number. In the
centre he perceived a post, and something waving on it, which was the
scalp. Now and then the air was rent with the _Sau-sau-quan_, for they
were dancing the war dance around it. Before he could be perceived, he
turned himself into a No-noskau-see (hummingbird), and flew toward the
scalp.

As he passed some of those who were standing by, he flew close to their
ears, making the humming noise which this bird does when it flies. They
jumped on one side, and asked each other what it could be. By this time
he had nearly reached the scalp, but fearing he should be perceived
while untying it, he changed himself into a Me-sau-be-wau-aun (the down
of anything that floats lightly on the air), and then floated slowly
and lightly on to the scalp. He untied it, and moved off slowly, as the
weight was almost too great. It was as much as he could do to keep it
up, and prevent the Indians from snatching it away. The moment they saw
it was moving, they filled the air with their cries of "It is taken
from us; it is taken from us." He continued moving a few feet above
them; the rush and hum of the people was like the dead beating surges
after a storm. He soon gained on them, and they gave up the pursuit.
After going a little further he changed himself into a Kakak, and flew
off with his prize, making that peculiar noise which this bird makes.

In the mean time, the magician had followed his instructions, placing
his head outside of the lodge, as soon as he heard the cry of the
Kakak, and soon after he heard the rustling of its wings. In a moment
Odjibwa stood before him. He immediately gave the magician a severe
blow on the head with the wampum scalp: his limbs extended and quivered
in agony from the effects of the blow: the scalp adhered, and the young
man walked in and sat down, feeling perfectly at home. The magician was
so long in recovering from the stunning blow, that the young man feared
he had killed him. He was however pleased to see him show signs of
life; he first commenced moving, and soon sat up. But how surprised was
Odjibwa to see, not an aged man, far in years and decrepitude, but one
of the handsomest young men he ever saw stand up before him.

"Thank you, my _friend_," he said; "you see that your kindness and
bravery have restored me to my former shape. It was so ordained, and
you have now accomplished the victory." The young magician urged the
stay of his deliverer for a few days; and they soon formed a