was easily obtained by Oowikapun for the
purpose, and a warm wrapping of rabbit skins taken from the newly caught
animals sufficed to keep the cold from the wounds. These prompt and
thorough Indian methods for curing wounds were most successful, and in a
few days they were completely healed. When the dressing of the arm was
attended to, Oowikapun returned for his sled, which he had left at the
spot where he first caught sight of the catamount, while Astumastao
busied herself with cooking some of the game which she had caught, and
which she had about ready when he returned.

Perhaps some of my fastidious readers would not have cared much for a
simple meal thus prepared, and eaten without the use of plates or forks;
but there are others who have dined in this way, and the remembrance of
such meals, with the glorious appetite of forest or mountain air, is to
them a delicious memory. This one at any rate was very much enjoyed by
these young people. When it was over Oowikapun quickly skinned the
catamount, and, leaving the head attached to the skin, he placed it on
his sled that it might be shown to the villagers when they arrived. The
body he left behind as worthless, as it is never eaten by the Indians,
although they are fond of the wild cat, and some other carnivorous
animals. Astumastao's load of game was also placed upon his sled, and
then together they resumed their journey to the village.

Great was the excitement among the people when the story became known,
and in their Indian way they at once promoted Oowikapun to the ranks of
the great "braves." He was considered quite a hero and made welcome in
all of the wigwams he chose to visit. The aunt of Astumastao welcomed
him most cordially, and, kissing him again and again, called him her
son, while she thanked him most gratefully for his noble deed. Gladly
accepting her invitation, he repeated his visits to her wigwam as often
as Indian etiquette would sanction.

One day, when only the three were present, Oowikapun, who had heard from
some of the people of the heroic way in which Astumastao had rescued her
Uncle Kistayimoowin from a watery grave, asked her to tell him the
story.

As a general thing among the Indians, but little reference is made to
the dead. The whole thing to them, without any light to illumine the
valley of the shadow of death, is so dreadful that they do not mention
the word death. When obliged to speak of those who have gone they say,