegendofStandingRockStoryofthePeacePipeABashfulCourtshipTheSimpleton’sWisdomLittleBraveandtheMedicineWomanTheBoundChildrenTheSignsofCornStoryoftheRabbitsHowtheRabbitLostHisTailUnktomiandtheArrowheadsTheBearandtheRabbitHuntBuffaloTheBraveWhoWentontheWarpathAloneandWontheNameoftheLoneWarriorTheSiouxWhoMarriedtheCrowChief’sDaughterTheBoyandtheTurtlesTheHermit，ortheGiftofCornTheMysteriousButteTheWonderfulTurtleTheManandtheOakStoryoftheTwoYoungFriendsTheStoryofthePetCrowThe\"Wasna\"（PemmicanMan）andtheUnktomi（Spider）
TheResuscitationoftheOnlyDaughterTheStoryofthePetCraneWhitePlumeStoryofPrettyFeatheredForeheadTheFourBrothersorInyanhoksila（StoneBoy）
TheUnktomi（Spider），TwoWidowsandtheRedPlumsFOREWORD
Inpublishingthese\"MythsoftheSioux，\"IdeemitpropertostatethatIamofone-fourthSiouxblood。Mymaternalgrandfather，CaptainDuncanGraham，aScotchmanbybirth，whohadseenserviceintheBritishArmy，wasoneofapartyofScotchHighlanderswhoin1811arrivedintheBritishNorthwestbywayofYorkFactory，HudsonBay，tofoundwhatwasknownastheSelkirkColony，nearLakeWinnipeg，nowwithintheprovinceofManitoba，Canada。SoonafterhisarrivalatLakeWinnipegheproceededuptheRedRiveroftheNorthandthewesternforkthereoftoitssource，andthencedowntheMinnesotaRivertoMendota，theconfluenceoftheMinnesotaandMississippiRivers，wherehelocated。Mygrandmother，Ha-za-ho-ta-win，wasafull-bloodoftheMedawakantonBandoftheSiouxTribeofIndians。Myfather，JosephBuisson，bornnearMontreal，Canada，wasconnectedwiththeAmericanFurCompany，withheadquartersatMendota，Minnesota，whichpointwasformanyyearsthechiefdistributingdepotoftheAmericanFurCompany，fromwhichtheIndiantradeconductedbythatcompanyontheupperMississippiwasdirected。
IwasbornDecember8，1842，atWabasha，Minnesota，thenIndiancountry，andresidedthereatuntilfourteenyearsofage，whenI
wassenttoschoolatPrairieduChien，Wisconsin。
IwasmarriedtoMajorJamesMcLaughlinatMendota，Minnesota，January28，1864，andresidedinMinnesotauntilJuly1，1871，whenIaccompaniedmyhusbandtoDevilsLakeAgency，NorthDakota，thenDakotaTerritory，whereIremainedtenyearsinmostfriendlyrelationswiththeIndiansofthatagency。MyhusbandwasIndianagentatDevilsLakeAgency，andin1881wastransferredtoStandingRock，ontheMissouriRiver，thenaveryimportantagency，totakechargeoftheSiouxwhohadthenbutrecentlysurrenderedtothemilitaryauthorities，andbeenbroughtbysteamboatfromvariouspointsontheupperMissouri，tobepermanentlylocatedontheStandingRockreservation。
HavingbeenbornandrearedinanIndiancommunity，IatanearlyageacquiredathoroughknowledgeoftheSiouxlanguage，andhavinglivedonIndianreservationsforthepastfortyyearsinapositionwhichbroughtmeveryneartotheIndians，whoseconfidenceI
possessed，Ihave，therefore，hadexceptionalopportunitiesoflearningthelegendsandfolk-loreoftheSioux。
ThestoriescontainedinthislittlevolumeweretoldmebytheoldermenandwomenoftheSioux，ofwhichImadecarefulnotesasrelated，knowingthat，ifnotrecorded，thesefairytaleswouldbelosttoposteritybythepassingoftheprimitiveIndian。
Thenotesofasongorastrainofmusiccomingtousthroughthenightnotonlygiveuspleasurebythemelodytheybring，butalsogiveusknowledgeofthecharacterofthesingeroroftheinstrumentfromwhichtheyproceed。Thereissomethinginthemusicwhichunerringlytellsusofitssource。Ibelievemusicianscallitthe\"timbre\"ofthesound。Itisindependentof，anddifferentfrom，bothpitchandrhythm;itisthetextureofthemusicitself。
The\"timbre\"ofapeople’sstoriestellsofthequalitiesofthatpeople’sheart。Itisthetextureofthethought，independentofitsformorfashioning，whichtellsthequalityofthemindfromwhichitsprings。
Inthe\"timbre\"ofthesestoriesoftheSioux，toldinthelodgesandatthecampfiresofthepast，andbythefiresidesoftheDakotasoftoday，werecognizetheverytextureofthethoughtofasimple，grave，andsincerepeople，livinginintimatecontactandfriendshipwiththebigout-of-doorsthatwecallNature;aracenotyetunderstandingallthings，notproudandboastful，buthonestandchildlikeandfair;asimple，sincere，andgravelythoughtfulpeople，willingtobelievethattheremaybeineventheeverydaythingsoflifesomethingnotyetfullyunderstood;aracethatcan，withoutanylossofnativedignity，gravelyconsiderthesimplestthings，seekingtofathomtheirmeaningandtolearntheirlesson——equallywithoutvain-gloriousboastingandtriflingcynicism;anearnest，thoughtful，dignified，butsimpleandprimitivepeople。
Tothechildrenofanyracethesestoriescannotfailtogivepleasurebytheirvividimagingofthesimplethingsandcreaturesofthegreatout-of-doorsandtheepicsoftheirdoings。Theywillalsogiveanintimateinsightintothementalityofaninterestingraceatamostinterestingstageofdevelopment，whichisnowfastrecedingintothemistsofthepast。
MARIEL。McLAUGHLIN（Mrs。JamesMcLaughlin）。
McLaughlin，S。D。，May1，1913。
