Part 49 (1/2)

When Ilhataina talked the whole world was afraid, and when he moved the ground which he walked on was quivering.

All sweated, swam in the river, and went back to the old woman's.

Ilhataina walked across the house, and his heart shook as if it would jump from his body.

”I am not going to stay here,” said he.

When Demauna heard this, he cried, and the old woman cried.

”My brother,” said Demauna, ”I should like to know where you are going. I wish you would stay with us.”

Ilhataina made no answer.

”My brother,” said Jupka, ”if you will not stay here, I wish you would go to the sky. Now,” said Jupka, ”will you take beads as a gift from me?”

”No.”

”Sh.e.l.ls?”

”No.”

”Wolf robes?”

”No.”

”Wildcat robes?”

”No.”

”Foxskin robes?”

”No.”

Jupka wore an old ragged rabbit-skin robe. He had worn it a long time.

”I think you like this,” said he.

”Yes,” answered Ilhataina, ”that's what I want.” He took the old robe and tied it with weeds around his waist. ”Now I am ready to leave you.

Come out and see me go.”

There was a black cloud in the sky. Ilhataina had brought it there. ”I will go up to that place,” said he. ”Whenever rain comes in future, it will be water falling from my rabbit robe.”

All hurried out. Jupka's son, Jul Kurula, who was wrapped in a black bearskin, came down into the sweat-house and cried; he didn't wish to lose Ilhataina.

”Now, my friends,” said Ilhataina, ”I leave you; hereafter when you see me travel I shall go like this;” and he went with a flash to the black cloud.

He was taken into it, and now he stays there.

HITCHINNA