THE BOY HUNTER WHO NEVER SACRIFICED TO THE DEER HE HAD SLAIN: OR THE ORIGIN OF THE SOCIETY OF RATTLESNAKES
In very ancient times, there lived at Tâ'ia, 7 below the Zuñi Mountains, an old shíwani or priest-chief, who had a young son named Héasailuhtiwa ("Metalhand"), famed throughout the land of the Zuñis for his success in hunting.
When very young, this lad had said to his parents: "My old ones, let me go away from the home of my fathers and dwell by myself."
"Why do you, a young boy, wish to go and dwell by yourself, my son? Know you not that you would fare but badly, for you are careless and forgetful? No, no! remain with us, that we may care for you."
But the boy answered: "Why should I fare badly? Can I not hunt my own game and roast the meat over the fire? It is because you never
