The Ash and the Maple whispered the secret to the birds. The birds came and listened to the voice, and went and told the animals. The animals came and listened, and went and told men. And thus all the earth children learned that there is one Great Mother of every living thing, and that all are brothers.
And now, whenever two trees lock arms lovingly, and the South Wind sways them gently to and fro, that same voice may be heard, singing, "San noh-eh! San noh-eh! San noh-eh!"
HOW THE WOMAN OVERCAME THE BEAR
An Indian woman built a wigwam in the deep wood. She was a brave woman. She had no fear.
One night, she heard something coming along the trail. Thump, thump, thump, it came, to the very door of her wigwam.
There was a rap.
"Come in," said the woman, but no one entered.
Again there came a rap.
Again the woman called, "Come in." Again the latch was not lifted.