Nenabosho and the Wolves
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Ngoding zaag’igan gaa-gbading.
Ezhi-maajiiyaadagaagwod, [wabigamaanig] beshwaabandang, awiya owaabmaan bmaadgaagpatoonid; aazha miinwaa, niiw’wag. Mii’sh miinwaa, mhiinganag! Ezhi-biibaagmaad: “N-shiimensag kawe, ga-waabmininim!” Gchi-geskana gii-ningaabtoowag; mii dash gii-nmadbidwaad gii-oo-naazikawaad. Mii dash gii-gnoonaad: “Niiji-ziikzi, aapiish naa e-zhaayeg?” “Kaa, oodi, giizhkaandgookaaning, mii widi e-zhaayaang. Niibnong gii-sanjigoobaniig giwi gdooshimag, gchi-ayaaben ogii-nsaawaabaniin. Mii dash widi e-zhaayaang. “Endgwenh, mii genii widi e-zhaayaanh, giizhkaandgookaaning, - mii sa wi ji-ni-waawiijiiwninagog. Aaniish, mii iw zhigo naagoshin’nig. “Aaniish wi, Jiijiigwaanoowis,(1) ni-ndaneyan waa-nji-gbeshying, gnimaa da-ni-gsinaa ni-dbikag. Taga, g-mishoomewaa nda-ndane’aan wii-gbeshying.” Aaniish, mii sa geget Nenabosho gii-mkamwaad waa-nji-gbeshnowaad. Gaaw[ii] sa ntaa-wenaabsii wii-giiwsed, aano-wiijiiwaad wi mhiinganan. Gaa-zhi-wiindamawind maaba Nenbozhoo: “Ambe sa naa, endoodmaang go bembatooyaang, mii gegii ge-doodman.” Taayaa, gewii doodam. Aaniish mii dash iw gaawiin gegoo wi ozowaanag, mii dash wi odahiim (bjaagan) wi gaa-zowaangwod. Gaawiin gnige noomag zhigo ni-mshkawaakwadin’nig. “Geget mii wi ji-nbod g-mishoomenaa, mshkawaakwadin’nig iw odahiim. Ndawaa giizhooshkwaadaa.” Mii dash wa bezhig mhiingan biidmawaan waaboowaan wii-wiikwepjidamwaad odahiimni. Aapji go wiisgitoonaagzi aano-ni-pimbatood. Zhigo sa mikaan aapji dabinwaanig. “Mii sa maa ji-nbaaying.” kido Nenboozhoo. “Ii! Gaawe sa, gdaa-giikjimi.” “Taga, giin Jiijiigwaanoowis,” gii-naan niwi kiwenziinh mhiingnan. Geget mii dash wi nda-gbeshid aapji mikaan e-naasmaamgadnig. “Mii sa maa ji-nbaaying.” Aaniish misan odookookwebnaanan. “Ahaaw, Nenboozhoo, boodwen,” inaa Nenabosho. Aaniish mii sa Nenaboozhoo aanwii-boodwed. Akawe giizhkan gii-zhiigowebnaan. Ezhi-gnoonind: “Nenboozhoo, aanii naa endoodaman wii-boodweyan?” Nashke sa, gnawaabmishin endoodaming waa-zhi-boodweng.” Gmaapii go kiwenziinh-mhiingan gii-ni-bzigwii, oodi kosing misan ezhi-baashk’jigwaashkwanid; mii sa gii-bskane’aasing shkode. Zhigo sa ni-dbikadni, gii-ni-gwiishmod Nenboozhoo. Nigaazi Nenboozhoo! Aapji noondaajgaazod, e-piichi-giikjid. “Ndaa-kid go naa, g-mishoomenaan mii maawiin wi wii-aabdajid, ndawaa biitoo-gozhe’ig.” Bezhig ba-izhi-naanweninid. Wiiba go naa gii-bi-gshkose bi-gzhijiizod. “Enwek sa go, wa nimshish, gwetaani-bweshkaagoon wi zowaanag!” Aaniish wiiba go miinwaa gii-ni-giikaji. Nenboozhoo ezhi-noondaajgaazod, “Aaniinde, biitoo-gzhe’ig miinwaa g-mishoomewaa.” Bezhig dash gii-kido: “Ngoji gsha ogii-pagidoon aano-biitoo-gzhe’ind.” Geget miinwaa bi-zhi-inaanwenid niwi mhiinganan. Mii dash naa wi gii-bi-waabninig. Zhigo kizheb ezhi-gnoonind Nenbozhoo: “Naawkweg mii pii ge-oditmang wi sanjigon.” Ezhi-maajaawaad, shkweyaang bmosewag niwi wiiji-kiwenziiyan pane niigaanaajin. Ngoding go gnoonigoon kiwenziinh mhiinganan: “Nenboozhoo, ambe sa naa, ndawaa, gegwa sa naa nakaazke gdahiim g-zowaangoom, zaam go naa nchiiwmaagwad. G-daahaan go ge-zhichgemba, gegii e-zhi-ngadsiiyin sa ge-zhichgen ji-bimiyaayin.” Nenboozhoo mii sa geget ezhichiged, mii sa bijiinag mino-bimosed. Aapji go gii-bi’aan wi mhiinganan. Zhigo sa dgoshinoog sanjigoning. Zhaazhi dnakmigziwag giwi moon’anwaad wi sanjigon. Gnoonigoon wiiji-kiwenziinyin: “Nenboozhoo, mii sa nongo jidseg ji-wiisniying. Ahaaw, maajaan, bi-naadmaagen mooksanjigong.” Geget Nenabosho naadmaage wi baaknigaadenig sanjigon. Wiiba dash go Nenboozhoo waabandaanan e-tenig zhiwe. Aaniish, ezhiigowaamjigaadgin snii nondamsan, miinwaa aanind nagekwan, ge-daawnaanid. “Boontaak! Boontaak! Kiibaajenyig! Mii