GENESIS OF THE ROBIN 



AMONG the Chippewas, as among some other tribes 

 of Indians, when a son became old enough to leave 

 boyhood behind and to take his place among the 

 braves of his people, it was necessary for him to pass through 

 a season of fasting — twelve long days and nights — during 

 which the great Manitou would come to him and free him 

 from his childhood's nature and in its stead give to him the 

 strength and endurance of a braver manhood. One unable 

 to endure this test to the end would be forever despised of 

 his tribe, and would not be allowed to join with the braves in 

 the hunt, or to go with them into battle. 



Because of his gentle nature, when his time of trial ar- 

 rived, the son of a great chief did not wish to follow his father 

 into the deep forest to the trial lodge, which was to be the 

 scene of his fasting. Though he was brave, he did not wish 

 to be as the warriors who went forth to kiU. He longed only 

 to make others happy. 



But the chief commanded and the son dared not refuse. 

 During the long walk he was sad at heart, though the father 

 sought to cheer him by telling him how the tribe would honor 

 him when he appeared at the great feast to be served when 

 he had proved himself strong to endure. Thus the father 

 talked, every now and then stopping to mark the trees in 

 the picture language of the Indian, that the way to their 

 wigwam might not be lost. 



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