656 LIFE ON THE MISSISSIPPI.
so close, that the leader once more applied to his brothers, but they could do
nothing. ' Well/ said he, ' my dreams will soon be exhausted; after this I
have but one more.' He advanced, invoking his guardian spirit to aid him.
' Once/ said he, * I dreamed that, being sorely pressed, I came to a large
lake, on the shore of which was a canoe, partly out of water, having ten
paddles all in readiness. Do not fear/ he cried,' we shall soon get it.' And
so it was, even as he had said. Coming to the lake, they saw the canoe with
ten paddles, and immediately they embarked. Scarcely had they reached
the centre of the lake, when they saw the bear arrive at its borders. Lifting
himself on his hind legs, he looked all around. Then he waded into the
water; then losing his footing he turned back, and commenced making the
circuit of the lake. Meantime the party remained stationary in the centre
to watch his movements. He travelled all around, till at last he came to
the place from whence he started. Then he commenced drinking up the
water, and they saw the current fast setting in towards his open mouth*
The leader encouraged them to paddle hard for the opposite shore. "When
only a short distance from land, the current had increased so much, that
they were drawn back by it, and all their efforts to reach it were in vain.
Then the leader again spoke, telling them to meet their fates manfoily.
1 Now is the time, Mudjikewis/ said he,' to show your prowess. Take
courage and sit at the bow of the canoe; and when it approaches his mouth,
try what effect your club will have on his head.' He obeyed, and stood
ready to give the blow; while the leader, who steered, directed the canoe
for the open mouth of the monster.
Rapidly advancing, they were just about to enter his mouth, whenMud-
iikewis struck hjm a tremendous blow on the head, and gave the saw-saw-
guan* The bear's limbs doubled under him, and he fell, stunned by the
blow. But before Mudjikewis could renew it, the monster disgorged all the
water he had drank, with a force which sent the canoe with great velocity
to the opposite shore. Instantly leaving the canoe, again they fled, and OB
they went till they were completely exhausted. The earth again shook,
and soon they saw the monster hard after them. ,Their spirits drooped, and
they felt discouraged. The leader exerted himself, by actions and words, to
cheer them up; and once more he asked them if they thought of nothing, or
could do nothing for their rescue; and, as before, all were silent. ' Then/
he said,' this is the last time I can apply to my guardian spirit. Now, if
we do not succeed, our fates are decided.' He ran forward, invoking his
spirit with great earnestness, and gave the yelL * We shall soon arrive/
said he to his brothers,'at the place where my last guardian spirit In
Hm I place great confidence. Do not, do not be afraid, or your limbs wift
be fear-bound. We shall soon reach his lodge. Bun, run/ he cried.
Returning now to Iamo,he had passed all the time in the same condition