wi gaawiin wiin wiikaa miijsiim niwi mtigshan!” “Nenboozhoo, gego kidken. Baabiitoon baamaa kizheb mii ji-gnaajwang waa-miijyin.” Bangii gii-miinaa zhiigowaamjigni msan miinwaa nagekwan. “Gego gnawaabndange noondaa-dibik. Baamaa kizheb ka-wiisnimi.” Mii sa zhigwa dbikdinig Nenaboozhoo enikweshing odatoon iw gaa-miinind. Mii dash gii-ni-nbaad Nenboozhoo. Gmaapiich dash go niibaa-dbik, aaniish ge-zhichgepa oginwaabndaan’sh wi gaa-miinind. Tahaa, mooz-nagish gaa-bi-naagdinig dbishkoo go naa zhiigowaamjigni boodwe msan, miinwaa nagekwan mii niwi oshoobiin. Mii go wi ezhi-pkwendang, geget minpidaan. Mii sa miinawaa gii-nakaazod pakweshmod. Zhigo sa waabanini, pane dash go gii-mnonendmoog mhiinganag, wendago miinwaa geget aapji weweni gii-wiisniwag. “Ahaaw, Nenboozhoo, gegii aabibidoon miijim gaa-miingoowin.” Nenboozhoo’sh gniwaabndaan, etawaa, mii geyaabi zhiigwaamjiani-msan miinwaa nagekwan. Ezhi-gnoonind Nenboozhoo: “Dbikong sa ggii-waabndaan maanda.” “Gaawiin ngii-waabndaziin.” “Nenboozhoo, g-danmeyaabdeshin dbikong iidig gaa-bkwendman.” “Maanoo, shamig g-mishoomewaa.” Mii sa geget gii-shamaa, wendago geget Nenabosho de-wiisni. Zhigo sa ezhi-gnoonind Nenboozhoo: “Gdaa-ni-giiwe. Ga-niindaa’goo aanind miijim g-mindimooyemish ge-miijid.” “Gaawiin zaam bkade. Gesnaa ga-wiijiiw’ninim.” “Aaw, Nenboozhoo sa, ga-wiijiiwigoo. Aangwaamzin, gyak wii-zhiwebzin. Waabang ka-aandoodegzimi. Wii-ndawenjgewag gonda gdoozhimag, moozoon wii-ndawaabmaawaan.” Mii sa weyaabang gii-aandoodegziwaad. Gchi-kizheb maajaawag i’iw shkiniigshag; wiikaa dash ni-maajaawag Nenboozhoo niwi wiiji-kiwenziiyan gii-naagnaawaad mhiinganan. Nayaawakwenig mii wi gii-naaknigewaad waa-zhi-debnaawaad moozoon. Bezhig dash go gii-maajinaazhkawaan moozoon, maamwi gii-naagnaawaan moozoon miinwaa mhiinganan. Ngoding’sh go mhiingan gii-ni-tateni shki-moo eni-zhi-zhaad. Nenboozhoo ezhi-gnoonind: “Nenboozhoo, eni-piiskaayin, daapnan niwi netmigzhed wa gdoozhim.” “Aaniinda ge-doodmaanh animo-moowich ge-ni-dkonamaan eni-piiskaayaanh?” “Tayaa, Nenboozhoo! Gaawiin gdaa-kidsii wi!” Mhiingan ezhi-daapinang, mkadewegin gii-daapnaan zhiwi; niwi mhiinganan baapaagwebnaan. “Nishiimens, niin nga-ni-bmiwdoon ndoozhim wi netmigzhed.” Mii sa eni-zhi-dkonmawaad. Mii sa wi eni-nakwenid gii-bmi-naazhkaagewaad niwi mahiinganan. Ngoding go mtigong gii-bi-zaagaaksin’ni wi wiibi wa mhiingan. “Nashke gsha! Gdoozhim gaa-pchi-btaakshkwaagbane iidig mtigoon. Taga naankibdoon, Nenboozhoo, ka-ni-bmiwdamwaa gdoozhim wi da-bkokman (mtigwanwi) ni-dkonmaw.” “Aaniinda ge-doodmaanh nimoosh wiibdaash ge-ni-nji-bmiwdoowaanh eni-piiskaayaanh?” “Nenbosh, gego kidke wi!” Akiwenzii-mhiingan ezhi-naankanendang. Shtaahaa, mtigwanwi (bkokan) gii-bmaan. “Taga, niin nga-ni-dkonaan.” “Nenboozhoo, gego ngoji ni-pagdooke. Ka-znag’aa gdoozhim giishpin ngoji pagdamwad.” Ngoding go naagnaawaad mhiinganan miinwaa moozoon waabndaanaawaa, bezhig niwi ni-zidaabaadenig zidan gooning, niibdeyaabaangoznid. Nenaboozhoo gnoonaa: “Awenen giin gezhiikaagwen gidinendam?” Odizhinoowaan’sh niwi eni-gdagzinjin, mii dash gaa-kidod: “Aaniish maaba bezhig gaawii go naa gegoo maaba aawsii, mdimoowen’sh go naa eta go. Mii gondag ge-ni-niigaan’naashkigewaad.” “Gaawiin, mii maaba ge-ni-niigaan’naashkiged.” Ni-bimosewag dash go. Eshkam dash go getin bmi-naashkigewag. Gmaapiich dash go waabmaawaan aanind zhingishninid. “Gegoo naadnaawaan wii-wiisniying. Ahaaw, Nenabosho, zhiitaan, ka-zhitoonaa waa-nji-bkonang mooz.” Aaniish Nenboozhoo aano-naabid, gaawiin wiya waabmaasiin ji-binid moozoon. Aaniish mii eta go wi miskwiiwaagonagaanig weyaabandang. Aapji sa dadebisiniiwag. Mii dash Nenboozhoo gii-naanaad baapaashkaandgoon, mii go oodi nikeyaa