people, and found a village in which dwelt the chief who had the
beautiful daughter, in seeking whom so many had lost their lives.

And having found him, they went into his wigwam, and were placed on the
seat of honor. Now when an Indian seeks a wife, he or his mutual friend
makes no great ado about it, but utters two words, which tell the whole
story. And these are _Sewin-coadoo-gwah-loogwet_', which mean--in
Micmac, "I am tired of living alone." And the chief, hearing this,
consented that the young man should marry her whom he sought; but on
one condition: and this was that he should slay and bring unto him the
head of a certain horned dragon, called in Micmac _Chepichealm_.
[Footnote: Vide "Supernatural Beings." The _Chepichealm_ (M.) is
an immense horned serpent or wingless dragon. It is probably identical
with the Wiwillmekq' (P. and Pen.), which is a singular horned worm
found on trees or by water. It is believed to be capable of assuming a
vast size and to be gifted with supernatural powers.] So this was
agreed upon, and the two strangers went to the wigwam which was
assigned them.

Now in the night he that was Mikumwess arose and went alone and afar
until he came to the den of the dragon, and this was a great hole in
the ground. And over this he laid a mighty log, and then began the
magic dance around the den. So the serpent, or the great Chepichcalm,
hearing the call, came forth, putting out his head after the manner of
snakes, waving it all about in every way and looking round him. While
doing this he rested his neck upon the log, when the Indian with a blow
of his hatchet severed it. Then taking the head by one of the shining
yellow horns he bore it to his friend, who in the morning gave it to
the chief. And the old man said to himself, "This time I fear me I
shall lose my child."