But, ere they went, he asked them what they wanted. And the eldest, who
was an honest, simple man, and of but little account among his people,
because he was a bad hunter, asked that he might excel in the killing
and catching of game. Then the Master gave him a flute, or the magic
pipe, which pleases every ear, and has the power of persuading every
animal to follow him who plays it. And he thanked the lord, and left.
Now the second Indian, being asked what he would have, replied, 'The
love of many women.' And when Glooskap asked how many, he said, "I care
not how many; so that there are but enough of them, and more than
enough." At hearing this the Master seemed displeased, but, smiling
anon, he gave him a bag which was tightly tied, and told him not to
open it until he had reached his home. So he thanked the lord, and
left.
Now the third Indian was a gay and handsome but foolish young fellow,
whose whole heart was set on making people laugh, and on winning a
welcome at every merry-making. And he, being asked what he would have
or what he chiefly wanted, said that it would please him most to be
able to make a certain quaint and marvelous sound or noise, [Footnote:
Pedere, crepitare.] which was frequent in those primitive times among
all the Wabanaki, and which it is said may even yet be heard in a few
sequestered wigwams far in the wilderness, away from men; there being
still here and there a deep magician, or man of mystery, who knows the
art of producing it.
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