Nature Myths and Stories. 27

He did this that the little boy might easily find
his way home.

When everything was ready he sadly sent his
son away into the forest.

He missed him so much that he went every
morning to look at him.

Each day he asked him if the spirit had not come to
him.

Each day the little boy shook his head without
opening his eyes.

On the fifth day his son said to him, “Father,
take me home or I shall die. No spirit will come
to me.”

The old chief’s pride was greater than his pity
and he said, “No, my son, you must not be a cow-
ard. You shall be as wise as a fox and as strong as
a bear.

“Better that you should die than that boy and
Squaw should cry ‘Shame’ upon your father’s son.

“Be patient, 1 will come in two days and bring
you food.”

The sixth day came and the little boy lay upon
the mat white and still.

On the seventh, when the chief came with the
sun’s first rays, his son was not in the lodge nor
about it. :

Above the door sat a bird with brown coat and
red breast, which until this time had been unknown
to man.