The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-02-25
IN INDIIN LEO IND.
Tho pole Star and the Constellation of the
IittIe Rear.

The constellation of the Little Bear and the
pole star must have puzzled the obseryant In
dian: for, while the rest of the stars were con-
tinually shifting their position, this one star
remained immovable A. the constellation OF
the Great Bear represented hunters IN pursuit
Of a bear so the constellation of the Little
Bear suggested another party OF hunters
guided 10y the pole star. Long. long ago. "A
large party of Indians, while in search OF new
hunting grounds. wandered on for many
moons. finding but little game. At last they
arrived at the banks of n great river entirely
unknown to them. where they hadtO stop. not
having material for building boats. Lost ana
nearly famished with hunger, the head cher
decided 10 hold a council and devise means
of returning 10 their homes. g,
During the dance preceding the couhcn'
and while the tobacco (whose fumes are sup
posed TO ascend as prayers TO the gods) wa
burning a little being like child came 10
them and said that she was sent 10 be thelr
guide. saws a writer of Indian legends IN the
St. Louis Republic. Accordingly they broke
mp their camp and started with her tlat
night. Preceding them. with only gi-wah'
or small war club, she led them ON IN uaN-
light and commanded them 10 rest While she
prepared theirf food. They slept, and found on
awakening great banquet IN readiness loI
them. Then the little being babe them fare-
the evening True 10 her word, she reap
peared at evening. bringing with her q ski,
Jug, from which she poured ont some hqulu
into horn cup, and babe each OF the hunters
drink At first they feared to do SO. nut;
yielding at last. they drank and began 10 feel
very strong. She then told them they had long
journey before them and following her they
arrived at a great plain in the early morning.
There she babe them rest during the day,
promising 10 return again at nghtiall. saving
her own chief would soon follow and explain
10 them how they could reach their homes III
safety.
Soon he arrived with great number of ms
race. and they all held council together ana
told the Indians that they were now IN tn,
territory Of the pigmies. The latter would
teach them sign already in the sky when
would be "A sure guide when they had lost their
way The pigmies pointed ont the pole star,
and told the hunters that IN the north. Wherg
the sun never goes, while other stars moved
about. this particular star would stand SUI
rs a guide 10 the Indians in their wandeungs;
They were to follow its light and they would
soon return to their tribe, where they would
find plenty Of game and other good things.
The hunters thanked the good pignies. and
following their directions soon reached theiI
home in safety. When they told the story oil
their adventures the head chief held a meet
ing Of all the tribes and they resolved To- give
the star n name They called 1t the star which
never moves by which name II IS known "a
this day. Now. in the constellation of the
Little Bear there are four stars apart and
three leading directly 10 the pole star. The
four stars apart were probably the hunters,
and the three leading 10 the pole star were
the two hunters and the little child. The
pigmies are introduced into the myth because
their mission is 10 help hunters who have lost
their way or are in trouble.-Chicago News.