LEGENDS OF GLOOSCAP 271

Then down they plunged into the water. After a long, long time the Sea-Duck came up to the surface, but they waited and waited for the Loon to appear. When at last the Loon did appear, the old chief said:

“My son—in-law, I have lost my daughter. You are stronger than I. You may take my daughter and go—but first the wedding dance must be held, and every one must take part in it.”

The Megumoowesoo suspected more magical work, and he determined to break up any plot the old chief might have to harm them. The dancing ground was a cleared, well-beaten spot near the chief’s Wigwam; and when all had gathered there, and the dance was about to be- gin, the Megumoowesoo suddenly sprang into the dancing ground and began to dance. Around and around the circle he stepped in a measured tread, and at every step his feet sank deeper and deeper into the smooth earth, ploughing it up into high, uneven ridges. Deeper and deeper he sank, and higher and higher became the furrows about him, until nothing but his head could be seen above the ground as he danced about the circle. Then he stopped. He had made the ground unfit for the dance, and so the 01d chief could play no magic that day.

Then at last the young man and his bride