Page:Indian nature myths (IA indiannaturemyth00cowl 0).pdf/105

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THE ROCK OF THE MEASURING WORM

EL CAPITÁN, IN THE YOSEMITE

(California Tribes)


Two small Indian boys were seated before the tepee fashioning bows and arrows.

"Mine is not good!" exclaimed one of the boys, throwing aside the stick with which he had been working. "Besides, I am tired of sitting still. Let us go for a swim in the river."

Away they dashed, running swiftly, as the Indian child is taught to run. Into the water they jumped, swimming, diving, splashing, and stopping now and then for a water battle.

At length they had had enough of the water, so out upon the bank they came.

"Let us climb upon this rock to dry ourselves. Its top is flat, and the sun is warm upon it."

So they climbed upon the flat rock, and in a few moments both boys were fast asleep. Then a strange thing began to occur. The rock slowly and gradually commenced to stretch itself up,