canoe,
partly out of water, having ten paddles all in readiness. Do not fear,"
he cried, "we shall soon get to it." And so it was, even as he had
said. Coming to the lake, they saw the canoe with ten paddles, and
immediately they embarked. Scarcely had they reached the centre of the
lake, when they saw the bear arrive at its borders. Lifting himself on
his hind legs, he looked all around. Then he waded into the water; then
losing his footing, he turned back, and commenced making the circuit of
the lake. Meanwhile, the party remained stationary in the centre to
watch his movements. He travelled around, till at last he came to the
place from whence he started. Then he commenced drinking up the water,
and they saw the current fast setting in towards his open mouth. The
leader encouraged them to paddle hard for the opposite shore. When only
a short distance from land, the current had increased so much, that
they were drawn back by it, and all their efforts to reach it were
vain.

Then the leader again spoke, telling them to meet their fates manfully.
"Now is the time, Mudjikewis," said he, "to show your prowess. Take
courage, and sit in the bow of the canoe; and when it approaches his
mouth, try what effect your club will have on his head." He obeyed, and
stood ready to give the blow; while the leader, who steered, directed
the canoe for the open mouth of the monster.

Rapidly advancing, they were just about to enter his mouth, when
Mudjikewis struck him a tremendous blow on the head, and gave the
saw-saw-quan. The bear's limbs doubled under him, and he fell stunned
by the blow. But before Mudjikewis could renew it the monster disgorged
all the water he had drank, with a force which sent the canoe with
great velocity to the opposite shore. Instantly leaving the canoe,
again they fled, and on they went till they were completely exhausted.
The earth again shook, and soon they saw the monster hard after them.
Their spirits drooped, and they felt discouraged. The leader exerted
himself, by actions and words, to cheer them up; and once more he asked
them if they thought of nothing, or could do nothing for their rescue;
and, as before, all were silent. "Then," he said, "this is the last
time I can apply to my guardian spirit. Now if we do not succeed, our
fates are decided." He ran forward, invoking his spirit with great
earnestness, and gave the yell. "We shall soon arrive," said he to his
brothers, "to the place where my last