"Thus it was that in the Northland
Came the Spring with all its splendor,
All its birds and all its blossoms,
All its flowers and leaves and grasses."
THE GIFT OF CORN
A tribe of Indians once lived on the beautiful islands of a large lake. They were driven from their homes by hostile tribes. Men, women, and children left everything they owned and paddled their canoes westward to the mainland.
But Manabush, the bravest of the warriors, remained behind. It was his purpose to keep close watch of the enemy, and to send warning in time to prevent surprise.
Every day he paddled his birch canoe close to the shore, hiding in nooks and bays. He had with him two boys, and with their aid the canoe was hauled every night into the thick woods.
As they walked, they carefully covered their footprints with sand.
Each day Manabush thought of his suffering people, whose supplies of food had been stolen by the enemy. The brave warrior prayed to the spirits of earth and air, asking that food be given to his tribe.
One morning Manabush rose early, leaving the two boys asleep. He went out from the tent and walked in the forest, where he could not be seen.