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This was mere speculation, however, for the clear-sighted old woman had determined to keep this part of the matter secret until the offering should be completed, believing that the "Great Mystery" should be met in silence and dignity. The boy came rushing into the lodge, followed by his dog Ohitika, who was wagging his tail promiscuously, as if to say: "Master and I are really hunters!"
We five guilty ones came and stood around her helpless form. We all looked very sorry; even Chagoo's eyes showed repentance and regret. As for Ohitika, he gave two great sighs and then betook himself to a respectful distance. Chatanna had two big tears gradually swamping his long, black eye-lashes; and I thought it was time to hide my face, for I did not want him to look at me.
I am not prepared to see my Hakadah show any cowardice, for the love of possessions is a woman's trait and not a brave's." During this speech, the boy had been completely aroused to the spirit of manliness, and in his excitement was willing to give up anything he had even his pony! But he was unmindful of his friend and companion, Ohitika, the dog!
I know, though young, your heart is strong and your courage is great. You will be pleased to give up the dearest thing you have for your first offering. You must give up Ohitika. He is brave; and you, too, are brave. He will not fear death; you will bear his loss bravely. Come, here are four bundles of paints and a filled pipe, let us go to the place!"
Ohitika was a jet-black dog, with a silver tip on the end of his tail and on his nose, beside one white paw and a white star upon a protuberance between his ears. Hakadah knew that a man who prepares for death usually paints with red and black. Nature had partially provided Ohitika in this respect, so that only red was required and this Hakadah supplied generously.
During this speech, the boy had been completely aroused to the spirit of manliness, and in his excitement was willing to give up anything he had even his pony! But he was unmindful of his friend and companion, Ohitika, the dog! So, scarcely had Uncheedah finished speaking, when he almost shouted: "Grandmother, I will give up any of my possessions for the offering to the Great Mystery!
I shall remember you the first time I am upon the war-path in the Ojibway country." At last he heard Uncheedah talking with a man outside the teepee, so he quickly took up his paints. Ohitika was a jet-black dog, with a silver tip on the end of his tail and on his nose, beside one white paw and a white star upon a protuberance between his ears.
She placed the body of Ohitika upon the ground in a life-like position and again left the two alone. As soon as she disappeared from view, Uncheedah, with all solemnity and reverence, unfastened the leather strings that held the four small bundles of paints and one of tobacco, while the filled pipe was laid beside the dead Ohitika. She scattered paints and tobacco all about.
Let me tie together two of the prettiest tails of the squirrels that he and I killed this morning, to show to the Great Mystery what a hunter he has been. Let me paint him myself." This request Uncheedah could not refuse and she left the pair alone for a few minutes, while she went to ask Wacoota to execute Ohitika.
As soon as she was able to speak, the loving grandmother said: "No, my young brave, not so! You must not mourn for your first offering. Wash your face and then we will go." The boy obeyed, submitted Ohitika to Wacoota with a smile, and walked off with his grandmother and Wahchewin. The boy and his grandmother descended the bank, following a tortuous foot-path until they reached the water's edge.
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