The two canoes left the shore like two white swans. Great waves came on the lake. The white stone canoes rode on the top of the waves.
The Great Manitou was good. The Chippewa and his bride reached the Happy Island of Rest. Here they sat and talked of their happiness. They forgot that they had ever suffered; all things made them happy.
The Great Manitou talked to the Chippewa chief in a soft wind.
“Go back,” said the voice, “go back to the land of the Chippewas and teach them. The white-haired chief at the lodge at the gate will tell you many things. You have many winters to see before you can stay here forever. Your bride will wait for you on the Island of Rest.”
The soft wind grew still. The young chief awoke. His dog was by his side. Great peace was in the young chief’s heart,—but his journey was only a dream.
He came back to his life and his work. He taught his people many things. He was very brave. Before he died he told his people his dream, and his tribe gave him a great name, for he had done much good to his people.
Schoolcraft. [[155]]
XXV. THE GREAT BEAR IN THE SKY
(Iroquois)