THEFORGOTTENEAROFCORN
AnArikarawomanwasoncegatheringcornfromthefieldtostoreawayforwinteruse。Shepassedfromstalktostalk，tearingofftheearsanddroppingthemintoherfoldedrobe。Whenallwasgatheredshestartedtogo，whensheheardafaintvoice，likeachild’s，weepingandcalling：
\"Oh，donotleaveme！Donotgoawaywithoutme。\"
Thewomanwasastonished。\"Whatchildcanthatbe？\"sheaskedherself。\"Whatbabecanbelostinthecornfield？\"
Shesetdownherrobeinwhichshehadtieduphercorn，andwentbacktosearch;butshefoundnothing。
Asshestartedawaysheheardthevoiceagain：
\"Oh，donotleaveme。Donotgoawaywithoutme。\"
Shesearchedforalongtime。Atlastinonecornerofthefield，hiddenundertheleavesofthestalks，shefoundonelittleearofcorn。Thisitwasthathadbeencrying，andthisiswhyallIndianwomenhavesincegarneredtheircorncropverycarefully，sothatthesucculentfoodproductshouldnoteventothelastsmallnubbinbeneglectedorwasted，andthusdispleasetheGreatMystery。
THELITTLEMICE
Onceuponatimeaprairiemousebusiedherselfallfallstoringawayacacheofbeans。Everymorningshewasoutearlywithheremptycast-offsnakeskin，whichshefilledwithgroundbeansanddraggedhomewithherteeth。
Thelittlemousehadacousinwhowasfondofdancingandtalk，butwhodidnotliketowork。Shewasnotcarefultogethercacheofbeansandtheseasonwasalreadywellgonebeforeshethoughttobestirherself。Whenshecametorealizeherneed，shefoundshehadnopackingbag。Soshewenttoherhardworkingcousinandsaid：
\"Cousin，Ihavenobeansstoredforwinterandtheseasonisnearlygone。ButIhavenosnakeskintogatherthebeansin。Willyoulendmeone？\"
\"Butwhyhaveyounopackingbag？Wherewereyouinthemoonwhenthesnakescastofftheirskins？\"
\"Iwashere。\"
\"Whatwereyoudoing？\"
\"Iwasbusytalkinganddancing。\"
\"Andnowyouarepunished，\"saidtheother。\"Itisalwayssowithlazy，carelesspeople。ButIwillletyouhavethesnakeskin。
Andnowgo，andbyhardworkandindustry，trytorecoveryourwastedtime。\"
THEPETRABBIT
Alittlegirlownedapetrabbitwhichsheloveddearly。Shecarrieditonherbacklikeababe，madeforitalittlepairofmoccasins，andatnightsharedwithitherownrobe。
Nowthelittlegirlhadacousinwholovedherverydearlyandwishedtodoherhonor;sohercousinsaidtoherself：
\"Ilovemylittlecousinwellandwillaskhertoletmecarryherpetrabbitaround;\"（forthusdoIndianwomenwhentheywishtohonorafriend;theyaskpermissiontocarryaboutthefriend’sbabe）。
Shethenwenttothelittlegirlandsaid：
\"Cousin，letmecarryyourpetrabbitaboutonmyback。ThusshallIshowyouhowIloveyou。\"
Hermother，too，saidtoher：\"Ohno，donotletourlittlegrandchildgoawayfromourtepee。\"
Butthecousinanswered：\"Oh，doletmecarryit。Idosowanttoshowmycousinhonor。\"Atlasttheylethergoawaywiththepetrabbitonherback。
Whenthelittlegirl’scousincamehometohertepee，someroughboyswhowereplayingaboutbegantomakesportofher。Toteasethelittlegirltheythrewstonesandsticksatthepetrabbit。Atlastastickstruckthelittlerabbitupontheheadandkilledit。
Whenherpetwasbroughthomedead，thelittlerabbit’sadoptedmotherweptbitterly。Shecutoffherhairformourningandallherlittlegirlfriendswailedwithher。Hermother，too，mournedwiththem。
\"Alas！\"theycried，\"alas，forthelittlerabbit。Hewasalwayskindandgentle。Nowyourchildisdeadandyouwillbelonesome。\"
Thelittlegirl’smothercalledinherlittlefriendsandmadeagreatmourningfeastforthelittlerabbit。Ashelayinthetepeehisadoptedmother’slittlefriendsbroughtmanypreciousthingsandcoveredhisbody。Atthefeastweregivenawayrobesandkettlesandblanketsandknivesandgreatwealthinhonorofthelittlerabbit。Himtheywrappedinarobewithhislittlemoccasinsonandburiedhiminahighplaceuponascaffold。
THEPETDONKEY
Therewasachief’sdaughteroncewhohadagreatmanyrelationssothateverybodyknewshebelongedtoagreatfamily。
Whenshegrewupshemarriedandtherewereborntohertwinsons。
Thiscausedgreatrejoicinginherfather’scamp，andallthevillagewomencametoseethebabes。Shewasveryhappy。
Asthebabesgrewolder，theirgrandmothermadeforthemtwosaddlebagsandbroughtoutadonkey。
\"Mytwograndchildren，\"saidtheoldlady，\"shallrideasisbecomingtochildrenhavingsomanyrelations。Hereisthisdonkey。Heispatientandsurefooted。Heshallcarrythebabesinthesaddlebags，oneoneithersideofhisback。\"
Ithappenedonedaythatthechief’sdaughterandherhusbandweremakingreadytogoonacampingjourney。Thefather，whowasquiteproudofhischildren，broughtouthisfinestpony，andputthesaddlebagsonthepony’sback。
\"There，\"hesaid，\"mysonsshallrideonthepony，notonadonkey;
letthedonkeycarrythepotsandkettles。\"
Sohiswifeloadedthedonkeywiththehouseholdthings。Shetiedthetepeepolesintotwogreatbundles，oneoneithersideofthedonkey’sback;acrossthemsheputthetravoisnetandthrewintoitthepotsandkettlesandlaidtheskintentacrossthedonkey’sback。
Butnosoonerdonethanthedonkeybegantorearandbrayandkick。
