The hunters had found game in abundance that day, and many feasts were already called in the village.
Swift Elk had chosen to invite only his grandparents, and they were already listening to his story of the hunt.
White Cloud made haste to parch the rice, and soon a very hungry family was enjoying the fresh and abundant food.
After the supper the children asked their grandfather to tell them stories about wild rice.
The old man remembered more than one fierce battle for the possession of the rice fields. Many years had passed since the peace pipe was last smoked, and the children had lived without being in constant fear of war.
"My grandchildren," he said, "I will tell you how rice came to be used in the earliest times. There are many stories about Manabush, and you have heard how he wrestled with Mondamin and obtained the gift of corn.
"In his early youth Manabush lived with his grandmother, who taught him his duty to his people.
"One day she said to him: 'My grandson, you are old enough to prove yourself a man. Before you can become a great warrior you must show that you are able to endure many hardships without complaint.
"'Set forth on a long journey alone and without food. Travel through unknown forests, enduring hunger and thirst. Sleep on the cold ground, and pray for a vision that shall be your guide through life.'
"Manabush took his bow and arrows and went out into the forest. He fasted many days until he became weak and faint from hunger.