gaa-ni-zhaad mhiingan zhingishing. Wenjida go gii-bzagwiinjwebshkowaan wii-naaniibwinid. “Aaniish go appji! Mii na go wi mnik gaa- wiisniyin?” Jaangaakwenowan. “Geget sa g-waawiisagishkaw, Nenboozhoo. Gego miinwaa zhichgeke wi, Nenboozhoo.” Gnoonaa Nenabosho: “Bzaanyaan. Giishpin miinwaa gegoo wii-doodman, mii iw gaawiin ka-shamigoosii.” Aatayaa, Nenabosho gchi-nokii. Jina dash go naa gii-zhiikaanaawaa wi waa-dzhi-bkonaawaad moozoon. Ezhi-ganoonaawaad: “Mii sa wi gii-giizhiitaayaang.” Gii-bzigwiiwaad gii-zhaawaad gii-nji-pishmonkewaad baapaashkaandgoon. Zhigo bezhig zhishigowewan, mii go wi bezhig wi ozgagiini-akaad ezhi-mziwe-pangisninig. Geget maamkaadendam Nenboozhoo, geget minwendam; wendago bekish nanagamoosiwi, epiichi-minwendang wa Nenboozhoo. “Ambe sa, wiiyaas onaakhigan zhitoodaa.” Gegpii gii-zhitoonaawaa wi wiiyaas-onaakhigan. Mii sa bjiinag giizhisekwewaad Nenboozhoo aapji sa weweni gii-wiisni gii-zaamshkine. Gmaapiich dash gaa-dbikdinig, mii dash gii-oo-nbaawaad. Gii-bi-waabnini. Kizheb go giigdowan niwi kiwenzii-mhiinganan: “Mii sa zhigo ji-ozamaa okanan, bmide nga-zhitoon. Aaniish gaawiin wiikaa wiya n-gnawaabmigoosii ozamaa bmide, kaneyin. Ndawaa kawe bdagwiingweshinog.” Geget bdagwiingweshinoog. Aaniish Nenboozhoo gewii bdagwiingweshin. Wendgo mmadwenjige noondaanan go kanan debwenjgaadenig, gii-nendam Nenboozhoo. Wegnesh go naa ge-zhichgepaa giimozaabmaan dash wi pii jaachiigwaapndamnid wi akan. Aaniish go naa mhiingan ge-zhichgepa, gii-bshignendang wi akan. Tayaa! Aapji go myaa gii-dkamaakseni shkiizhigong. Nenboozhoo mii sa gii-mkaamjishkaagod. Anishaa go mii go eta go wi dkaabaawanind wenji-mkawid. Gaa-mkawid, gnoonaa: “Nenbozhoo, gaa-gniwaabmiyin iidig gaa-piichi-zhitoowaanh bmide kaneyin.” Mii sa wi miinwaa ezhi-dbikadnig; zhigo waabnini. Gchi-kizheb gii-giigdo Nenboozhoo: “Mii sa jnongo ji-zhitoowaanh akani-bmide. Gaawiin anishaa wiikaa n-ganawaabmigoosii ozhitoowaanh wi akani-bmide. Ndawaa bdagwiingwewdizog.” Mii’sh kina gaa-bdagwiingwewdizwaad, Nenbozhoo mdwewe’ige biigwa’ang niwi okanan. Aaniish, aapji bmidikweshinoon niwi kiwenziinh-mhiinganan. Odani-naazkawaan dash go mhiinganan yaanid. Gaa-mmood odookanim, gchi-engok okweganaaning ezhi-bkite’waad. Wendago geget mii wi ezhi-deyaabidaganaamaad. Geget sa zegziwag giwi weyooswaad. Mii dash gii-dkaabaawnaawaad. Geget bangii gegoo naa mekawinid: “Nenboozhoo, ndawaa mii iw izhi-shkwaataan, zaam wiijii’igooyin, nooj go gdizhiwebis.” “Gaawiin maanoo go gii-wiijiiwininim!” “Aaw, Nenboozhoo, bzaanyaan ka-wiijii’goo.” Eni-waabninig miinwaa go gbe-giizhig gii-wiisniwag. Zhigwa e-naagshinig giigidowan niwi akiwenzii-mhiinganan: “Ndawaa sa waabang ka-maajaami ji-ndowaabndamang waa-nji-gbeshying.” Aaniish Nenboozhoo nawaj go zhiingenimaa. “Nenboozhoo, ambe sa, waabang kwii-bkewdimi.” “Gaawiin. Ambe sa naa wa bezhig ndoozhim nga-wiijiiwaa giishpin nendaman. Gaawiin wiikaa gegoo de-zhiwebzisii.” “Aabdeg sa go, Nenboozhoo, ka-miinin bezhig n-niijaanis. Giikenmin mnidoowiyin, mii wi waa-nji-miininaa.” |
Now, by and by he came out upon a frozen lake.
As he started forth on the ice, as nigh to the narrows of the lake he drew, he saw some one running past over the ice; then some more, four of them. Behold (they were) wolves! Then he called aloud to them: “O my little brothers! Wait, I wish to see you.” To be sure, they came to a sudden halt; then they sat down, while he went up to where they were. Then he spoke to them, saying: “My old friend, whither are you going?” “Oh, over here, for the place of cedar boughs, is where we are bound. Last summer did these nephews of yours make a cache there, a great bull (moose) they killed then. Now, that is the place (for which) we are bound.” “Why, that