Page:Myths and Legends of British North America.djvu/223

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.

BRITISH NORTH AMERICA

RABBIT AND FROG

Eastern Eskimo

ONE day Rabbit wandered over the hillside, and came near an Indian wigwam. Now Rabbit was very timid. He crept close to the lodge and peered through a small hole. There was Frog, sitting near the fire.

"Brother," said Rabbit, "what are you doing?"

"I am playing with the ashes," said Frog.

"Come live with me," said Rabbit.

Frog said, "I have a lame leg. That is why I am sitting here while my brothers are out hunting."

Rabbit went into the lodge and tossed Frog on his back. "This is the way I will carry you," he said.

When Rabbit reached home, he went out to hunt for food. Suddenly he spied smoke curling up from among the willows along the river bank. Rabbit became frightened, and started home, exclaiming, "I have forgotten my crooked knife! I must go quickly and get it." Rabbit rushed home and dashed excitedly into his lodge. He exclaimed, "I have forgotten my crooked knife! I came home to get it."

175