off by
the swan; but he thought that it could not fly very far with it, and
let the consequences be what they might, he was bent on following it.

Off he started on the run; he was noted for speed, for he would shoot
an arrow, and then run so fast that the arrow always fell behind him. I
can run fast, he thought, and I can get up with the swan some time or
other. He thus ran over hills and prairies, toward the west, till near
night, and was only going to take one more run, and then seek a place
to sleep for the night, when suddenly he heard noises at a distance,
which he knew were from people; for some were cutting trees, and the
strokes of their axes echoed through the woods. When he emerged from
the forest, the sun was just falling below the horizon, and he felt
pleased to find a place to sleep in, and get something to eat, as he
had left home without a mouthful. All these circumstances could not
damp his ardor for the accomplishment of his object, and he felt that
if he only persevered, he would succeed. At a distance, on a rising
piece of ground, he could see an extensive town. He went toward it, but
soon heard the watchman, Mudjee-Kokokoho, who was placed on some height
to overlook the place, and give notice of the approach of friends or
foes--crying out, "We are visited;" and a loud holla indicated that they
all heard it. The young man advanced, and was pointed by the watchman to
the lodge of the chief, "It is there you must go in," he said, and left
him. "Come in, come in," said the chief, "take a seat there," pointing
to the side where his daughter sat. "It is there you must sit." Soon
they gave him something to eat, and very few questions were asked him,
being a stranger. It was only when he spoke, that the others answered
him. "Daughter," said the chief, after dark, "take our son-in-law's
moccasins, and see if they be torn; if so, mend them for him, and bring
in his bundle." The young man thought it strange that he should be so
warmly received, and married instantly, without his wishing it, although
the young girl was pretty. It was some time before she would take his
moccasins, which he had taken off. It displeased him to see her so
reluctant to do so, and when she did reach them, he snatched them out of
her hand and hung them up himself. He laid down and thought of the swan,
and made up his mind to be off by dawn. He awoke early, and spoke to the
young woman, but she gave no answer. He slightly touched her. "