Page:An argosy of fables.djvu/547

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AMERICAN INDIAN FABLES
473

all the others. Last of all, the Lion tried, and he jumped up higher than any other animal had; but he fell down flat on his back. Then came along Tultakana, the insignificant little Measure-Worm, which even the Mouse could have crushed by treading on it, and began to creep up the Rock. Step by step, step by step, a little at a time, he measured his way up, until presently he was above the Lion's jump; then, pretty soon, out of sight. So he crawled up and up and up, through many long sleeps, for about one whole snow, and at last he reached the top. Then he took the little boys, and came down the same way he went up, and brought them safe down to the ground. And so the Rock has ever since been called, Tutochanula after the name of Tultakana, the Measure-Worm.

What all the great animals of the forest could not do, the despised Measure-Worm accomplished, simply by patience and perseverance.

(Meewock Legend. From Northern California Indians, by Stephen Powers, in The Overland Monthly, 1872-74.)


THE CATFISH AND THE MOOSE

A MOOSE was walking along the river bank when he saw a Catfish. "Why are you lying there in the water?" he bellowed. "I came here because I chose to," said the little Catfish. "What business is it of yours? I was made to live in the water, and I have a perfect right to be here."

"Well, what's the good of your getting angry," demanded the Moose. "All I need to do is to kick you just once, and that will settle you. I have half a mind to do it, too." So saying, the Moose rushed headlong into the water; but just as he raised his leg to kick