FRACHTENBERG] ALSEA TEXTS AND MYTHS 69 



where many people had assembled. Then (there) something was 

 rolled, whereupon all were runnuig (after it) . And when (ever) it was 

 caught much shouting would take place. Then they two finally came 

 (out) there from (their) hiding place. Then at noon everybody 

 stopped (playing), in order that eating (might) be indulged in by all 

 for a little while. Then (before that) the old woman Snail was told 

 (that she would have to) guard that ball (since) perchance, people 

 might arrive, while all the (others) w^ere stiU eating. Then, verily, 

 that old woman lay face downward alongside of that ball. And then 

 not long (afterwards) she was (stealthily) approached. And after 

 they two came nearer they just stood still (at a distance) . Then the 

 younger (of the two) said, ''Let us two take it, (and then) we two 

 wlU run back with it." But the oldest one was afraid to pass by her. 

 Then (it was) not long before the elder (brother) at last went to her 

 against his wish. Then he picked up (the ball) and ran back with it. 

 Then they two began to run home. Then in vam that old woman 

 began to shout; but she was not listened to (even) a little. (She 

 shouted until) she simply became hoarse from her shouting. At last 

 not long (afterwards) the youngest (of) the villagers came out 

 (of the house) and began to listen to that old woman. Then he 

 called back into the house : ' ' What (does it mean) that that old woman 

 is calling ? Verily, it seems as if your toy was carried away.'' Every- 

 body was going to see (what was the matter) . Then at last she was 

 reached, and, indeed, thus she was shouting, ''Somebody ran away 

 with your plaything." Then all (the people) began to coax one 

 another, "Follow them two quickly!" Then they two were pursued 

 indeed. Then (it was) not long before they two were seen, where- 

 upon Coyote kept on saying: "Handle them two carefully! Get 

 nearer (to) them two !" Then they two were (gradually) approached. 

 And after they two were overtaken a general fight ensued. Then (it 

 was) not long before the older (of the two) was Imocked senseless. 

 But his younger brother escaped with their (dual) booty. (Then he 

 was pursued). And when he was (about to be) overtaken his spnits 

 despaired (about escape), and he jumped into (the) water. Then he 

 was looked for in vain, but nowhere was (even) a glimpse (of him) 

 seen. Then not long (afterwards) he was espied again, traveling 

 already far (away). Then agam he w^ould be pursued. And as he 

 was (about to be) overtaken he would jump into (the) water once 

 more. Then he would be looked for again, but just the same he 

 would not be seen anywhere. Then not long (afterwards) he would 

 be seen again on -the trail where he had already passed (by). Then 



