“Why should they so guard the fire, and be so careful about letting people have it, when we know how good it is?” asked Minnehaha.

“Because,” replied Kinnesasis, “there was a tradition that at some time or other the fire should get the mastery over men, and the whole world be burned by it, and they thought that they would carefully guard it from getting scattered about by careless people who might set the world on fire.”

“Well, go on, Kinnesasis, and tell us the rest of the story,” said the impatient Sagastao.

“So when the Indian council heard this story they sent for the king of the coyotes and told him of their wish that he should return to that underworld and bring up the fire for their use.

“To their surprise and great delight the coyote said he would go, and he immediately began his preparations for the journey.  So greatly had the cold increased that he found the dark mouth of the entrance under the mountains almost surrounded by snow and ice.  After traveling for some time in the darkness he reached the outer wall, where he waited, a little distance from the door, until the snake was taking his usual sleep.  Then he quickly stepped past him.  Knowing the habits of the other animals, he waited until they were asleep and then he noiselessly passed them all.  Even Sistinakoo himself was sound asleep.  So the coyote crept silently up to the fire and lighted the large brand or torch that was securely fastened to his tail.  The instant it began to blaze up, as the coyote rushed out through the first door, Sistinakoo shouted, ’Who is there?  Some one has been here and has stolen the fire!’

[Illustration:  “The coyote was too quick for them all.”]

“He at once began to make a great row and loudly called to the different keepers to close the doors in the walls.  But the coyote was too quick for them all, and ere the sleepers were wide enough awake to do anything he had passed through all the doors and was far on his way to the top of the ground.  The fire was gladly received by the people, but after some time, when some big prairies and forests had been burned up by it, the men got fearful that the world might be destroyed and so they intrusted it to the care of the old magician and his two daughters, with orders to be very careful to whom they gave any.  It was from them Nanahboozhoo stole it, to scatter it once more freely among the people as we now have it.

“But the tradition was still believed in the days of my grandfather that, good as the fire was to warm us, and cook our food, it would yet become our master, and do the world much harm.”

Kinnesasis was thanked by all for his recital of this suggestive legend, especially by his older listeners, who saw much in it that was in harmony with the earlier beliefs of other nationalities.

By this time, however, the dogs in their trains were impatiently barking, and longing to get back home for their suppers.  So, after farewell greetings to Kinnesasis and his wife, one cariole after another was loaded, and away the happy ones sped over the icy expanse of the frozen lake.