is the place, too, for which I am bound, - to the place of the cedar boughs, so therefore it is my wish to go along with you.” Well, it was then evening. “Now, Thin-Tail, do you go find a place where to camp, for perhaps it will be cold in the night. I say, let your uncle find a place where to camp.” So thereupon, truly did Nenabosho go to find a place to camp. Not at all was he familiar with (their way of) travelling, as he tried going along with the Wolves. Then was Nenabosho told: “Come, as we do when we run along, so in like manner should you do too.” Ah, and he did the same. Naturally, there was nothing in the way of a tail, therefore his penis was what he used for a tail. It was but a very little while before it was frozen stiff. “Surely now without doubt will our uncle die, for that his penis is frozen stiff. Therefore let us warm it for him.” Accordingly, with the top blanket of one of the wolves was it wrapped about the head. And very awkward was his aspect as he tried in vain to run along. In time he found where there was excellent shelter from the wind. “Now, here is where we will sleep,” said Nenabosho. “Why, impossible! We might be cold.” ‘I say you, Thin-Tail, (go look for a camping place),’ thus to one said the old Wolf. It was so that when he looked for a place to camp, he found a place that was exceedingly windy. “Here is where we will sleep.” So a great pile of fire-wood he heaped on. ‘All right, Nenabosho, do you kindle the fire,’ was told Nenabosho. So accordingly Nenabosho tried in vain to kindle the fire. He first tried twirling a piece of cedar wood. Then he was addressed: “Nenabosho, how do you go about it when you want to make a fire? Just look, observe me (and see) the way it is done when fire is made.” Behold, the old Wolf then rose to his feet, (and) over where lay piled the heap of fire-wood he leaped; thereupon the fire blazed up. It was getting night, when down to sleep lay Nenabosho. Poor Nenabosho! He was heard making a very loud noise, he was so cold. “I declare, our uncle no doubt is about freezing to death, therefore put another cover over him.” One then laid his tail over him. In a little while he became awake because of the warmth. “Oh, how really much am I made to sweat by this confounded tail of a dog!” So in a little while he was again cold. When he was heard making a noise, “Why, put another cover over your uncle,” (said the old Wolf). One then spoke up: “Why, off he flung the cover when I tried to put it over him.” Truly again the wolf laid his tail (over him). And so by that time it was day. Then in the morning was Nenabosho addressed: “By noon is when we shall arrive at the cache.” When they started, behind walked he and his old companion who always had him keep ahead. And once he was told by the old Wolf: “Nenabosho, I beg of you, really, do not use your penis for a tail, for it smells too vile. Therefore, according to the manner you are accustomed (to), so you do when you travel. Nenabosho then truly did so, whereupon he then travelled with ease. And very well he kept pace with the Wolves. In time they arrived at the cache. Already were the others busily at work digging up the cache. He was addressed by his old companion: “Nenabosho it is now time for us to eat. Come, go aid in the work of opening the cache.” Truly, Nenabosho aided them in the work of opening the cache. In a while Nenabosho saw (what was there). Why, it was choice fire-wood and some bark that they were taking out. “Stop, stop, you rascals! Why never is this wretched wood to be eaten.” “Nenabosho, do not say that. Just you wait till in the morning, you will have nice food to eat.” A little was given him of the choice wood and