236 Field Columbian Museum — Anthropology, Vol. V. 



grandchild, what is it that never gets tired motioning people to come 

 over ?" said old White-Owl-Woman, hastily. "Let me see — oh ! It 

 is the ear-flaps of the tipi that wave, people to come," said Raw- 

 Gums, clearing his throat. "Now, can you tell me what it is that never 

 gets tired of standing in an upright position, and is very attentive on 

 all occasions?" said old White-Owl-Woman. "Well, old woman, I 

 cannot think of any But tipi pins, they never get tired of listening, and 

 always are waiting to hear more," said Raw-Gums. "Well, dear 

 grandchild, what is it that has two paths ?" "Ha, ha ! It is the nose ; 

 there is no other thing that bears two holes," said Raw-Gums. "Which 

 travels fast?" said old White-Owl- Woman, lazily. "It is the brain 

 (thought) that travels swiftly and at great distance," said Raw-Gums. 

 "What animal is harmless to all ?" said old White-Owl- Woman. "Well, 

 the most harmless creature is a rabbit, and its color signifies purity and 

 benevolence," said Raw-Gums, with louder voice. "Which of the two 

 hands is the most useful?" asked old White-Owl- Woman. "Let me 

 see — oh, yes, it is the left hand, because it is harmless, pure and 

 holy," said Raw-Gums, 



"Well, grandchild, you have answered my questions readily, and 

 so thi's day is a glory to you. You may now strike my head at the 

 top," said old White-Owl-Woman, stooping down. Raw-Gums then 

 struck her head with a stone sledge and burst her skull, and so scat- 

 tered the brains, which was the snow, melting away gradually. That 

 is why there is a season of vegetation. 



Raw-Gums was a cannibal, though an infant. 



If the old woman had not been conquered there would have been 

 snow all the time. This story teaches that people must not tell false- 

 hoods against their companions, neighbors and relatives. When a 

 person has a large family, and people talk much of him, his family de- 

 creases in number, and thus is eaten up gradually. — D. ■ 



Told by River-Woman. For another version, see No. loi. A similar verbal contest is found 

 in a Pawnee tale entitled " Speaks-Riddles and Knows-how-to-Solve." 



103. — The Skunk and the Rabbit.^ 



The skunk was going on the trail just as day was breaking. The 

 rabbit came along the samie trail. Each blocked the other's way. "Get 

 out of my course, my friend," said the >skunk ; "step aside ! I tell 

 you I shall go where it is my intention to go " "Why should I leave 

 the path? I, too, am traveling this trail. Step aside yourself ! Come, 



' Informant A; text. 



