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Show f'Hupats Visits the Jay Nation on the Kaibab"* Hupats (Small Fox) was a great arrow maker and famous for his skill among all nations. Once he made a journey to the Kaivwavi (Kaibab) to trade his arrows for buckskins with the people of Ogochiok. When he arrived at the foot of the plateau, he discovered fresh deer tracks, so he hid near the trail which led to water. Soon he saw deer approaching, and taking his bow and arrow from the quiver, he shot through the heart of the fattest dear. Hupats was happy that he had been able to kill such fine game, for there were very few deer in his own country. While he stood admiring the slain animal, he saw Ogochiok in the distance approaching, and he hid behind a log. Ogochiok had also seen Hupats and was surprised when he came near to find that he was not there. So he searched for him until he found him, and each expressed great pleasure at meeting the other. As they walked along the trail, Ogochiok saw the deer lying on the ground and told Hupats that he had just killed it. Hupats did not deny it, for fear he would be considered a trespasser. Instead, with great show of friendship, he offered his assistance in dressing the game. When they had skinned it and cut it into pieces, they carried it away with them. As they came near to the home of Ogochiok, he said to his companion: "Hupats, you must not go boldly into our camp, for strangers are always killed. Let me manage this affair for you." And he hid Hupats in the small feathers on the top of his head, tying them nicely with a string. When Ogochiok arrived in the camp, he boasted of his skill in hunting, but Onga told him his story was not believed. "It is now only noon," said he, "and never before this did you return with game before night." "Ah," said Ogochiok, "there is the game; see for yourself." * Op. Cit.,Powell, "Ute and Paitite Legends." 52 |
