THE GREAT FATHER & SNAKES' WAYS 237 



When May came round, the French trader set out for 

 the place, and found the Indian there before him, the box 

 in his hand. He laid it on the ground, and called to the 

 Great Father, but the Great Father never came. After 

 waiting some time, he acknowledged that he had lost his 

 bet ; but he still felt so certain of the snake's return that 

 he offered to pay, not two gallons, but four, if the Great 

 Father did not appear within two days. The Frenchman 

 agreed to this, and the second morning saw both men on 

 the spot. 



Some hours passed, and the Frenchman was already 

 counting on the gallons of rum, when, about one o'clock, 

 a motion was seen in the grass, and the Great Father glided 

 rapidly towards them. He made straight for his box, as 

 a man would make for his house, and without waiting to 

 be told, he curled himself up snugly inside, and the door 

 was shut on him. 