Hebrokethetentpolesandkickedthepotsandkettlesintobitsandtoretheskintent。Themorehewasbeatenthemorehekicked。
Atlasttheytoldthegrandmother。Shelaughed。\"DidInottellyouthedonkeywasforthechildren，\"shecried。\"Heknowsthebabiesarethechief’schildren。Thinkyouhewillbedishonoredwithpotsandkettles？\"andshefetchedthechildrenandslungthemoverthedonkey’sback，whenhebecameatoncequietagain。
Thecampingpartyleftthevillageandwentontheirjourney。Butthenextdayastheypassedbyaplaceovergrownwithbushes，abandofenemiesrushedout，lashingtheirponiesandsoundingtheirwarwhoop。Allwasexcitement。Themenbenttheirbowsandseizedtheirlances。Afteralongbattletheenemyfled。Butwhenthecampingpartycametogetheragain——wherewerethedonkeyandthetwobabes？Nooneknew。Foralongtimetheysearched，butinvain。Atlasttheyturnedtogobacktothevillage，thefathermournful，themotherwailing。Whentheycametothegrandmother’stepee，therestoodthegooddonkeywiththetwobabesinthesaddlebags。
THERABBITANDTHEELK
Thelittlerabbitlivedwithhisoldgrandmother，whoneededanewdress。\"Iwillgooutandtrapadeeroranelkforyou，\"hesaid。
\"Thenyoushallhaveanewdress。\"
Whenhewentouthuntinghelaiddownhisbowinthepathwhilehelookedathissnares。Anelkcomingbysawthebow。
\"Iwillplayajokeontherabbit，\"saidtheelktohimself。\"I
willmakehimthinkIhavebeencaughtinhisbowstring。\"Hethenputonefootonthestringandlaydownasifdead。
Byandbytherabbitreturned。Whenhesawtheelkhewasfilledwithjoyandranhomecrying：\"Grandmother，Ihavetrappedafineelk。Youshallhaveanewdressfromhisskin。Throwtheoldoneinthefire！\"
Thistheoldgrandmotherdid。
Theelknowsprangtohisfeetlaughing。\"Ho，friendrabbit，\"hecalled，\"Youthoughttotrapme;nowIhavemockedyou。\"Andheranawayintothethicket。
Therabbitwhohadcomebacktoskintheelknowranhomeagain。
\"Grandmother，don’tthrowyourdressinthefire，\"hecried。Butitwastoolate。Theolddresswasburned。
THERABBITANDTHEGROUSEGIRLS
Therabbitoncewentoutontheprairieinwintertime。Onthesideofahillawayfromthewindhefoundagreatcompanyofgirlsallwithgreyandspeckledblanketsovertheirbacks。Theywerethegrousegirlsandtheywerecoastingdownhillonaboard。Whentherabbitsawthem，hecalledout：
\"Oh，maidens，thatisnotagoodwaytocoastdownhill。Letmegetyouafineskinwithbanglesonitthattinkleasyouslide。\"
Andawayherantothetepeeandbroughtaskinbag。Ithadredstripesonitandbanglesthattinkled。\"Comeandgetinside，\"hesaidtothegrousegirls。\"Oh，no，weareafraid，\"theyanswered。
\"Don’tbeafraid，Ican’thurtyou。Come，oneofyou，\"saidtherabbit。Thenaseachhungbackheaddedcoaxingly：\"Ifeachisafraidalone，comealltogether。Ican’thurtyouall。\"
Andsohecoaxedthewholeflockintothebag。Thisdone，therabbitclosedthemouthofthebag，slungitoverhisbackandcamehome。\"Grandmother，\"saidhe，ashecametothetepee，\"hereisabagfullofgame。WatchitwhileIgoforwillowstickstomakespits。\"
Butassoonastherabbithadgoneoutofthetent，thegrousegirlsbegantocryout：
\"Grandmother，letusout。\"
\"Whoareyou？\"askedtheoldwoman。
\"Yourdeargrandchildren，\"theyanswered。
\"Buthowcameyouinthebag？\"askedtheoldwoman。
\"Oh，ourcousinwasjestingwithus。Hecoaxedusinthebagforajoke。Pleaseletusout。\"
\"Certainly，deargrandchildren，Iwillletyouout，\"saidtheoldwomanassheuntiedthebag：andlo，thegrouseflockwithachuck-a-chuck-achuckflewup，knockingovertheoldgrandmotherandflewoutofthesquaresmokeopeningofthewinterlodge。Theoldwomancaughtonlyonegrouseasitflewupandheldit，graspingalegwitheachhand。
Whentherabbitcamehomewiththespitsshecalledouttohim：
\"Grandson，comequick。TheygotoutbutIhavecaughttwo。\"
Whenhesawwhathadhappenedhewasquiteangry，yetcouldnotkeepfromlaughing。
\"Grandmother，youhavebutonegrouse，\"hecried，anditisaveryskinnyoneatthat。\"
THEFAITHFULLOVERS
Thereoncelivedachief’sdaughterwhohadmanyrelations。Alltheyoungmeninthevillagewantedtohaveherforwife，andwerealleagertofillherskinbucketwhenshewenttothebrookforwater。
Therewasayoungmaninthevillagewhowasindustriousandagoodhunter;buthewaspoorandofameanfamily。Helovedthemaidenandwhenshewentforwater，hethrewhisrobeoverherheadwhilehewhisperedinherear：
\"Bemywife。IhavelittlebutIamyoungandstrong。Iwilltreatyouwell，forIloveyou。\"
Foralongtimethemaidendidnotanswer，butonedayshewhisperedback。
\"Yes，youmayaskmyfather’sleavetomarryme。Butfirstyoumustdosomethingnoble。Ibelongtoagreatfamilyandhavemanyrelations。Youmustgoonawarpartyandbringbackthescalpofanenemy。\"
Theyoungmanansweredmodestly，\"Iwilltrytodoasyoubidme。
Iamonlyahunter，notawarrior。WhetherIshallbebraveornotIdonotknow。ButIwilltrytotakeascalpforyoursake。\"
Sohemadeawarpartyofseven，himselfandsixotheryoungmen。
Theywanderedthroughtheenemy’scountry，hopingtogetachancetostrikeablow。Butnonecame，fortheyfoundnooneoftheenemy。
\"Ourmedicineisunfavorable，\"saidtheirleaderatlast。\"Weshallhavetoreturnhome。\"
