A TBEASUKY OF ESKIMO TALES 



stopped chopping and asked, " Which way did 

 you approach me? " 



" I came from that direction," said Itajung, 

 pointing in the way he had last approached. 



" That is lucky for you, for if you had come the 

 other way and had seen my back, I should have 

 killed you at once with my hatchet." 



" I am glad I don't have to die," said Itajung. 

 " But haven't you seen my wife? She left me 

 and came this way." 



' Yes, I saw her. Do you see that little island 

 in the large lake? That is where she lives now, 

 and she has taken another husband." 



" Oh, I can never reach her," said Itajung in 

 despair. " I have no boat and do not know how 

 to reach the island." 



" I will help you," said Small Salmon kindly. 

 " Come down to the beach with me. Here is the 

 backbone of a salmon. Now shut your eyes. 

 The backbone will turn into a kayak and 

 carry you safely to the island. But mind you 

 keep your eyes shut. If you open them the kayak 

 will upset." 



" I will obey," said Itajung. 



He closed his eyes, the backbone became a 

 kayak, and away he sped over the water. He 

 heard no splashing and was anxious to know if he 



26 



