“Agē, I am tired now, nīa’´gwahē, and must rest,” he said, “but I will kill you as soon as I get time.”
The beast trembled and ran on a short distance in the vain hope of escape but returning put his nose to the boy’s ear.
“Kwē!” he whispered, “Are you asleep?”
“No, not yet,” replied the boy with a yawn.
“Well then,” continued the beast, “I wish to tell you that I know I am defeated, but oh spare me, I beg of you, spare me! Have mercy and do not kill and I will flee from the land of men and hide in the icy north, never more to disturb or devour men.”
“Ho ho! this is your trick,” laughed the boy, with a sneer. “No mercy for you, you deserve only death. Hold up your foot and show me the spot!”
“Oh no, no, no,” begged the nīa’´gwahē plaintively. “Let me live and as a pledge of my truthfulness I will give you my teeth.”
The boy debated with himself and then asked, “What profit are teeth?”
“My teeth are my magic,” answered the creature, “and my magic is his who holds my teeth.”
“Well now,” said the boy slowly, “if your teeth will bring fortune to men I will accept them, but if ever you visit again the haunts of men, remember that I am the mightiest of wizards!”