OF THE DELUGE. 291 



but survived the trial, and the white lynx, being now 

 satisfied, lays itself down upon the sand to repose. Wis 

 waits a short time ; then, resuming his natural shape, 

 takes his spear and creeps softly up to the white 

 lynx. He had been warned by his feathered monitor 

 to strike at the shadow of the animal, or he would 

 assuredly fail in his aim ; but his eagerness makes 

 him forget this injunction, and he strikes full at 

 the animal, and misses him. The creatures rush to 

 the water ; but Wis has yet another chance, and 

 aiming again, and now at the shadow, desperately 

 wounds the beast, which, however, escapes with the 

 rest into the river. Instantly the water begins to boil 

 and rise, and Wis makes for his boat as fast as he 

 can. The water continued flowing, floAving, until 

 land, trees, and hills were all covered. Wis having 

 before taken care of all creatures which could not 

 swim at all, now busied himself picking up those 

 which were able to swim for a short time. 



On his conjuring night everything had been pre- 

 pared for the reproduction of the earth, with one all- 

 important exception ; it was necessary to have a small 

 portion of earth to form, as it were, a nucleus for the 

 new land ; and this he set about obtaining. Tying a 

 string to the leg of a loon, he ordered it to try for 

 soundings, and to persevere in its descent, even if it 



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