94 BULLETIN, PUBLIC MUSEUM, MILWAUKEE. [Vol. III. 



Finally he said "My grandson, you have spoken not unwisely. 

 The strange being of whom our visitors tell us must have great 

 power. Possibly he could build such great works as the big round 

 mound out on the point yonder or the other one which looks like a 

 panther with its tail almst touching the big round mound, or yet 

 those even more strange ones far down the river bank where a flying 

 eagle flees from the panther. Perhaps this new thunderer could do 

 this but I do not think so. To me he seems to be a strange and new 

 being, not one who is returning here after a long absence. 



"Now, my grandson, have you seen fourteen winters and when 

 next the maple leaf turns bright you will be no longer a boy. You 

 must soon take your place among the young men, to hunt the bear, 

 to do brave deeds, and to join in the ceremonies. But first you 

 must seek the power of the manitou which shall make you strong 

 and be your aid through life. Perhaps when you fast and find the 

 solitude which holds your guardian spirit you may meet the great 

 master of the river who can answer your many questions about 

 the people of the long ago who built the earth piles out there on 

 the point. Many of our people have sought the aid of this great 

 water serpent but no one has yet been able to meet him. If you 

 would succeed, my grandson, you must purify yourself in body and 

 mind by long fasts and deep meditation in lonely places. Perhaps 

 you may have good luck. Then you will become a great man, even 

 greater than Eagle Tamer, the head chief. I have spoken, my 

 grandson." 



II. 



Wapanosa had been gone from the village for many days, and 

 his blackened face and yellow stripes showed White Bear that his 

 grandson had attained his guardian. 



This time it was Wapanosa who spoke with deliberation. 

 "Grandfather, I have followed your advice. I have seen much. 

 Many spirits appeared to me as I fasted. Many wished to help me. 

 But still I fasted and wandered in silent places. Day and night I 

 wandered. At last, as I had nearly fallen from thirst and hunger, 

 I passed in the moon light near the big boiling spring 19 which keeps 

 the ice open all winter. 



19 There are certain springs in this region which, though the water is cold, appear to boil 

 owing to the presence of light sand. 



