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About The Chemawa American (Chemawa, Or.) 19??-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 1, 1912)
| THE CHEHAWA AMERICAN H. L WADSWORTH, Superintendent ; r/Y / VOLUME 15 OCTOBER J ? t2 NUMBER J THE OTTER’S PRISONER A N IN T E R E S T IN G IN D IA N L E G E N D f^ N C E upon a time there were four Indian brothers who dwelt alone 9 in the forest. The three eldest were great hunters, while the youngest stayed in the camp to keep watch and gather firewood and prepare the food and make ready the arrows which his brothers stood in need of. One fine day, when the youngest was roving through the soft swamps hunting for wood with which to make arrows, he was startled by a queer little noise, which sounded like the soft singing of a woman. Glancing around, he saw a beautiful Indian girl sitting under a tree. “ Why are you alone out here in the forest?” asked the bov wonder- ingly. “ I have no home,” answered the girl, “ and I spend my time wan dering about and live as best I can.” The Indian boy invited her to go home with him, but the girl re fused, saying that she was afraid. “ There is no cause for fear,” said the boy. “ My brothers and my self live in a lodge in the forest which you can share with us, and we will adopt you as our sister and be kind to you.” At last he prevailed upon the maiden to go with him, and after a short journey through the wood they reached the lodge, which was to l>e the future home of the Indian girl. When the three brothers returned from the chase and found them selves possessed of a new sister, they were very glad indeed, and at once decided to welcome her and provide for and make her as comfort able as though she were in truth their sister. The new sister was not idle. She cooked the meals and did all the work, and it was not long before she had completely won all their hearts, and they loved her very dearly. Always the youngest brother stayed around camp to make arrangements and take care of the new sister. One day, after the youngest hunter had used up all his arrow wood, he said to his sister: “ I am forced to leave you for a little while, my