Beforetheystartedtheysatdowntosmokeandrestbesideabeautifullakeatthefootofagreenknollthatrosefromitsshore。Theknollwascoveredwithgreengrassandsomehowastheylookedatittheyhadafeelingthattherewassomethingaboutitthatwasmysteriousoruncanny。
Buttherewasayoungmaninthepartynamedthejester，forhewasventuresomeandfulloffun。Gazingattheknollhesaid：\"Let’srunandjumponitstop。\"
\"No，\"saidtheyounglover，\"itlooksmysterious。Sitstillandfinishyoursmoke。\"
\"Oh，comeon，who’safraid，\"saidthejester，laughing。\"Comeonyou——comeon！\"andspringingtohisfeetheranupthesideoftheknoll。
Fouroftheyoungmenfollowed。Havingreachedthetopoftheknollallfivebegantojumpandstampaboutinsport，calling，\"Comeon，comeon，\"totheothers。Suddenlytheystopped——theknollhadbeguntomovetowardthewater。Itwasagiganticturtle。Thefivemencriedoutinalarmandtriedtorun——toolate！Theirfeetbysomepowerwereheldfasttothemonster’sback。
\"Helpus——dragusaway，\"theycried;buttheotherscoulddonothing。Inafewmomentsthewaveshadclosedoverthem。
Theothertwomen，theloverandhisfriend，wenton，butwithheavyhearts，fortheyhadforebodingsofevil。Aftersomedays，theycametoariver。Wornwithfatiguetheloverthrewhimselfdownonthebank。
\"Iwillsleepawhile，\"hesaid，\"forIamweariedandwornout。\"
\"AndIwillgodowntothewaterandseeifIcanchanceuponadeadfish。Atthistimeoftheyearthehighwatermayhaveleftonestrandedontheseashore，\"saidhisfriend。
Andashehadsaid，hefoundafishwhichhecleaned，andthencalledtothelover。
\"Comeandeatthefishwithme。Ihavecleaneditandmadeafireanditisnowcooking。\"
\"No，youeatit;letmerest，\"saidthelover。
\"Oh，comeon。\"
\"No，letmerest。\"
\"Butyouaremyfriend。Iwillnoteatunlessyoushareitwithme。\"
\"Verywell，\"saidthelover，\"Iwilleatthefishwithyou，butyoumustfirstmakemeapromise。IfIeatthefish，youmustpromise，pledgeyourself，tofetchmeallthewaterthatIcandrink。\"
\"Ipromise，\"saidtheother，andthetwoatethefishoutoftheirwar-kettle。Fortherehadbeenbutonekettlefortheparty。
Whentheyhadeaten，thekettlewasrinsedoutandthelover’sfriendbroughtitbackfullofwater。Thistheloverdrankatadraught。
\"Bringmemore，\"hesaid。
Againhisfriendfilledthekettleattheriverandagaintheloverdrankitdry。
\"More！\"hecried。
\"Oh，Iamtired。Cannotyougototheriveranddrinkyourfillfromthestream？\"askedhisfriend。
\"Rememberyourpromise。\"
\"Yes，butIamweary。Gonowanddrink。\"
\"Ek-hey，Ifeareditwouldbeso。Nowtroubleiscominguponus，\"
saidtheloversadly。Hewalkedtotheriver，sprangin，andlyingdowninthewaterwithhisheadtowardland，drankgreedily。Byandbyhecalledtohisfriend。
\"Comehither，youwhohavebeenmyswornfriend。Seewhatcomesofyourbrokenpromise。\"
Thefriendcameandwasamazedtoseethattheloverwasnowafishfromhisfeettohismiddle。
Sickatheartheranoffalittlewayandthrewhimselfuponthegroundingrief。Byandbyhereturned。Theloverwasnowafishtohisneck。
\"CannotIcutoffthepartandrestoreyoubyasweatbath？\"thefriendasked。
\"No，itistoolate。Buttellthechief’sdaughterthatIlovedhertothelastandthatIdieforhersake。Takethisbeltandgiveittoher。Shegaveittomeasapledgeofherloveforme，\"
andhebeingthenturnedtoagreatfish，swamtothemiddleoftheriverandthereremained，onlyhisgreatfinremainingabovethewater。
Thefriendwenthomeandtoldhisstory。Therewasgreatmourningoverthedeathofthefiveyoungmen，andforthelostlover。Intheriverthegreatfishremained，itsfinjustabovethesurface，andwascalledbytheIndians\"FishthatBars，\"becauseitbar’dnavigation。Canoeshadtobeportagedatgreatlaboraroundtheobstruction。
Thechief’sdaughtermournedforherloverasforahusband，norwouldshebecomforted。\"Hewaslostforloveofme，andIshallremainashiswidow，\"shewailed。
Inhermother’stepeeshesat，withherheadcoveredwithherrobe，silent，working，working。\"Whatismydaughterdoing，\"hermotherasked。Butthemaidendidnotreply。
Thedayslengthenedintomoonsuntilayearhadpassed。Andthenthemaidenarose。Inherhandswerebeautifularticlesofclothing，enoughforthreemen。Therewerethreepairsofmoccasins，threepairsofleggings，threebelts，threeshirts，threeheaddresseswithbeautifulfeathers，andsweetsmellingtobacco。
\"Makeanewcanoeofbark，\"shesaid，whichwasmadeforher。
Intothecanoeshesteppedandfloatedslowlydowntherivertowardthegreatfish。
\"Comebackmydaughter，\"hermothercriedinagony。\"Comeback。
Thegreatfishwilleatyou。\"
Sheanswerednothing。Hercanoecametotheplacewherethegreatfinaroseandstopped，itsprowgratingonthemonster’sback。Themaidensteppedoutboldly。Onebyoneshelaidherpresentsonthefish’sback，scatteringthefeathersandtobaccooverhisbroadspine。
\"Oh，fish，\"shecried，\"Oh，fish，youwhoweremylover，Ishallnotforgetyou。Becauseyouwerelostforloveofme，Ishallnevermarry。AllmylifeIshallremainawidow。Takethesepresents。Andnowleavetheriver，andletthewatersrunfree，somypeoplemayoncemoredescendintheircanoes。\"
