The Eternal Maiden by T. Everett Harré
page 31 of 171 (18%)
page 31 of 171 (18%)
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Annadoah. _Ka--ka!_ Come--come!" Shaking the water from him, he bade
the others tow his kayak to the floe. Ootah entered his kayak. The struggles of the walrus had subsided, and only two skin floats bobbed feebly on top of the waves. The hunters now strung series of kayaks together with strong leather ropes, three skin boats being attached in a catamaran. Taking up the leather floats one by one, to the rear kayak of each series the hunters fastened the harpoon lines which secured the prey. Thus the animals were to be towed slowly ashore. Altogether eight walrus had been secured; four of these had fallen to the skill of Ootah. Ootah sang for joy. Again he had achieved distinction on the hunt, and so, with all the better chances of success, he believed he might pursue his suit for the hand of Annadoah. With powerful, steady strokes of their paddles the hunters, in their processions of kayaks, towed the walrus through the sea shoreward. They joined unrestrainedly in Ootah's hunting chant. Only Maisanguaq was silent. Now and then, unable to restrain his exuberant joy, Ootah sang his love to the clouds, the waves, the winds. "O winds, O happy winds, speed my message to Annadoah!" he called. "Tell her that I return with the food of the sea! O spirits of the air, breathe to her that Ootah's heart hungers for her as starving _ahmingmah_ desire green grass in winter time. O happy, happy waters, I return to Annadoah with food and fuel for winter--say Ootah _meuilacto_--would wed--Annadoah. Tell her Ootah calls her _Mamacadosa_!" |
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