Oct., 1903. Arapaho Traditions — Dorsey and Kroeber. 241 



the disappearance of the boy. Finally this woman finished the articles, 

 which were very tedious to make, and wrapped them in one big bundle 

 and made preparations. "Well, you may know that I am going out to 

 search for my dear child. After I have been gone you may watch that 

 divide for my return," said the woman, with signs of adventure. The 

 relatives, standing around and conversing with each other relative to 

 her journey th^en wished her a successful trip. So she packed herself 

 and started off in steady gait. 



As she was traveling along and in deep thought she was attracted 

 by a voice. "Where are you going to, woman ?" said this voice. "Well, 

 I am in search of my dear child," said the woman. 'Since you are very 

 sorrowful, and besides, all by yourself, I have taken pity on you. 

 You shall find him without any difficulty. Just keep on and follow your 

 instinct," said the voice. The woman, being very much encouraged 

 by the voice, continued the journey and walked faster this time. Going 

 over the broad prairies, crossing ravines, creeks and rivers did not dis- 

 courage her, but increased her courage. 



Toward evening she cam.e in sight of a big river which had thick 

 timber, and on the other side of it were high cliffs. The running of 

 the river, and the singing of various kinds of birds produced echoes 

 throughout the dense forest and along the walls of the high cliffs. The 

 landscape, although picturesque, looked quite dangerous to the eye. 

 When she reached the river she saw a tipi by itself near the edge of the 

 river. 



Advancing to attract the attention of the owner of the tipi, there 

 came out from within a young boy. "Well, well ! There comes my 

 dear mother ! Come in quickly, mother, before my grandfather returns ! 

 He went out after some beef and I guess he has not got through skin- 

 ning He is very particular when he is at home," said the boy. So this 

 woman entered the tipi and her son remained outside. When she had 

 seated herself and looked around, she found that the tipi was a big tree"^ 

 with grape-vines all around. 



"Now, dear mother, I know that you have come after me and it 

 will be a job to take me away, so I will cover you up in such a way that 

 he will not notice you," said the boy. This boy was then a little owl, 

 but conversed with her in her language. The big owl hooted in the 

 distance, returning with some beef. "Say, mother, get under there, for 

 he is coming home, don't you hear him?" said Little Owl. So the 

 woman squatted down underneath a cover with her bundle, and the 

 boy owl at once placed his nicely peeled arrow sticks on top of her. 

 "I have returned, grandchild, but I left a beef for you to skin. Say, 



