IX
THE FAST
There was a new moon now and Mewanee was twelve years old. He would soon go hunting and fishing with his father.
Some day he would be chief of his tribe, but not before he had proved his power of endurance. He must prove this power by a long fast.
On this night when the new moon was looking down upon them, the Indians had collected about the fire.
Mewanee was lying face downward upon the ground very near the fire.
The chief, his father, was standing above him with arms outstretched as he said these words:
“My son, the time is at hand when you must go into the forest for your long fast. You must prove to your people that you are brave and strong and ready to try the test of fasting.
“My son must show that he is strong and courageous. You need have no fear, for the Great Spirit will protect you.”
Then the Indians danced around Mewanee singing in a solemn chant.
THE CHIEF WAS STANDING WITH ARMS OUTSTRETCHED
This was their way of saying, “Be brave. O chief’s son, be brave!”
Then the chief led his son into the dense forest and left him lying upon the ground.
Mewanee had no fear, for was he not the chief’s son?
Each day his father went to him with words of cheer.
Though Mewanee’s heart was filled with courage, each morning found him paler and weaker. Yet not once did he complain nor did he ask for food or drink.
The great chief’s heart was filled with pity when on the tenth morning he saw his son stretched pale and still at his feet.
“FAIL NOT, MY SON,” SAID THE CHIEF
“Fail not, my son,” said the chief. “Only two days more, and you will go home in the honor and glory of the brave.
“The Great Spirit will continue to protect you, and you will go home to your people, the victor of a great battle.”
On the twelfth day the chief went into the forest having food and drink for Mewanee.
Not a word was said. The chief looked at his son with the light of gladness in his eyes. The fast was ended and his son was the victor.
With food and drink, strength returned and Mewanee was able to walk with his father to his people.
As he walked through the forest the birds seemed to sing a song of praise. The trees seemed to nod to him and to wish him well.
His people were awaiting his return and had prepared a feast of welcome for him.
As Mewanee entered the village, by the side of his father, all were singing and dancing. Some of the men rushed toward Mewanee and led him into the center of the merrymaking.
Then there was singing, dancing, and feasting. These Indian people were glad to honor the youth who would some day be their chief.