34 SELISH MYTHS. 



replied the Coyote, "I am only doing honor to the King- 

 fisher who is coming to see us to-day." 



The Kingfisher was welcomed, and the Coyote, thinking 

 it time to have something to eat, called to his youngest 

 sou and said, "Go and gather some willow poles and erect 

 a platform on the top of the lodge," which he immediately 

 proceeded to do. When it was finished the Coyote as- 

 cended the lodge, crawled on top of the platform, and 

 jumped off into the river, but the water being covered 

 with ice, he almost crushed his head and lay some time 

 badly hurt. The Kingfisher, though too late, cried, "Stop ! 

 stop ! why are you doing that? I do not think you ever 

 tried that before. It is my practice always to do that 

 when T am away from home and get hungry, but you have 

 never tried it before." Then the Kingfisher broke a hole 

 in the ice, ascended the platform and so dived into the 

 river, soon returning with a fine large fish, which was soon 

 broiled on the coals and served. Then they all ate until 

 their bellies were full, when the Kingfisher and his son 

 returned to their home. 



After this, the Coyote continued to hunt his food as he 

 had been taught by his forefathers. 



THE SALMON AND THE WOLF. 



The Panther's youngest daughter was a very beautiful 

 girl, whom all the young men of the tribe desired to marry, 

 but whose offers the Panther refused, one by one. To 

 avoid the necessity of constantly refusing these applicants, 

 the Panther said, "Any one who will break my Elk-horns 

 shall have my daughter." This news soon spread to neigh- 

 boring camps, and a day was set for the trial of breaking 

 the " magic " Elk-horns. The Bear came forward, grasped 

 the horns and crushed them into small pieces, but when 



