Suddenly a large beaver came up from the water and stood before Big
Chief.

"Who are you, that you dare to enter my kingdom?" demanded the beaver.

"I am Big Chief," replied the Indian. "The Great Spirit has given me
power over all the animals. Who are you?"

"I am Master Beaver. All the beavers follow me and obey my commands. We
are busy people. We always have plenty to do."

Big Chief was not afraid. He showed Master Beaver his bow and arrows and
his wampum belt, saying, "These gifts were bestowed upon me by the Great
Spirit. I am ruler over the animals of field and forest, over the birds,
and over the fish."

When Master Beaver saw the bow and arrows and the wampum belt, he knew
that the Indian was very powerful. So he said, less proudly, "Will you
come with me and see how the beavers build their lodges?"

Big Chief followed Master Beaver for a short distance along the shore of
the lake. He saw many beavers at work cutting down trees with their
sharp teeth.

Some of the trees had fallen across the water and reached to an island
in the lake.

On the island, other beavers were plastering the spaces between the
trees with mud and leaves.