"Ho-o-o!" was the instant response from the throats of the little Red men.
"A long time ago, the bear made a medicine feast, and invited the medicine-men (or priests) of all the tribes. Of each he asked one question, 'What is the best medicine (or magic) of your tribe?'
"All told except the little mouse. He was pressed for an answer, but replied, 'That is my secret.'
"Thereupon the bear was angry and jumped upon the mouse, who disappeared instantly. The big medicine-man blindly grabbed a handful of grass, hoping to squeeze him to death. But all the others present laughed and said, 'He is on your back!'
"Then the bear rolled upon the ground, but the mouse remained uppermost.
"'Ha, ha, ha!' laughed all the other medicine-men. 'You cannot get rid of him.'
"Then he begged them to knock him off, for he feared the mouse might run into his ear. But they all refused to interfere.
"'Try your magic on him,' said they, 'for he is only using the charm that was given him by the Great Mystery.'
"So the bear tried all his magic, but without effect. He had to promise the little mouse that, if he would only jump off from his body, neither he nor any of his tribe would ever again eat any of the Little People.
"Upon this the mouse jumped off.