262 THE OSAGE TRIBE [bth. ann. 35 



287. They fashioned out of the body of the tree a long club that 



resembled the back of a fish (pi. 17, h), 



288. And their task was done. 



289. Verily, at that time and place, 



290. They caressed the club with their hands, 



291. And at each stroke it uttered a cry of exultation. 



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



293. They spake to one another, saying: O, younger brothers, 



294. Our mysterious Wa-xo'-be, 



295. Still lacks the means necessary to accompUsh its purpose. 



296. Let search be made for them, they said to one another. 



297. Verily, at that time and place, 



298. They spake to the principal Sho'-ka, 



299. Saying: O, younger brother, 



300. Our mysterious Wa-xo'-be 



301. Still lacks the means necessary to accomplish its purpose. 



302. We bid you go and make search for them. 



303. Verily, at that time and place, 



304. The principal Sho'-ka, 



305. At the beginning of day, 



306. Hastened forth to make search, his figure swaying from side to 



side as he sped over the prairie. 



307. Verily, at that time and place, 



308. In the evening of the same day, 



309. The elder brothers spake to one another, saying: Our younger 



brother is returning. 



310. Verily, at that time and place, 



311. They said: Go, some of you, and speak to him. 



312. Verily, at that time and place, 



313. The Sho'-ka came and stood before his elder brothers, his bare 



ankles worn by the grasses of the earth. 



314. The elder brothers spake to him, saying: O, younger brother, 



315. How has it fared with you ? 



316. It has not been your wont to suffer such hardship. 



317. Verily, at that time and place, 



318. The Sho'-ka replied: O, elder brothers, 



319. I have been to one valley, 



320. And have seen nothing worthy of my notice. 



321. Verily, at that time and place, 



322. The elder brothers spake, saying: O, younger brother, 



323. We bid you go and make further search. 



