FEACHTENBERG] ALSEA TEXTS AND MYTHS 61 



For that reason (it is) that Wren acts that way, because he was 

 acting thus at that time. Even in the small(est) places he can usually 

 squeeze himself in. 



4. The Death of Grizzly Bear 



Many people had come together apparently to invite (Grizzly). 

 Everybody had assembled (there, because) Grizzly Bear was going 

 to be knied. Thus, indeed, all had agreed. Then at last he was per- 

 suaded (to come to) the edge of the ocean. And after all had assem- 

 bled, then (the following) question was being asked of one another: 

 ' ' Wiio will climb up there first V Then finally it was said repeatedly, 

 "Little Old Man Raccoon shall climb up there first." Then, verily, 

 he did it. And after that everybody (else) began to chmb up. And 

 afterward it was said again and again, "Some better man (Grizzly) 

 shall climb up there." But he refused (to lend) himself (to such a 

 thing). Tiien it was said again, "Let Black Bear climb up there." 

 Then, verily, he began doing it. And after he arrived on top he began 

 to sing. Then he called down from above to (Grizzly Bear), "Climb 

 up here, my friend!" Now (Grizzly Bear) was pretending to climb 

 up there, but (m reahty he was) not (climbing at all). He j^'ould 

 constantly look back (and) would (then) slide down again. And on 

 the second day the same (thing) as before was done. Then fuially 

 on the fifth day it was agreed at that place that (Grizzly Bear) must 

 needs be killed. Then, verily, (everythmg) was arranged. But it 

 was done badly, wherefore he ran away quickly (and) disappeared. 

 He began to go toward the sea. He was frequently shot at, after he 

 jumped into the sea, but he was (as) frequently missed. Then (after 

 he escaped) he began to swim straight in a western direction. 



Then (again) all the people assembled together. He was going to 

 be watched to whatever place he (might) go. (At first) he went far 

 out westward, then he straightened (his course) in a northerly direc- 

 tion. Then the question was put by the people to one another, 

 who was going to go to that Little Old Man (Wren). But everybody 

 simply feared (for) his own (safety) because the place was exceedingly 



11 An obscure form. Would seem to consist of t.'ams- to agree; -stx passive, and perhaps -Em suf- 

 fixed particle. 



12 Contracted for qalo'sik-s-slo. 



13 Instead of tslaVqa. The additional syllable is due to the affected pronunciation of the narrator. 

 i< Contracted for nd'h-ik's-slo. 



'* Contracted for k-a'kus-sl6 . 

 16 Namely, Wren. 



