Treasury of American Indian TalesRessler, Theodore Whitson
General
Treasury of American Indian Tales
Ressler, Theodore Whitson
Indians of North America -- Folklore; Indians of North America -- Juvenile literature
“Yes, my father, I will go now, but it is not to pine and weep, as the
others do. I know you will get well. Tall Spear will make strong
medicine. I have no fear.”
Little Rock left the wigwam and, without saying a word to anyone, he
mounted his pony and rode swiftly from the village. For many hours he
rode until it was nearly dark. Then he stopped his pony in a pine grove.
Leaving the pony to graze, he walked deep into the grove until he came
to a place where an opening in the trees allowed the last rays of light
to stream in.
Under the spreading branches of a great pine tree, Little Rock knelt and
started digging with his knife to root up some plants. When he had
gathered a handful of roots, he arose. He walked toward a stream and
near it he picked some berries from a bush. He dropped the roots and
berries into a small leather pouch and rode back to the village. He
thrust the pouch into his mother’s hand and asked her to brew the roots
quickly in some fresh water.
When the broth had been bubbling for a short time, Little Rock grasped
the gourd from the fire and carried it toward the wigwam where his
father lay ill with fever. As he approached the wigwam, Tall Spear
stopped him.
“Little Rock, what is it you carry in the gourd?” the Medicine Man
asked.
“Many moons ago, my father and I traveled deep into the forest. Finally
we came to a large pine grove. Deep within the pine grove, my father
pointed out certain roots and berries that grew there and nowhere else
near our village. He told me that those berries and roots would make
strong medicine for anyone sick with hotness of the skin. When I spoke
with my father, I remembered those roots and berries. I thought that a
broth made from them might save his life. So I have brought them to his
wigwam.”
The Medicine Man grasped the gourd and was about to turn away when
Little Rock seized his arm.
“Make him drink, Tall Spear. Tell him this is broth made from the plants
in the pine grove. He will understand and he will drink.”
“I will give him the medicine and I will tell him. You have done well,
Little Rock. Your respect for your father’s wisdom is very great.”
With that the Medicine Man disappeared inside the wigwam, and Little
Rock sat upon the ground to wait. Soon Tall Spear came out again.
“Your father has sipped the broth. He told me to clasp your hand as he
would in thanks for bringing the roots. He is resting now. All we can do
is wait.”
As time went by, Little Rock became drowsy and soon could keep his eyes
open no longer. As he fell asleep, the old Medicine Man took his blanket
and wrapped it around the young brave’s shoulders.
A new day was dawning as Little Rock awoke. He looked quickly toward the
entrance of the wigwam. Suddenly Tall Spear appeared, his face looking
cheerful.
“Your father is asking for you. He is weak but he will not die. He will
sit at the Council soon to decide for peace. Go to him and go with your
head held high, for you have much to be proud of this day.”
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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