wife denied having used any hard words. They retired
to their couches, and he tried to compose himself to sleep, but could
not, for the sobs and sighs of the two females were incessant. He arose
on his couch and addressed them as follows:--

"Tell me," said he, "what is it that gives you pain of mind, and causes
you to utter those sighs. Has my wife given you offence, or trespassed
on the rights of hospitality?"

They replied in the negative. "We have been treated by you with
kindness and affection. It is not for any slight we have received that
we weep. Our mission is not to you only. We come from the land of the
dead to test mankind, and to try the sincerity of the living. Often we
have heard the bereaved by death say that if the dead could be
restored, they would devote their lives to make them happy. We have
been moved by the bitter lamentations which have reached the place of
the dead, and have come to make proof of the sincerity of those who
have lost friends. Three moons were allotted us by the Master of Life
to make the trial. More than half the time had been successfully past,
when the angry feelings of your wife indicated the irksomeness you felt
at our presence, and has made us resolve on our departure."

They continued to talk to the hunter and his wife, gave them
instructions as to a future life, and pronounced a blessing upon them.

"There is one point," they added, "of which we wish to speak. You have
thought our conduct very strange in rudely possessing ourselves of the
choicest parts of your hunt. _That_ was the point of trial selected to
put you to. It is the wife's peculiar privilege. For another to usurp
it, we knew to be the severest trial of her, and consequently of your
temper and feelings. We know your manners and customs, but we came to
prove you, not by a compliance with them, but a violation of them.
Pardon us. We are the agents of him who sent us. Peace to your
dwelling, adieu!"

When they ceased, total darkness filled the lodge. No object could be
seen. The inmates heard the door open and shut, but they never saw more
of the two Jeebi-ug.

The hunter found the success which they had promised. He became
celebrated in the chase, and never wanted for anything. He had many
children, all of whom grew up to manhood, and health; peace, and long
life were the rewards of his hospitality.

[43] The fat of animals is esteemed by the N.A. Indians among
the choicest parts.

IA