An old man had an only son, named Opeechee, who had come to that age which is thought to be most proper to make the long and final fast which is to secure through life a guardian genius or spirit. The father was ambitious that his son should surpass all others in whatever was deemed wisest and greatest among his people. To accomplish his wish, he thought it necessary that the young Opeechee should fast a much longer time than any of those renowned for their power of wisdom, whose fame he coveted. He therefore directed his son to prepare with great ceremony for the event. After Opeechee had been several times in the sweating-lodge and bath, which were to prepare and purify him for communion with his good spirit, his father ordered him to lie down upon a clean mat in a little lodge expressly provided for him. He enjoined upon him at the same time to endure his fast like a man, and promised that at the expiration of twelve days he should receive food and the blessing of his father. The lad carefully observed the command, and lay with his face covered, calmly awaiting the approach of the spirit which was to decide his good or evil fortune for all the days of his life. Every morning his father came to the door of the little lodge and encouraged him to persevere, dwelling at length on the vast honor and renown that must ever attend him, should he accomplish the full term of trial allotted to him. To these glowing words of promise and glory the boy never replied, but he lay without the least sign of discontent or murmuring until the ninth day, when he addressed his father as follows: “My father, my dreams forebode evil. May I break my fast now, and at a more favorable time make a new fast?” The father answered: “My son, you know not what you ask. If you get up now all your glory will depart. Wait patiently a little longer. You have but three days more, and your term will be completed. You know it is for your own good, and I encourage you to persevere. Shall not your aged father live to see you a star among the chieftains and the beloved of battle?” The son assented; and covering himself more closely, that he might shut out the light which prompted him to complain, he lay till the eleventh day, when he repeated his request. The father addressed Opeechee as he had the other day, and promised that he would himself prepare his first meal, and bring it to him by the dawn of the morning. The son moaned, and the father added: “Will you bring shame upon your father when his sun is falling in the West?” “I will not shame you, my father,” replied Opeechee; and he lay so still and motionless that you could only know that he was living by the gentle heaving of his breast. At the spring of the day, the next morning, the father, delighted at having gained his end, prepared a repast for his son, and hastened to set it before him. On coming to the door of the little lodge, he was surprised to hear his son talking to himself.