286 INDIAN LEGEND 



mucli of liis early life. The vague veil of legendary 

 lore has been thrown over stories of this kind, and 

 much allowance should be made for the simple nature 

 of the Indian, who does not believe all implicitly, but 

 apparently likes to have a reason for everything ; and 

 where his knowledge ends, calls in the marvellous to 

 his aid. 



THE INDIAN LEGEND OF THE DELUGE AND SUBSEQUENT 

 REPRODUCTION OF THE UNIVERSE. 



Once upon a time lived Indians, among whom 

 dwelt Wis-kay-tchach, a great medicine man. With 

 them were also a Wolf and his two sons, who, in the 

 early state of nature supposed to be alluded to, were 

 on a footing of intimacy with human bipeds. Indeed, 

 Wis-kay-tchach called the old wolf his brother, and 

 the young ones his nephews ; for he recognised all 

 animals as his relations. In the winter time the whole 

 party began to starve ; and, for the pm-pose of seeking 

 food, the parent wolf announced his intention of 

 separating from the band with his children, upon 

 which Wis volunteered his company. Off they set 

 accordingly, and shortly came upon the track of a 

 moose. " Here let you and I halt and smoke," says 

 the old Wolf, " while my sons pursue and catch the 

 moose." After a time, the young ones not returning. 



