630 SENECA FICTION, LEGENDS, AND MYTHS [eth. an«j. 32 



that departed from the place where your and my people formerly 

 dwelt, at that place yonder not far away." But the old man, still 

 doubting what he had heard, said : " It is probably not you who went 

 away, because it appears from your youthful aspect that you have 

 just reached manhood, and that event occurred a very long time ago." 

 Dehaenhyowens, however, answered : " Nevertheless, we are the very 

 persons who started, at least those of us who still are left alive; and 

 we have now arrived home again." On hearing this, the old man 

 said : " If possible, then, do tell me the name of the chief of our 

 people when you departed." Dehaenhyowens quickly answered, 

 " Dagaidon'dye' was the name of the chief of our people at that 

 time." Now convinced of what he doubted, the old man answered : 

 " That statement is, indeed, also true. The fact that he was my 

 grandfather is the rea.son why I am so fully acquainted with that 

 matter. Now, I admit that I am convinced that it is indeed you 

 and your friends who departed so many years ago, and that it is you, 

 too, who have returned home; and as it is meet so to do, our present 

 chief shall now be made cognizant of this matter. So remain here 

 in this lodge, and I will now send him word of your return, to await 

 his pleasure." 



Accordingly the chief was made acquainted with the matter at 

 once. Forthwith he sent out runners, giving notice to all the people 

 to assemble immediately in the Long Lodge of public meetings to 

 hear news most startling and important; he set the following day 

 for the assembly of the people. When the morning of the next day 

 dawned all the people, having made the necessary preparations to 

 attend the great council, hurriedly gathered in the assembly hall. 

 Dehaenhyowens and his two companions went there in company 

 with his host, the old man, whose grandfather was a former chief 

 of his people. The assemblage was large, for everyone who could 

 possibly leave home attended. When all were seated the chief arose, 

 and ceremoniously greeted the newly arrived men in these words: 

 " We have learned only a hint of what occurred during your expedi- 

 tion, and we desire fervently to know more of the events which took 

 place while you have been absent. So now we shall listen to the 

 whole account, and we will hear the leader of the party." 



Thereupon Dehaenhyowens arose, amidst deep silence, and spoke 

 briefly, as follows : " There were 30 of us who started on the expe- 

 dition along the path of the Sun; but only three of us have returned. 

 It is I who bear the name Dehaenhyowens. On this hand sits my 

 brother, Gae"'hyakdoii'dye", for such is the name that he bears: and 

 on this hand sits our friend, Daga'dye", for such is the name that he 

 bears. So many only are we who survive. It came to pass during 

 the time of our expedition along the path of the Sun to the skyland 

 ; that one of our number remained there as an assistant to the people 



