he did not reappear, some of them went over to his lodge to see what had happened. There, to their chagrin and horror, they found him cohabiting with a woman. 3 So they returned to the feasting-place and informed the others, whereupon everyone dispersed. Shortly afterward it was again rumoured that the chief was going on the warpath. Again, someone was dispatched to find the fire-builders. When they were brought to the chief, he told them to bring him two large deer and two large bears. Soon his nephews came back bringing these animals with them. They killed the precise animals he had asked for, two large deer and two large bears. Then the nephews immediately put them on the fire. However, as the animals were being eaten, the chief, the one for whom the feast was being prepared, left them. Even as the guests were eating, indeed before those honoured with invitations to the feast had finished, the chief left them. 4 They waited for some time but he did not return. Since, however, he had not said anything about dispersing, one of the guests went to look for him while the others waited. As before, so again, he found him at home cohabiting with a woman. 'All the people are waiting for you,' the messenger said, addressing him. 'Is that so? Why, what else is there to be done? When the food has been consumed, one is done,' he replied. 5 Thereupon the messenger returned and reported to those waiting what he had witnessed, and all the guests went to their separate homes for, truly, there was nothing further to be accomplished. After a while it was again rumoured that the chief wished a feast to be prepared for him because he was going on the warpath. When he was asked what kind of animals he wanted, he said, 'Four of the largest kind of male bears.' Only such, he com- manded, were to be obtained. As on the former occasions, the nephews went out to hunt them. Soon, they brought the animals that had been asked for and then put them on the fire to cook. Those invited to take part in the feast now began to arrive. Then the feast started. Shortly after it had been designated what people were to be given heads to eat, 6 the leader arose and went out. He did not return. So, after a while, those he had invited to the feast sent one of their number to look for him. There, in his home, they found him again cohabiting with a woman. When this was -5- |