FEACHTBNBBRG] ALSEA TEXTS AND MYTHS 39 



finally (the messengers) began to return. They finally came back 

 to where their chief was hving. On the fifth day the counting sticks 

 were made (ready). "Did you tell my message correctly?" (asked 

 Coyote). "Forsooth! All sorts of preparations are being made: 

 People are having joyful times; they are playing shinny; they are 

 shootingat the target; they are playing the guessing game." — "Verily, 

 such things I want. For that reason do I want that the people should 

 assemble." And now food was brought from everywhere (while) 

 many (other) things were being done (by others). They were having 

 fun; some of them were playing shinny, others were shooting at the 

 target. (Furthermore), all sorts of things were being fixed. Shinny 

 clubs were being made, arrows were being made, bows were being 

 made, spears were being fixed. Not long (until) the counting sticks 

 were going to run out. Everybody was feeling glad. All sorts of 

 preparations were being made. And the counting sticks were being 

 constantly counted. Everything was being fixed : Knives were being 

 made, shinny clubs were being made, bows were being made". "I 

 desire very much that the counting sticks should disappear." Coyote 

 was going around everywhere among the inhabitants, continually 

 advising his people : ' ' Do you, please, watch yourselves carefully when 

 the people will assemble! You will always keep good guard over 

 yourselves. You know (that) the people (coming) from where I have 

 invited them are (among) the strong(est) tribes, because they simply 

 know all sorts of (tricks). For that reason I am continually teUing 

 you, 'You shall keep good guard over yourselves.' Your hearts shall 



