them, they talked to each other about it. wondering
that they never saw such things as their parents brought in. At last
MOONEY] KANA'TI AM) SELO 249
one proposed to watch when their parents wenl out and to follow
them.
Accordingly nexl morning the plan was carried out. Those who
followed the father saw him stop at a short distance from the cabin
and turn over a large stone that appeared to he carelessly leaned
against another. On looking closely they saw an entrance to a large
cave, and in it were many different kinds of animals and birds, suchas
their father had sometimes brought in for food. The man standing at
the entrance called a deer, which was lying at some distance and hack
of some other animals. It rose immediately as it heard the call and
came close upto him. He picked it up, closed the mouth of the cave,
and returned, not once seeming to suspect what his sons had done.
When the old man was fairly out of sight, his sons, rejoicing how
they had outwitted him, left their hiding place and went to the cave.
saying they would show the old folks that they, too, could bring in
something. They moved the stone away, though it was very heavy
and they were obliged to use all their united strength. When the cave
was opened, the animals, instead of waiting to be picked up, all made
a rush for the entrance, and leaping past the frightened and bewildered
boys, scattered in all directions and disappeared in the wilderness,
while the guilty offenders could do nothing hut gaze in stupified
amazement as they saw them escape.