As they came to the lodge-door, one of the hunters asked if Manabozho lived thereabout.
“He is here,” answered Manabozho.
“I have often heard of you,” said the first hunter, “and I was curious to see you. But you have lost your magical power. Do you know whether any of it is left?”
Manabozho answered that he was himself in the dark on the subject.
“Suppose you make a trial,” said the hunter.
“What shall I do?” asked Manabozho.
“There is my friend,” said the hunter, pointing to his companion, “who with me owns this bear which we are carrying home. Suppose you see if you can change him into a piece of rock.”
“Very well,” said Manabozho; and he had scarcely spoken before the other hunter became a rock.
“Now change him back again,” said the first hunter.
“That I can’t do,” Manabozho answered; “there my power ends.”