n in this. Put it
just as the witch did it, but let it be considered a success if the
stick is two feet long and nowhere half an inch out of true line. Let me
add a Woodcraft proverb which should also have its mead of comfort--The
Great Spirit can draw a straight line with a crooked stick.

TALE 96

The Animal Dance of Nana-bo-jou

For this we need a Nana-bo-jou; that is, a grown-up who can drum and
sing. He has a drum and drumstick, and a straw or paper club; also two
goblins, these are good-sized boys or girls wearing ugly masks, or at
least black hoods with two eyeholes, made as hideous as possible; and
any number of children, from three or four up, for animals. If each has
the marks, colours, etc., of some bird or beast, so much the better.

First, Nana-bo-jou is seen chasing the children around the outside of
the circle, trying to catch one to eat; but failing, thinks he'll try a
trick and he says: "Stop, stop, my brothers. Why should we quarrel?
Come, let's hold a council together and I will teach you a new dance."

The animals whisper together and the Coyote comes forward, barks, then
says:

"Nana-bo-jou, I am the Coyote. The animals say that they will come to
council if you will really make peace and play no tricks."

"Tricks!" says Nana-bo-jou, "I only want to teach you the new songs from
the South."

Then all the animals troop in and sit in a circle. Nana-bo-jou takes his
drum and begins to sing:

"New songs from the South, my brothers,
Dance to the new songs."

Turning to one, he says: "Who are you and what can you dance?"

The answers are, "I am the Beaver [or whatever it is] and I can dance
the Beaver Dance."

"Good! Come and show me how."

So the Beaver dances to the music, slapping the back of his flat right
hand, up and under his left hand for a tail, holding up a stick in both
paws to gnaw it, and lumbering along in time to the music, at the same
time imitating the Beaver's waddle.

Nana-bo-jou shouts: "Fine! That is the best Beaver Dance I ever saw. You
are wonderful; all you need to be perfect is wings. Wouldn't you like to
have wings so you could fly over the tree-tops, like the Eagle?"

"Yes," says the Beaver.

"I can make strong medicine and give you wings, if all the animals will
help me," says Nana-bo-jou. "Will you?"

"Yes," they all cry.

"Then all close your eyes tight and cover them with your paws. Don't
look until I tell you. Beaver, close your eyes