Page:Myths and Legends of British North America.djvu/141

 WHY LIGHTNING STRIKES THE TREES

Thompson River

HUNDER BIRD was angry with people and tried to drown the whole world, but he could not make the water rise high enough, so some of the people escaped. Then Thunder Bird shot arrows at them. He really did hurt many, but all the people ran away and hid in a cave.

Then Turtle came out. He shouted out to Thunder Bird, "You cannot kill people. Your arrows fly wild. Shoot at the trees and rocks; perhaps you can hit them."

Turtle mocked Thunder. Thunder said, "Oh, yes, I do strike people. I have killed many of them!"

Turtle said at once, "Well, then, prove it by killing me." So he drew his shell down tight and moved about very carelessly, not hiding at all, while Thunder shot many arrows at him. They only glanced off his thick shell.

Then Thunder Bird believed that he really could not hit people, so now he shoots his arrows at trees and rocks. But if people stand under a tree in a storm, it is likely that Thunder will hit them.