"And that dark cloud?" Maidwa again asked.

"It is the place of the wicked," answered the buffalo.

This cloud was very dark and to look upon it pained his eyes. So Maidwa moved away with the help of his guardian spirits, stood upon the earth again, and beheld the sun giving light as usual.

All else that he learned in the abodes of the dead is unknown, for he never spoke of it to any human being.

After regaining the earth and wandering a long time to gather knowledge to make his people happy and to add to their comfort, he drew near to his village one evening. Passing all the other lodges he came to his own door, where he found the magic arrow, as he had been promised. He heard his brothers within at high words with each other. They were quarrelling for the possession of his wife, who had remained constant through all his absence, and sadly awaited his return. Maidwa listened in shame and sorrow.

He entered the lodge, holding his head aloft as one conscious of good principle and shining with anger. He spoke not a word, but placing the magic arrow to his bow, he would have laid his brothers dead at his feet.

Just then, however, the talking kettle stepped forward and spoke such words of wisdom, the singing kettle trolled forth such a soothing little song, the guilty brothers were so contrite and keenly repentant of their intended wrong, the Red Swan was so radiant and forgiving, the silent kettle straightway served them up so hearty and wholesome a meal, and the frisky little kettle was so joyful and danced about so merrily, that Maidwa decided to forgive them. And when the magic arrows were laid away in the medicine-sack, there was in all the Indian country that night no happier family than the three brothers, who ever after dwelt together in all kindness, as all good brothers should.

[Original]