Atondido Stories
Sparrow's Search for the Rain
Long ago, in a village near the sea, many Indian people were liv-
ing. Among them was a very nice old warrior who had been giv-
en great power at his birth, and who, therefore, could do many
wonderful deeds. There was nothing that was beyond his under-
standing, for he knew all things. His wife had long been dead,
but he had one daughter. She was very beautiful and gentle, and
she was as nearly perfect as any woman could be. She took no
interest in frivolous things and she lived a very quiet life, but all
the people liked her well, and she was always welcome wherev-
er she went. Her old father was very proud of her, and he said
boastfully, "She has inherited much of my wisdom, and some
day she will marry a great man." But the girl on her part had
little thought of marriage or of men, for she said they had small
minds, and she would rather live alone than listen always to
their boastfulness and their foolish chatter.
Soon the daughter's fame spread far and wide through the
sea-coast villages, and many suitors came seeking for her hand.
But her father said, "I have nothing to say. She will make her
own choice. She must please herself. For to-day children please
themselves and not their parents." And she said, "I will marry
only some one who can amuse me and interest me and keep me
company. I have scant liking for dull people." One day Loon
came to see her. He was very good looking although he was
somewhat tall and skinny, and his neck was a bit longer and
more scrawny than ordinary, but he wore good clothes and he
had great skill as a fisherman. He came because he thought he
was very handsome, and he believed that his good looks would
win the maiden. But she had no love for Loon, for he had not a
word to say. When she talked to him he only stared, and at last
he burst out into loud and foolish laughter. Then the maiden
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