the bark. “Do not look at it during the night. Not till in the morning shall we eat.” Thereupon, when it was night, then Nenabosho placed where he lay his head that which had been given him. Then to sleep went Nenabosho. By and by, in the night, what should he do but look at that which had been given him. Why, behold, a moose-gut was that which had appeared to him as choice fire-wood, and the bark was tenderloin. Accordingly, when he bit off (a piece), he truly found it savory. And then he used it again for a pillow. In time came the morning, and forthwith pleased were the Wolves, and very heartily indeed did they eat. “Now, then, Nenabosho, do you too unwrap the food that was given you.” When Nenabosho looked at it, why, it was yet choice fire-wood and the bark. Nenabosho was then told: “Last night you really looked at this.” “I did not look at it.” “Nenabosho, you have left the mark of your teeth on what you must have taken a bite last night.” “However, do you feed your uncle.” Thereupon truly he was fed, and thoroughly indeed was Nenabosho satisfied with food. Presently was Nenabosho addressed: “Thereupon go you back home. We will send by you some food for your old woman to eat.” “No, she is too hungry. Please let me go along with you.” “Very well, Nenabosho, you may go along with us. Do you be careful, in the right way do you conduct yourself. Tomorrow we will move camp. For some game do these nephews of yours intend to hunt, for moose do they expect to hunt.” And so on the morrow they moved camp. Very early in the morning started the youths; and a long while afterwards departed Nenabosho and his old companion, they followed the path of the wolves. At about noon was when they laid plans how to get at the moose. Now, one pursued after the moose, whereupon they trailed after (the moose and wolf). And once some fresh dropping of the Wolf lay along the way. Nenabosho was told: “Nenabosho, as you go along, pick up the top blanket of your nephew.” “What am I to do with the foul dropping of a dog, that I should pick it up as I go along?” “O Nenabosho! You should not say that.” When the Wolf picked it up, lo, a black cloth he picked up from the place; the Wolf then gave it a shaking. “My little brother, let me carry for my nephew his top blanket.” Thereupon as he went along, he carried it for him. And so along the trail the Wolves made in their pursuit was the way (Nenabosho and the old Wolf) went. Now, once there was sticking out of a tree the tooth of a wolf. “Oh, look! Your nephew must have struck the tree accidentally. I say, pull it out, Nenabosho, carry along your nephew’s arrow!” “What am I to do with the miserable tooth of a dog, that I should carry it as I go along?” “Nenabosho, do not say that.” “The old Wolf took it out with his mouth. Behold, an arrow he took out. “I say, let me carry it along.” “Nenabosho, don’t you fling it away You will make things difficult for your nephew if you throw it away.” Then presently, while trailing after the Wolves (and the moose), lo, (they saw that) one of them went with dragging feet through the snow as they moved abreast in line. Nenabosho was addressed: “Which one do you think is swifter?” He pointed to the one that trailed along in difficulty, then he said: “Why, this one here is nothing but an old hag. Now these are the ones that will lead in the run.” “No, this is the one that will be in the lead On then they went walking. Now, very hard were they pressing the pursuit. Then by and by they beheld the others lying down. “Halloo! Why, they are getting us something to eat Come on, Nenabosho, get ready! A place for us to dress the moose we will make.” Naturally, Nenabosho tried looking about, but to