ANIMAL STORIES 161

stolen string of eels. Keoonik ran along, and gained upon Ableegumooch, and would have overtaken him; but happening to turn his head an instant—in that instant the rabbit disap- peared. All Keoonik could see was a small, deserted looking Wigwam. Into the Wigwam he went, and there he saw an old woman with sore eyes, shivering over a few coals. Keoonik no- ticed what long, pointed ears she had!

“Did you see a rabbit happening along this way?” asked the Otter. “He was trailing a string of eels after him.”

“Rabbit? Rabbit?” the old woman replied. “What kind of an animal is that?”

“Why,” said the Otter, “a little, white, jumping creature, with long, pointed ears.”

“No, I saw no such animal. But I am so glad that you have come, my son; for I am very poor and cold. Do please, gather a little wood for me.”

Keoonik went out to gather wood. When he returned to the place—there was no wigwam— there was no old woman—nothing but rabbit tracks in the sand!”

Then the Otter knew that Ableegumooch had played a trick upon him, and he darted off after the enemy with more fury and speed than ever.

Soon he came upon an Indian Village, where

preparations were going on for a great festi- val. He saw the Chief dressed all in white,