The Cahroc Indians knew where it was hidden. They needed fire and were always planning ways to get it.
They went at last to the wise coyote.
“That is simple enough,” said he, “I will show you a way to get it. Fire is a great blessing and should be free to all people.”
The coyote knew every inch of the road to the beldams’ hut.
Along the path leading to it, he stationed beasts, the strongest and best runners nearer the hut and the weaker ones farther off.
Nearest the guarded den, he placed one of the sinewy Cahroc men.
Then he walked boldly up to the door of the hut and knocked.
The beldams, not fearing a coyote in the least, invited him in.
They were often lonely, living so near the end of the world.
When the coyote had rested before the fire for some time, he said, “The Cahroc nation need fire. Could you not give them one small spark? You would never miss it. Here it is of no use.”