no purpose: he saw nothing of any moose that was there. Now, the only thing he saw was some blood on the snow. Thoroughly sated was each one with food. Then Nenabosho went for some balsam boughs, and the way he went was directly where one of the Wolves lay. What should he do but give him a kick to make him stand up. For goodness sake! Have you eaten so much as that?” Up he raised his head. “Really, you hurt me with your kick, Nenabosho. Don’t do that again, Nenabosho.” Nenabosho was told: “Be quiet. If you intend doing anything (like that) again, then you will not be fed.” Oh, but Nenabosho laboured hard. In a little while they finished working on where they intended to dress the moose. Then they said to him: “Therefore are we ready.” Then up they rose to their feet (and) came over to the place where they had spread out the balsams. Presently one began to vomit, whereupon the whole of one foreleg fell. To be sure, amazed was Nenabosho, really pleased he was; and during all the while he hummed a song, so very pleased was Nenabosho. “Come, let us make a meat-rack!” In a little while they completed the meat rack. Thereupon, when they had finished cooking, Nenabosho became thoroughly sated with food. When it began to grow dark, then they went to sleep. In time the morrow came. And in the morning up spoke the old Wolf: “Therefore now will I make some grease from the bones. Of course, by no one am I ever observed while boiling grease from the bones. On that account you shall first cover up your faces.” To be sure, they covered up their faces. Now, Nenabosho covered up his face too. It seemed that he heard the sound of bones being cracked with teeth, so thought Nenabosho. What would he do but take a little peep at him at the very moment when he was gnawing ravenously upon a bone. What should (the Wolf) do but let (the bone) slip from his teeth. Poor (Nenabosho)! Right square across his eyes it fell. Nenabosho was then knocked out of his senses. It was only by having water splashed upon him that he was revived. After he had revived, he was addressed: “Nenabosho, you must have watched me while I made grease from the bones.” And so it was night; then came the morrow. Very early in the morning up spoke Nenabosho: “And now I want to make some grease from the bones. Never for mere sake of observing am I watched when making grease from bones. Therefore cover up your faces.” Now, when all covered their faces, Nenabosho could be heard breaking up the bones. Now, in plain view, with his head resting on his side (facing Nenabosho), lay the old Wolf. What should he do but go over to where (the Wolf was). When he had picked up his bone, then with all his might upon the back of his neck he struck him. To be sure, he then laid him out completely with the blow. Really scared were they who were his children. Poor fellow! They then dashed cool water on him. Indeed, a little something was said (to Nenabosho) after (the Wolf) had revived: “Nenabosho, therefore now you had better cease, too much have you been in our company, and you do things you should not.” “Nay, please let me go with you!” “Very well, Nenabosho; if you behave, you may go along.” On the morrow throughout the whole day were they eating. When evening came on, then up spoke the old Wolf: “Therefore tomorrow will we depart to find another place to camp.” Now, Nenabosho was somewhat disliked. “Nenabosho, come! Tomorrow we will part company with you.” “Nay. Please let me remain with one of my nephews if it will be your will. Never will anything (harmful) happen to him.” “Of course, Nenabosho, I will give you one of my children. I know that you are a manitou, for such is the reason why I give him to you.” |