The group turned and started for the center of the village to proclaim what had just happened; and, as they walked, a small boy, Black Hawk, and a not so ugly, fat, young man could be seen walking hand in hand—a certain lightness in their step that had not been there before.
THE BOY AND THE WARRIOR CHIEF
Flying Owl was a very happy little Seneca brave. He had all he could wish for. His father was a very brave and honored member of the tribe. His mother was kind and made the best-tasting dishes of food for him when he was hungry. His sister and he would quarrel now and then, but most of the time they played and lived together very happily.
Their home was strong and warm in the winter and cool in the summer. There were always many nice clothes to wear and plenty to eat. Flying Owl was learning from his father every day about the ways of the forest and the stream. When anyone watched Flying Owl at play, he would think, “Now there is a lucky and happy little boy. I wonder if he knows how fortunate he is.” But Flying Owl was a rare little Indian brave, for he did realize how lucky he was. When he was still young, Flying Owl gladly shared his toys and other things with his friends. For this reason he was very much liked by both the braves and women and by the other boys and girls of the tribe.
One bright summer day, Flying Owl rose early from his bed and looked out at the bright warm sun shining down on the green forest and the blue-green lake at the edge of their village. He thought to himself, “What a wonderful day this is to go fishing. Only a short way from our home is the beautiful little hidden lake which my father has shown me. Surely there must be big fish in that lake. If I could catch some of them all by myself, my father would be proud of me and we would have a delicious supper this evening.”
So without any delay, Flying Owl gathered together his fishing tackle which he and his father had made with such care during the cold winter nights. Flying Owl was often allowed to go off by himself on short trips like this, so long as he did not go too far or stay away from his home after dark. He packed his fishing gear and some food and started out, waving good-bye to his mother and sister who stood at the entrance to their wigwam. His mother called to remind him to be back in time for supper. Flying Owl shouted that he not only would be back before supper but would bring their supper home with him. Then his mother and sister watched him trotting from the village until he was out of sight.
Flying Owl ran gaily along the forest paths, thinking that the many wild creatures had been awake since dawn. Now they were scurrying through the brush and the tree tops, enjoying the warm sunshine and cool breezes which blew gently through the forest. Flying Owl’s heart felt very happy. It was good to be alive, discovering new wonders of nature here in the forest instead of playing in the village that he knew too well. And he thought, “Perhaps some great adventure is waiting for me here in the green forest!”
He hurried on, impatient to reach the secret lake and catch the many large fish that he was sure were there. At the pace he was keeping, it was not long before he saw, through an opening in the trees, the blue-green, shimmering waters of the lake. Running faster, he reached the lake shore quickly and stopped a moment to look out across the waters and wonder where he would find the best place to fish.
He saw a tree that had fallen out into the lake, and decided to stand on the end of the log in the lake. He cast his line into the water and settled down to await the first nibble. He did not have to wait long. There was a sharp tug upon his line and he felt the line go taut in his hands. In fact, it had come so suddenly that Flying Owl was almost thrown off balance. Bracing the heels of his moccasins against the curve of the log, he started pulling at the line and brought in a fine fat fish. The catch now lay on the bank next to him and he was ready to cast again. In only a few moments, he felt another sharp tug and soon had landed another plump fish. “This is really fun!” Flying Owl said aloud.
Just then he heard a movement behind him. Turning quickly, he saw a tall handsome Indian brave dressed in the costume of the Woodland Indians, wearing the headdress of a chieftain. Flying Owl was startled, but the tall brave reached out his hand in friendship.