LAPLESCHB] Nl'-KI Wl'-GI-ES 261 



251. Let the little ones use this as a club, he said to them. 



252. The elder brothers replied: The dark-wood tree is not suitable 



for the little ones to use as a club, O, younger brother. 



253. Verily, it is not the right kind of tree for them to use as a club. 



254. We bid you go and make further search. 



255. Verily, at that time and place, it has been said, in this house, 



256. The principal Sho'-ka 



257. Hastened forth to make further search 



258. And in a valley, that was of no particular size, 



259. He found a willow tree, a tree that never dies. 



260. He quickly returned with it to his brothers, 



261. To whom he spake, saying: O, elder brothers, 



262. Let the little ones use this as a club, he said to them. 



263. The elder brothers replied: That has been the object of your 



continual search, O, younger brother. 



264. The little ones shall use the never-dying willow as their club as 



they travel the path of life. 



265. When the little ones use the willow as a club, 



266. They shall always succeed in making their enemies to fall as 



they travel the path of life. 



267. Verily, at that time and place, it has been said, in this house, 



268. Their round-handled knife 



269. They quickly took from its resting place. 



270. Verily, at that time and place, 



271. They spake to one another, saying: It is a fear-inspiring knife. 



272. Verily, it is a mysterious knife, they said to one another. 



273. Mysterious-knife 



274. The little ones shall take as their personal name, they said to 



one another. 



275. Verily, at that time and place, it has been said, in this house, 



276. They lifted the round-handled knife 



277. And quickly stabbed with it the body of the willow tree. 



278. Then from its wound its lifeblood streamed forth. 



279. Verily, at that time and place, 



280. They cut with the knife the bark from the body of the tree, 



281. First cutting from it four narrow strips, one strip for each of the 



cardinal points. 



282. Verily, at that time and place, 



283. They cut down the tree and cut the body into the desired length. 



284. Verily, at that time and place, 



285. They hewed the body to the desired size. 



286. Verily, at that time and place. 



