he saw that she was no longer white as she had been, but was gray with
the ashes of the fire, and marked with black specks where the cinders
had touched her. Her breast was still white, and a small patch under
her wings.

Nihka took the quill and flew off at once. It was not long before
Wesakchak saw the beaver coming to him through the water. When he came
close, Wesakchak saw that he carried mud in his paws and on his broad,
flat tail. When he reached the door of the lodge, he put the mud down
and patted it smooth and hard with his tail. Then he swam away and
brought back more, and this he did until he had made a path across the
water. Wesakchak had stood watching the beaver as he worked, and now
as it was finished, he said:

"Brother Beaver, this is a wonderful bridge you have made for me. How
did you learn to do it? Surely the Great Spirit has taught you this,
to make a path of land in the midst of the water."

"Yes, Master," answered the beaver, "the Great Spirit has taught me how
to do this, that you might escape the wicked snares of your enemy. If
you cross to the other side, you will be safe."

"Thank you, Brother Beaver," said Wesakchak, "I shall do as you say,"
and stepping out on the mud bridge, he walked safely to dry land.

Then, in memory of this kindness, Wesakchak told the beaver that from
that time he might always build a path across the water to remind his
children of what he had done. Then, turning to the goose, he told her
that he wished her to wear always her dress of gray and black, so that
the world might not forget her loving service.

Each spring, the Evil Spirit, who is the spring flood, grows wild with
rage, as he remembers how his plan was spoiled, and he tries to waste
the lands of Wesakchak and his children. But this is always in vain,
for the Evil One can never win.

IV. LITTLE BROTHER RABBIT

One autumn Wesakchak felt very sad. All through the summer there had
been no rain. The prairie grass was burnt brown and dry. The little
streams had grown smaller and narrower, until at last not a drop of
water was left. The animals, finding no grass to eat and no water to
drink, had all gone to the far north-west, where the Great River came
down from the mountains. For they knew that along its banks they would
find grass to eat. Wesakchak wondered if the Great Spirit were angry
with the people of the plains when He sent them these long, hot days
and nights. Why did He