He took the kettle off the fire. He poked a stick into it and found only bones. Then he said, “Indeed, the meat has all fallen off.” So he took a spoon and dipped it out; nothing was there but bones.
This is the story of Unktomi and the Bad Songs.
HOW THE PHEASANT BEAT CORN
Cherokee
Once Pheasant saw a woman beating corn in a wooden mortar in front of her lodge.
“I can do that, too,” said Pheasant.
“I don’t believe you,” said the woman.
“Yes, I can,” said Pheasant. So Pheasant went into the woods behind the lodge. He flew to a hollow log and drummed with his wings until the people thought he really was beating corn.