Shesteppedintohercanoeandwaited。Slowlythegreatfishsank，hisbroadfindisappeared，andthewatersoftheSt。Croix（Stillwater）werefree。
THEARTICHOKEANDTHEMUSKRAT
Ontheshoreofalakestoodanartichokewithitsgreenleaveswavinginthesun。Veryproudofitselfitwas，andwellsatisfiedwiththeworld。Inthelakebelowlivedamuskratinhistepee，andintheeveningasthesunsethewouldcomeoutupontheshoreandwanderoverthebank。Oneeveninghecameneartheplacewheretheartichokestood。
\"Ho，friend，\"hesaid，\"youseemratherproudofyourself。Whoareyou？\"\"Iamtheartichoke，\"answeredtheother，\"andIhavemanyhandsomecousins。Butwhoareyou？\"
\"Iamthemuskrat，andI，too，belongtoalargefamily。Iliveinthewater。Idon’tstandalldayinoneplacelikeastone。\"
\"IfIstandinoneplaceallday，\"retortedtheartichoke，\"atleastIdon’tswimaroundinstagnantwater，andbuildmylodgeinthemud。\"
\"Youarejealousofmyfinefur，\"sneeredthemuskrat。\"Imaybuildmylodgeinthemud，butIalwayshaveacleancoat。Butyouarehalfburiedintheground，andwhenmendigyouup，youareneverclean。\"
\"Andyourfinecoatalwayssmellsofmusk，\"jeeredtheartichoke。
\"Thatistrue，\"saidthemuskrat。\"Butmenthinkwellofme，nevertheless。Theytrapmeforthefinesinewinmytail;andhandsomeyoungwomenbiteoffmytailwiththeirwhiteteethandmakeitintothread。\"
\"That’snothing，\"laughedtheartichoke。\"Handsomeyoungwarriors，paintedandsplendidwithfeathers，digmeup，brushmeoffwiththeirshapelyhandsandeatmewithouteventakingthetroubletowashmeoff。\"
THERABBITANDTHEBEARWITHTHE
FLINTBODY
TheRabbitandhisgrandmotherwereindirestraits，becausetherabbitwasoutofarrows。Thefallhuntwouldsoonbeonandhisquiverwasallbutempty。Arrowstickshecouldcutinplenty，buthehadnothingwithwhichtomakearrowheads。
\"Youmustmakesomeflintarrowheads，\"saidhisgrandmother。\"Thenyouwillbeabletokillgame。\"
\"WhereshallIgettheflint？\"askedtherabbit。
\"Fromtheoldbearchief，\"saidhisoldgrandmother。Foratthattimealltheflintintheworldwasinthebear’sbody。
SotherabbitsetoutforthevillageoftheBears。Itwaswintertimeandthelodgesofthebearsweresetundertheshelterofahillwherethecoldwindwouldnotblowonthemandwheretheyhadshelteramongthetreesandbushes。
Hecameatoneendofthevillagetoahutwherelivedanoldwoman。Hepushedopenthedoorandentered。Everybodywhocameforflintalwaysstoppedtherebecauseitwasthefirstlodgeontheedgeofthevillage。Strangerswerethereforenotunusualintheoldwoman’shut，andshewelcomedtherabbit。Shegavehimaseatandatnighthelaywithhisfeettothefire。
Thenextmorningtherabbitwenttothelodgeofthebearchief。
Theysattogetherawhileandsmoked。Atlastthebearchiefspoke。
\"Whatdoyouwant，mygrandson？\"
\"Ihavecomeforsomeflinttomakearrows，\"answeredtherabbit。
Thebearchiefgrunted，andlaidasidehispipe。Leaningbackhepulledoffhisrobeand，sureenough，onehalfofhisbodywasfleshandtheotherhalfhardflint。
\"Bringastonehammerandgiveittoourguest，\"hebadehiswife。
Thenastherabbittookthehammerhesaid：\"Donotstriketoohard。\"
\"Grandfather，Ishallbecareful，\"saidtherabbit。Withastrokehestruckoffalittleflakeofflintfromthebear’sbody。
\"Ni-sko-ke-cha？Sobig？\"heasked。
\"Harder，grandson;strikeoffbiggerpieces，\"saidthebear。
Therabbitstruckalittleharder。
\"Ni-sko-ke-cha？Sobig？\"heasked。
Thebeargrewimpatient。\"No，no，strikeoffbiggerpieces。I
can’tbehereallday。Tankakaksawo！Breakoffabigpiece。\"
Therabbitstruckagain——hard！\"Ni-sko-ke-cha？\"hecried，asthehammerfell。Butevenashespokethebear’sbodybrokeintwo，thefleshpartfellawayandonlytheflintpartremained。Likeaflashtherabbitdartedoutofthehut。
Therewasagreatoutcryinthevillage。Openmouthed，allthebearsgavechase。Butasherantherabbitcried：\"Wa-hin-han-yo（snow，snow）Ota-po，Ota-po——lotsmore，lotsmore，\"andagreatstormofsnowsweptdownfromthesky。
Therabbit，lightoffoot，boundedoverthetopofthesnow。Thebearssunkinandflounderedabouthelpless。Seeingthis，therabbitturnedbackandkilledthemonebyonewithhisclub。Thatiswhywenowhavesofewbears。
STORYOFTHELOSTWIFE
ADakotagirlmarriedamanwhopromisedtotreatherkindly，buthedidnotkeephisword。Hewasunreasonable，fault-finding，andoftenbeather。Franticwithhiscruelty，sheranaway。Thewholevillageturnedouttosearchforher，butnotraceofthemissingwifewastobefound。
Meanwhile，thefleeingwomanhadwanderedaboutallthatdayandthenextnight。Thenextdayshemetaman，whoaskedherwhoshewas。Shedidnotknowit，buthewasnotreallyaman，butthechiefofthewolves。
\"Comewithme，\"hesaid，andheledhertoalargevillage。Shewasamazedtoseeheremanywolves——grayandblack，timberwolvesandcoyotes。Itseemedasifallthewolvesintheworldwerethere。
Thewolfchiefledtheyoungwomantoagreattepeeandinvitedherin。Heaskedherwhatsheateforfood。
\"Buffalomeat，\"sheanswered。
Hecalledtwocoyotesandbadethembringwhattheyoungwomanwanted。Theyboundedawayandsoonreturnedwiththeshoulderofafresh-killedbuffalocalf。
