“Well where is my bow and my quiver of arrows?” asked Hono‘ anxiously. “I ought to have one.”
“Oh after a while,” was the retort. “Now hurry along.”
“And when I am a great hunter will you be good to me always?” asked Hono‘, dreaming of the success he hoped to achieve, but the only answer was a grunt.
After a journey of several miles the stepfather stopped abruptly and simulating surprise said excitedly, “See, look, look! There is a hole. Hurry Hono‘, crawl in and catch the game. Oh you will be a big hunter now!”
Little Hono‘ was happy that he could be of service and in imagination saw glorious days ahead. Dropping upon his hands and knees he crawled into the hole in the ground and ran down the tunnel until he could no longer see, because of the darkness. Then, as he was about to return he saw the round opening ahead suddenly grow dark and with it the entire cavern. Guided by the walls he ran forward with speed born of terror and crashed his head into the stone that obstructed the opening.
Outside the evil man laughed in savage glee as he thought how easily he had shaken off the untaught Hono‘.
“He will never push that boulder away,” said he, as he strolled back to his lodge.
The blow had stunned the boy but after some time he was awakened by the sound of voices. Listening he discovered that on the earth outside a council was in session and his name was being frequently used. He had not long marvelled over the matter when he heard someone endeavoring to remove the stone. Finally it rolled down the hill and a voice called down the hole.
“Come out upon the earth if yet you are living,” it said.
Shyly the boy emerged from the hole and sat down upon the grass. About him on every hand were animals.