Page:The Souvenir of Western Women.djvu/21

Rh "'Tis well, and I will reward your faith in me."

Tsileu, inwardly raging, cast a look of hate upon them, and sped northward through the land of the Klamaths.

The next day Wi-ma-wit-a and Tcul-u-cul journeyed up the river. On the west high mountains rose up precipitously, while here and there a snowclad peak towered in the sky.

"'Tis there," said Wi-ma-wi-ta. "where we must seek for the deep mountain lake."

At last, after many weary days, they reached the lake and made camp close to the precipice. All night Wi-ma-wi-ta chanted his song, and when the sun was just lighting u}) the circular wall across the lake, he clambered down the steep and rocky walls, and plunged into the deep, clear water. His spirit seemed to soar from him; but it required all his strength to climb back to the rim of the crater. Next day he bathed again, and on returning said, "Once more only. Tcul-u-cul, will I have to bathe in the crystal water, then wisdom and strength will be mine, our tribe will be the grandest in the land, and you will be the greatest squaw of all. Thus will your faith and help to me be rewarded."

On the third morning he started, but, just as he reached the last descent, he beheld Tsileu.

"Dog of Wi-ma-wi-ta, we will here find who is the greater man."

Like two great whirlwinds they came together, then struggled on the edge of the cliff, advancing, retreating, swaying far out over the dizzy height, watched by Tcul-u-cul from above, powerless to aid. Suddenly Wi-ma-wi-ta slipped on the mossy rock, and Tsileu, exerting all his strength, raised and hurled him far out into the lake. Then the Llaos arose in their wrath, tore Tsileu's body in pieces and cast them on the lake. As they disappeared the waters parted and lava burst out with a mighty noise. The island of Llao Nous arose as the gasp of a dying crater, and here it is said dwells the spirit of Wi-ma-wi-ta, the brave, and Tcul-u-cul, the lark.

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