\"Howdoyouprepareitforeating？\"askedthewolfchief。
\"Byboiling，\"answeredtheyoungwoman。
Againhecalledthetwocoyotes。Awaytheyboundedandsoonbroughtintothetentasmallbundle。Initwerepunk，flintandsteel——stolen，itmaybe，fromsomecampofmen。
\"Howdoyoumakethemeatready？\"askedthewolfchief。
\"Icutitintoslices，\"answeredtheyoungwoman。
Thecoyoteswerecalledandinashorttimefetchedinaknifeinitssheath。Theyoungwomancutupthecalf’sshoulderintoslicesandateit。
Thusshelivedforayear，allthewolvesbeingverykindtoher。
Attheendofthattimethewolfchiefsaidtoher：
\"Yourpeoplearegoingoffonabuffalohunt。Tomorrowatnoontheywillbehere。Youmustthengooutandmeetthemortheywillfallonusandkillus。\"
Thenextdayataboutnoontheyoungwomanwenttothetopofaneighboringknoll。Comingtowardherweresomeyoungmenridingontheirponies。Shestoodupandheldherhandssothattheycouldseeher。Theywonderedwhoshewas，andwhentheywereclosebygazedatherclosely。
\"Ayearagowelostayoungwoman;ifyouareshe，wherehaveyoubeen，\"theyasked。
\"Ihavebeeninthewolves’village。Donotharmthem，\"sheanswered。
\"Wewillridebackandtellthepeople，\"theysaid。\"Tomorrowagainatnoon，weshallmeetyou。\"
Theyoungwomanwentbacktothewolfvillage，andthenextdaywentagaintoaneighboringknoll，thoughtoadifferentone。Soonshesawthecampcominginalonglineovertheprairie。Firstwerethewarriors，thenthewomenandtents。
Theyoungwoman’sfatherandmotherwereoverjoyedtoseeher。Butwhentheycamenearhertheyoungwomanfainted，forshecouldnotnowbearthesmellofhumankind。Whenshecametoherselfshesaid：
\"Youmustgoonabuffalohunt，myfatherandallthehunters。
Tomorrowyoumustcomeagain，bringingwithyouthetonguesandchoicepiecesofthekill。\"
Thishepromisedtodo;andallthemenofthecampmountedtheirponiesandtheyhadagreathunt。Thenextdaytheyreturnedwiththeirponiesladenwiththebuffalomeat。Theyoungwomanbadethempilethemeatinagreatheapbetweentwohillswhichshepointedouttothem。Therewassomuchmeatthatthetopsofthetwohillswerebridgedlevelbetweenbythemeatpile。Inthecenterofthepiletheyoungwomanplantedapolewitharedflag。
Shethenbegantohowllikeawolf，loudly。
Inamomenttheearthseemedcoveredwithwolves。Theyfellgreedilyonthemeatpileandinashorttimehadeatenthelastscrap。
Theyoungwomanthenjoinedherownpeople。
Herhusbandwantedhertocomeandlivewithhimagain。Foralongtimesherefused。However，atlasttheybecamereconciled。
THERACCOONANDTHECRAWFISH
Sharpandcunningistheraccoon，saytheIndians，bywhomheisnamedSpottedFace。
Acrawfishoneeveningwanderedalongariverbank，lookingforsomethingdeadtofeastupon。Araccoonwasalsooutlookingforsomethingtoeat。Hespiedthecrawfishandformedaplantocatchhim。
Helaydownonthebankandfeignedtobedead。Byandbythecrawfishcamenearby。\"Ho，\"hethought，\"hereisafeastindeed;
butishereallydead。Iwillgonearandpinchhimwithmyclawsandfindout。\"
Sohewentnearandpinchedtheraccoononthenoseandthenonhissoftpaws。Theraccoonnevermoved。Thecrawfishthenpinchedhimontheribsandtickledhimsothattheraccooncouldhardlykeepfromlaughing。Thecrawfishatlastlefthim。\"Theraccoonissurelydead，\"hethought。Andhehurriedbacktothecrawfishvillageandreportedhisfindtothechief。
Allthevillagerswerecalledtogodowntothefeast。Thechiefbadethewarriorsandyoungmentopainttheirfacesanddressintheirgayestforadance。
Sotheymarchedinalongline——firstthewarriors，withtheirweaponsinhand，thenthewomenwiththeirbabiesandchildren——totheplacewheretheraccoonlay。Theyformedagreatcircleabouthimanddanced，singing：
\"Weshallhaveagreatfeast\"Onthespotted-facedbeast，withsoftsmoothpaws：
\"Heisdead！
\"Heisdead！
\"Weshalldance！
\"Weshallhaveagoodtime;
\"Weshallfeastonhisflesh。\"
Butastheydanced，theraccoonsuddenlysprangtohisfeet。
\"Whoisthatyousayyouaregoingtoeat？Hehasaspottedface，hashe？Hehassoft，smoothpaws，hashe？I’llbreakyouruglybacks。I’llbreakyourroughbones。I’llcrunchyourugly，roughpaws。\"Andherushedamongthecrawfish，killingthembyscores。Thecrawfishwarriorsfoughtbravelyandthewomenranscreaming，alltonopurpose。Theydidnotfeastontheraccoon;
theraccoonfeastedonthem！
LEGENDOFSTANDINGROCK
ADakotahadmarriedanArikarawoman，andbyherhadonechild。
Byandbyhetookanotherwife。Thefirstwifewasjealousandpouted。Whentimecameforthevillagetobreakcampsherefusedtomovefromherplaceonthetentfloor。ThetentwastakendownbutshesatonthegroundwithherbabeonherbackTherestofthecampwithherhusbandwenton。
Atnoonherhusbandhaltedtheline。\"Gobacktoyoursister-in-law，\"hesaidtohistwobrothers。\"Tellhertocomeonandwewillawaityouhere。Buthasten，forIfearshemaygrowdesperateandkillherself。\"
Thetworodeoffandarrivedattheirformercampingplaceintheevening。Thewomanstillsatontheground。Theelderspoke：
\"Sister-in-law，getup。Wehavecomeforyou。Thecampawaitsyou。\"
Shedidnotanswer，andheputouthishandandtouchedherhead。
