WONDER TALES OF THE FOREST 17

with her brother in this empty village! But the boy said to old Mrs. Bear:

“Do not forget us. Pity us poor creatures, and when the heavy snows of winter fall, sweep them away from your door, and in this way we shall be protected.”

And Mrs. Bear said to him:

“Usitabulajoo, I name you, because you have been hung by the heels; I shall never forget you helpless children. I will always sweep the snow from my door for your sake.”

Then she and Marten hastened after the other Indians.

Usitabulajoo and his sister began their search for food. At first all they could obtain was mice. These they ate, keeping the hides for clothing; and when they had saved enough, the sister made LUsitabulajoo a warm garment of the skins.

One day Usitab-ulajoo wished that they might have larger game, so the two children stayed in the Wigwam and asked the Great Spirit to send them rabbits. Soon many rabbits ran from the forest and flocked to the door, and from that time the children had all the meat and clothing they could use.

As time went on, they did not forget old Mrs. Bear, whom Usitabulajoo knew was without food. He wrapped strips of dried meat tightly about an arrow and shot it through the air in