Page:Myths and Legends of British North America.djvu/140

 He called this as he came to a little swamp, and he heard small voices saying, "We will."

"Come out and show me how you can fight," said Turtle. And behold! a crowd of little Turtles came out and began to fight him. Soon Turtle cried, "You're the very people I am looking for." So he led them to the lake where he lived and left them just outside. Then he went home. Soon a big stone fell down upon the little turtles and killed them all. When Turtle ran out to see what had happened, he saw a big bird overhead.

Turtle ran to his neighbor who had ducked into the water. He asked, "What bird was that?"

Muskrat answered, "That is the Thunder Bird and I am very much afraid of him."

Ever since that day Turtle has stayed in the water when there was a thunderstorm.