Shehadturnedtostone！
Thetwobrotherslashedtheirponiesandcamebacktocamp。Theytoldtheirstory，butwerenotbelieved。\"Thewomanhaskilledherselfandmybrotherswillnottellme，\"saidthehusband。
However，thewholevillagebrokecampandcamebacktotheplacewheretheyhadleftthewoman。Sureenough，shesattherestill，ablockofstone。
TheIndiansweregreatlyexcited。Theychoseoutahandsomepony，madeanewtravoisandplacedthestoneinthecarryingnet。Ponyandtravoiswerebothbeautifullypaintedanddecoratedwithstreamersandcolors。Thestonewasthought\"wakan\"（holy），andwasgivenaplaceofhonorinthecenterofthecamp。Wheneverthecampmovedthestoneandtravoisweretakenalong。Thusthestonewomanwascarriedforyears，andfinallybroughttoStandingRockAgency，andnowrestsuponabrickpedestalinfrontoftheAgencyoffice。FromthisstoneStandingRockAgencyderivesitsname。
STORYOFTHEPEACEPIPE
Twoyoungmenwereoutstrollingonenighttalkingofloveaffairs。
Theypassedaroundahillandcametoalittleravineorcoulee。
Suddenlytheysawcomingupfromtheravineabeautifulwoman。Shewaspaintedandherdresswasoftheveryfinestmaterial。
\"Whatabeautifulgirl！\"saidoneoftheyoungmen。\"AlreadyI
loveher。Iwillstealherandmakehermywife。\"
\"No，\"saidtheother。\"Don’tharmher。Shemaybeholy。\"
Theyoungwomanapproachedandheldoutapipewhichshefirstofferedtothesky，thentotheearthandthenadvanced，holdingitoutinherextendedhands。
\"Iknowwhatyouyoungmenhavebeensaying;oneofyouisgood;
theotheriswicked，\"shesaid。
Shelaiddownthepipeonthegroundandatoncebecameabuffalocow。Thecowpawedtheground，stuckhertailstraightoutbehindherandthenliftedthepipefromthegroundagaininherhoofs;
immediatelyshebecameayoungwomanagain。
\"Iamcometogiveyouthisgift，\"shesaid。\"Itisthepeacepipe。Hereafteralltreatiesandceremoniesshallbeperformedaftersmokingit。Itshallbringpeacefulthoughtsintoyourminds。YoushallofferittotheGreatMysteryandtomotherearth。\"
Thetwoyoungmenrantothevillageandtoldwhattheyhadseenandheard。Allthevillagecameoutwheretheyoungwomanwas。
Sherepeatedtothemwhatshehadalreadytoldtheyoungmenandadded：
\"Whenyousetfreetheghost（thespiritofdeceasedpersons）youmusthaveawhitebuffalocowskin。\"
Shegavethepipetothemedicinemenofthevillage，turnedagaintoabuffalocowandfledawaytothelandofbuffaloes。
ABASHFULCOURTSHIP
Ayoungmanlivedwithhisgrandmother。Hewasagoodhunterandwishedtomarry。Heknewagirlwhowasagoodmoccasinmaker，butshebelongedtoagreatfamily。Hewonderedhowhecouldwinher。
Onedayshepassedthetentonherwaytogetwaterattheriver。
Hisgrandmotherwasatworkinthetepeewithapairofoldworn-outsloppymoccasins。Theyoungmansprangtohisfeet。
\"Quick，grandmother——letmehavethoseoldsloppymoccasinsyouhaveonyourfeet！\"hecried。
\"Myoldmoccasins，whatdoyouwantofthem？\"criedtheastonishedwoman。
\"Nevermind！Quick！Ican’tstoptotalk，\"answeredthegrandsonashecaughtuptheoldmoccasinstheoldladyhaddoffed，andputthemon。Hethrewarobeoverhisshoulders，slippedthroughthedoor，andhastenedtothewateringplace。Thegirlhadjustarrivedwithherbucket。
\"Letmefillyourbucketforyou，\"saidtheyoungman。
\"Oh，no，Icandoit。\"
\"Oh，letme，Icangointhemud。Yousurelydon’twanttosoilyourmoccasins，\"andtakingthebucketheslippedinthemud，takingcaretopushhissloppyoldmoccasinsoutsothegirlcouldseethem。Shegiggledoutright。
\"My，whatoldmoccasinsyouhave，\"shecried。
\"Yes，Ihavenobodytomakemeanewpair，\"heanswered。
\"Whydon’tyougetyourgrandmothertomakeyouanewpair？\"
\"She’soldandblindandcan’tmakethemanylonger。That’swhyI
wantyou，\"heanswered。
\"Oh，you’refoolingme。Youaren’tspeakingthetruth。\"
\"Yes，Iam。Ifyoudon’tbelieve——comewithmenow！\"
Thegirllookeddown;sodidtheyouth。Atlasthesaidsoftly：
\"Well，whichisit？ShallItakeupyourbucket，orwillyougowithme？\"
Andsheanswered，stillmoresoftly：\"IguessI’llgowithyou！\"
Thegirl’sauntcamedowntotheriver，wonderingwhatkeptherniecesolong。Inthemudshefoundtwopairsofmoccasintracksclosetogether;attheedgeofthewaterstoodanemptykeg。
THESIMPLETON’SWISDOM
Therewasamanandhiswifewhohadonedaughter。Motheranddaughterweredeeplyattachedtooneanother，andwhenthelatterdiedthemotherwasdisconsolate。Shecutoffherhair，cutgashesinhercheeksandsatbeforethecorpsewithherrobedrawnoverherhead，mourningforherdead。Norwouldsheletthemtouchthebodytotakeittoaburyingscaffold。Shehadaknifeinherhand，andifanyoneofferedtocomenearthebodythemotherwouldwail：
\"Iamwearyoflife。Idonotcaretolive。Iwillstabmyselfwiththisknifeandjoinmydaughterinthelandofspirits。\"
Herhusbandandrelativestriedtogettheknifefromher，butcouldnot。Theyfearedtouseforcelestshekillherself。Theycametogethertoseewhattheycoulddo。
\"Wemustgettheknifeawayfromher，\"theysaid。
Atlasttheycalledaboy，akindofsimpleton，yetwithagooddealofnaturalshrewdness。Hewasanorphanandverypoor。Hismoccasinswereoutatthesoleandhewasdressedinwei-zi（coarsebuffaloskin，smoked）。
