This was extremely gratifying to the chief, who showed that he appreciated it. During the meal the Professor said: “What do you know about the winds and the lightning and the thunder?”
The chief studied for a moment. “There is a great spirit that does those things. He is way up in that direction,” pointing to the north.
“But is it a good spirit?” asked the Professor.
“We do not know whether he is good or bad. Sometimes he will be bad to us and sometimes good.”
“Do you ever pray to him?”
“I do not understand what that means.”
“Don’t you ever ask him to help you?”
“That would not do any good. He is too big and too far away.”
“Did the Great Spirit make you?”
The chief opened his eyes, with the suggestion of a smile, as he replied: “No; how could he make beings like us? He is a spirit, and spirits do not make men.”