"Well, then, prove it to me!" said the fox. "Come up to the surface of the water and form a raft that will reach from this island to the mainland. Then I can walk over all of you, and I shall be able to count you."
So the large sea people--seals, walruses, porpoises, and whales--came up to the surface of the water.
The sea people formed a great raft, that reached from the island across to the mainland.
This was what the fox wanted. He ran over the great raft, pretending to count the animals.
When at last the fox reached the mainland, he jumped ashore and hastened home.
[HIAWATHA'S BROTHERS ]
Of all beasts he learned the language,
Learned their names and all their secrets,
How the beavers built their lodges,
Where the squirrels hid their acorns,
How the reindeer ran so swiftly,
Why the rabbit was so timid,
Talked with them whene'er he met them,
Called them "Hiawatha's Brothers."
HENRY W. LONGFELLOW.
[THE BEAVERS' LODGE ]
Big Chief had traveled a long distance through the forest. At last he reached the shore of a lake.