A number of warriors were deputed
to go and see what it was. They went, and on their return said it
appeared strange, and somewhat like a bird. A committee of the wise men
were called to inquire into, and if possible to ascertain the meaning
of, the strange phenomenon. They feared that it might be the omen of
some disaster. Some thought it a precursor of good, others of evil; and
some supposed it to be the star spoken of by their forefathers as the
forerunner of a dreadful war.
One moon had nearly gone by, and yet the mystery remained unsolved. One
night a young warrior had a dream, in which a beautiful maiden came and
stood at his side, and thus addressed him: "Young brave! charmed with
the land of my forefathers, its flowers, its birds, its rivers, its
beautiful lakes, and its mountains clothed with green, I have left my
sisters in yonder world to dwell among you. Young brave! ask your wise
and your great men where I can live and see the happy race continually;
ask them what form I shall assume in order to be loved."
Thus discoursed the bright stranger. The young man awoke. On stepping
out of his lodge he saw the star yet blazing in its accustomed place. At
early dawn the chief's crier was sent round the camp to call every
warrior to the council lodge. When they had met, the young warrior
related his dream. They concluded that the star that had been seen in
the south had fallen in love with mankind, and that it was desirous to
dwell with them.
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