“Well, we have come here to kill some of those big fish,” said Running Fox, attempting to make light of the adventure.
“Yes, let us go and find them,” proposed Spotted Deer.
They moved carefully along the wooded shore of the island until they reached the narrow channel between the island and the boulders. The water was comparatively quiet at that place, and they were able to wade out to a large flat-topped rock upon which they seated themselves to watch for sturgeon. As they waited for the first big fish to appear they cast many uneasy glances toward the rapids. They appeared uncomfortably near the lower end of the island. The noise seemed much louder. The lads wondered whether they had underestimated the distance between the island and that long stretch of white-crested waves. Then a sturgeon entered the narrow channel, and all else was forgotten.
“Hi, here comes Sehawanammek!” cried Spotted Deer, as he hastily prepared his bow.
As the great fish swam past the rock Spotted Deer drove his arrow into it. It floundered helplessly for a moment or so, and Running Fox also sent an arrow into its body. Then, to the surprise of the excited young Delawares, the sturgeon turned and flashed down the channel with the current. A few moments afterward they saw it drifting helplessly into the rapids.
“That is bad,” said Spotted Deer. “We have lost two good arrows, and Schawanammek has fooled us.”
“Well, we have sent some good food to Gunammachk, the otter,” laughed Running Fox.
It was some time before another sturgeon appeared, and that, too, would have been swept away by the river if Running Fox had not jumped recklessly into the water and seized it. Aided by Spotted Deer he dragged it to the island, and pulled it into the bushes.
“Well, we have killed Schawanammek,” said Spotted Deer. “Now we must eat some of his flesh. Then we will be able to swim through the bad places like he does.”
“Yes, I believe it will be a good thing to do,” agreed Running Fox.