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482 to roast him had been prepared he would come out and be roasted; that he did not want to be eaten raw.

The Wildcat built the fire as directed; and when the sticks were burned to coals, he settled himself on his haunches and notified the Rabbit that all was ready, whereat the Rabbit gave a spring, striking all his feet into the coals, knocking them into the face and over the breast of the Wildcat, and then escaping. This burned the hair in spots on the Cat's breast, and when it grew out again it was white. This is why the Wildcat has white spots on his breast.

(Myths of the Cherokee, by James Mooney.)

THE RABBIT AND THE 'POSSUM AFTER A WIFE

HE Rabbit and the 'Possum each wanted a wife, but no one would marry either of them. They talked over the matter, and the Rabbit said:

"We can't get wives here; let's go to the next settlement. I'm the messenger for the council and I'll tell the people that I bring an order that everybody must take a mate at once, and then we'll be sure to get our wives."

The 'Possum thought this a fine plan, so they started off together to the next town. As the Rabbit travelled faster he got there first and waited outside until the people noticed him and took him into the townhouse. When the Chief came to ask his business the Rabbit said he brought an important order from the council that everybody must get married without delay. So the Chief called the people together and told them the message from the council. Every animal took a mate at once, and the Rabbit got a wife.

The 'Possum travelled so slowly that he got there after all the