So he followed them, and in one day came near
them. And the first whom he overtook was his mother, bearing his
younger brother Sable ('Nmmok-swess, P.) on her back, so that while she
looked forward he looked behind. And as Pogumk peeped out from among
the leaves, Sable saw him, and said, "Here comes my brother!" And she
turned, but saw nothing, for the chief suddenly hid himself behind a
tree. Then they went on, and Sable cried again, "Indeed, mother, I
behold my elder brother!" And this time the mother, glancing quickly,
caught him, and they all laughed for joy, and she threw Sable down in
the leaves, like a stick. Then the chief bade Sable run to the camp.
"And when you are there," he said, "build up a great fire of hemlock
bark, and take Pitcher's babe, even the babe which she loves, and which
you tend, and throw it into the fire, and run to me as fast as you can,
for verily thou wilt be in dire need to do so."
And as he commanded it was done; and when the fire was hot, Sable threw
the babe into it, and it was burned to death. And Pitcher, being, as
one may well believe, maddened at such a sight, pursued him as a
starving wolf pursues a rabbit. Then Sable, in great fear, cried aloud,
"Oh, my elder brother, my brother!" And Pitcher screamed, "Call aloud
to him, for you must run as far as the island where Pogumk is, to save
yourself!" And at that word Pogumk stepped forward and confronted her,
and said, "Truly, she need not run so far.
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