“An-de-be-laq! An-de-be-laq!”
Then once more he dropped on the stones, but not dead was he!
Much troubled was the heart of great Beaver, in holding the branch. Much troubled was he at falling. Then about the foot of the tree ran Porcupine. Then up he looked to where was his friend. Thus said Porcupine: “Go on, friend. It is not hard. Look at me. Not dead am I because I fell!”
Then Beaver let go the branch. Thus said Beaver as he fell,
“Loop! Lo-op!”[11]
[11] “Stone! Stone!”
Then Beaver struck the rocks. He lay on his back. He was dead.
THE MARK OF THE MARTEN
Athapascan (Upper Yukon)