with a fish and told her to mul- \
tiply, and so it was. In seven days a child was born to her, and
thereafter every seven days another, and they increased very fast until J
there was danger that the world could not keep them. Then it was
made that a woman should have only one child in a year, and it has
been so ever since.
2. THE FIRST FIRE
In the beginning there was no fire, and the world was cold, until the
Thunders (Ani'-Hyun'tikwala'ski), who lived up in Galun'lati. sent their
lightning and put fire into the bottom of a hollow sycamore tree which
grew on an island. The animals knew it was there, because they could
see the smoke coming out at the top, but they could not get to it on
i my; THEFIRST BTRE 241
account of the water, so they held a council to decide what to do. This
was a long time ago.
Every animal thai could fly or swim was anxious to go after the tiiv.
The Raven offered, and because he was so large and strong they thought
he could surely do the work, so he was sent first. He flew high and
Ear across the water and alighted on the sycamore tree, but while he
was wondering what to do next, the heat had scorched all his feathers
black, and he was frightened and came back without the fire. Tin'
little Screech-owl ( Wa'huhu') volunteered to go, and reached the place
safely, lint while he was looking down into the hollow tree a blast of
hot air came up and Dearly burned out his eyes. He