\"Gotothetepeeofthemourningmother，\"theytoldthesimpleton，\"andinsomewaycontrivetomakeherlaughandforgethergrief。
Thentrytogettheknifeawayfromher。\"
Theboywenttothetentandsatdownatthedoorasifwaitingtobegivensomething。Thecorpselayintheplaceofhonorwherethedeadgirlhadsleptinlife。Thebodywaswrappedinarichrobeandwrappedaboutwithropes。Friendshadcovereditwithrichofferingsoutofrespecttothedead。
Asthemothersatonthegroundwithherheadcoveredshedidnotatfirstseetheboy，whosatsilent。Butwhenhisreservehadwornawayalittlehebeganatfirstlightly，thenmoreheavily，todrumonthefloorwithhishands。Afterawhilehebegantosingacomicsong。Louderandlouderhesanguntilcarriedawaywithhisownsinginghesprangupandbegantodance，atthesametimegesturingandmakingallmannerofcontortionswithhisbody，stillsingingthecomicsong。Asheapproachedthecorpsehewavedhishandsoveritinblessing。Themotherputherheadoutoftheblanketandwhenshesawthepoorsimpletonwithhisstrangegrimacestryingtodohonortothecorpsebyhissolemnwaving，andatthesametimekeepinguphiscomicsong，sheburstoutlaughing。
Thenshereachedoverandhandedherknifetothesimpleton。
\"Takethisknife，\"shesaid。\"Youhavetaughtmetoforgetmygrief。IfwhileImournforthedeadIcanstillbemirthful，thereisnoreasonformetodespair。Inolongercaretodie。I
willliveformyhusband。\"
Thesimpletonleftthetepeeandbroughttheknifetotheastonishedhusbandandrelatives。
\"Howdidyougetit？Didyouforceitawayfromher，ordidyoustealit？\"theysaid。
\"Shegaveittome。HowcouldIforceitfromherorstealitwhenshehelditinherhand，bladeuppermost？Isanganddancedforherandsheburstoutlaughing。Thenshegaveittome，\"heanswered。
Whentheoldmenofthevillageheardtheorphan’sstorytheywereverysilent。Itwasastrangethingforaladtodanceinatepeewheretherewasmourning。Itwasstrangerthatamothershouldlaughinatepeebeforethecorpseofherdeaddaughter。Theoldmengatheredatlastinacouncil。Theysatalongtimewithoutsayinganything，fortheydidnotwanttodecidehastily。Thepipewasfilledandpassedmanytimes。Atlastanoldmanspoke。
\"Wehaveahardquestion。Amotherhaslaughedbeforethecorpseofherdaughter，andmanythinkshehasdonefoolishly，butIthinkthewomandidwisely。Theladwassimpleandofnotraining，andwecannotexpecthimtoknowhowtodoaswellasonewithgoodhomeandparentstoteachhim。Besides，hedidthebestthatheknew。Hedancedtomakethemotherforgethergrief，andhetriedtohonorthecorpsebywavingoverithishands。\"
\"Themotherdidrighttolaugh，forwhenonedoestrytodousgood，evenifwhathedoescausesusdiscomfort，weshouldalwaysrememberratherthemotivethanthedeed。Andbesides，thesimpleton’sdancingsavedthewoman’slife，forshegaveupherknife。Inthis，too，shedidwell，foritisalwaysbettertoliveforthelivingthantodieforthedead。\"
ALITTLEBRAVEANDTHEMEDICINE
WOMAN
AvillageofIndiansmovedoutofwintercampandpitchedtheirtentsinacircleonhighlandoverlookingalake。Alittlewaydownthedeclivitywasagrave。Chokecherrieshadgrownup，hidingthegravefromview。Butasthegroundhadsunksomewhat，thegravewasmarkedbyaslighthollow。
Oneofthevillagersgoingouttohunttookashortcutthroughthechokecherrybushes。Ashepushedthemasidehesawthehollowgrave，butthoughtitwasawashoutmadebytherains。Butasheessayedtostepoverit，tohisgreatsurprisehestumbledandfell。Madecuriousbyhismishap，hedrewbackandtriedagain;
butagainhefell。Whenhecamebacktothevillagehetoldtheoldmenwhathadhappenedtohim。Theyrememberedthenthatalongtimebeforetherehadbeenburiedthereamedicinewomanorconjurer。Doubtlessitwashermedicinethatmadehimstumble。
Thestoryofthevillager’sadventurespreadthruthecampandmademanycurioustoseethegrave。Amongothersweresixlittleboyswhowere，however，rathertimid，fortheywereingreataweofthedeadmedicinewoman。ButtheyhadalittleplaymatenamedBrave，amischievouslittlerogue，whosehairwasalwaysunkemptandtossedaboutandwhowasneverquietforamoment。
\"LetusaskBravetogowithus，\"theysaid;andtheywentinabodytoseehim。
\"Allright，\"saidBrave;\"Iwillgowithyou。ButIhavesomethingtodofirst。Yougoonaroundthehillthatway，andIwillhastenaroundthisway，andmeetyoualittlelaternearthegrave。\"
Sothesixlittleboyswentonasbiddenuntiltheycametoaplacenearthegrave。Theretheyhalted。
\"WhereisBrave？\"theyasked。
NowBrave，fullofmischief，hadthoughttoplayajestonhislittlefriends。Assoonastheywerewelloutofsighthehadspedaroundthehilltotheshoreofthelakeandstickinghishandsinthemudhadrubbeditoverhisface，plastereditinhishair，andsoiledhishandsuntilhelookedlikeanewrisencorpsewiththefleshrottingfromhisbones。Hethenwentandlaydowninthegraveandawaitedtheboys。
WhenthesixlittleboyscametheyweremoretimidthaneverwhentheydidnotfindBrave;buttheyfearedtogobacktothevillagewithoutseeingthegrave，forfeartheoldmenwouldcallthemcowards。