"[209-2]
The Algonkin tradition has often been referred to. Many versions of it
are extant, the oldest and most authentic of which is that translated
from the Montagnais dialect by Father le Jeune, in 1634.
"One day as Messou was hunting, the wolves which he used as dogs entered
a great lake and were detained there.
"Messou looking for them everywhere, a bird said to him, 'I see them in
the middle of this lake.'
"He entered the lake to rescue them, but the lake overflowing its banks
covered the land and destroyed the world.
"Messou, very much astonished at this, sent out the raven to find a
piece of earth wherewith to rebuild the land, but the bird could find
none; then he ordered the otter to dive for some, but the animal
returned empty; at last he sent down the muskrat, who came back with
ever so small a piece, which, however, was enough for Messou to form the
land on which we are.
"The trees having lost their branches, he shot arrows at their naked
trunks which became their limbs, revenged himself on those who had
detained his wolves, and having married the muskrat, by it peopled the
world.
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