Owasso replied that he had not mounted the tree of himself, or out of any disposition to harm the birds, but that his father-in-law, the old magician who had just left them, had sent him up; that he was constantly sending him on mischievous errands. In a word, the young man was enlarging at great length upon the character of the wicked Manito, when he was interrupted by being darted upon by a hungry-eyed bird, with long claws.
Owasso, not in the least disconcerted, boldly seized this fierce eagle by the neck and dashed it against the rocks, crying out:
"Thus will I deal with all who come near me."
The old eagle, who appeared to be the head of the tribe, was so pleased with this show of spirit that he immediately appointed two tall birds, uncommonly strong in the wings, to transport Owasso to his lodge. They were to take turns in conducting him through the air.
Owasso expressed many obligations to the old eagle for his kindness, and they forthwith set out. It was a high point from which they started, for the pine-tree had shot far, far up toward the clouds, and they could even descry from it the enchanted island where the old magician lived, though it was miles and miles away. For this point they steered their flight; and in a short time they landed Owasso at the door of the lodge.
With many compliments for their despatch, Owasso dismissed the birds and stood ready to greet his wicked father-in-law who arrived a few minutes after. And now when Mishosha espied his son-in-law standing there unharmed he became very black in the face and raged horribly. But dissembling his feelings and still professing great friendship he pondered deeply as to how he might use his one remaining charm to the best advantage.
While he was still considering this, Owasso and his wife, sitting on the banks of the lake one evening, heard a song, as if sung by some one at a great distance. The sound continued for some time and then died away in perfect stillness.
"Oh, it is the voice of Sheem," cried Owasso. "It is the voice of my brother! If I could only see him!" And he hung down his head in deep anguish.
His wife witnessed his distress, and to comfort him she proposed that they should attempt to make their escape and carry him succor on the morrow.
When the morning came, and the sun shone warmly into the lodge, the wife of Owasso offered to comb her father's hair, with the hope that it would soothe him to sleep. It had that effect; and they no sooner saw him in deep slumber than they seized the magic canoe, Owasso uttered the charmed words, "Chemaun Poll!" and they glided away upon the water without need of oar or sail.