However that may be, this old fellow bore his wants (so well), he being
so good natured, that Kuloskap takes a liking to him. He decided that he
would make him a powerful (or strong) man. This happens wonderfully, as
we shall see.
When he comes to Pictou where there are more than a hundred wigwams,
Kuloskap was a very handsome man, as if he were a chief; he was much
loved; not a little was he liked by all the women. All want him in their
wigwams; he refuses to see them; he stays along with his uncle, the
strange one; he always takes great delight in him in old times.
There is to be a great feast and games, but Kuloskap does not care to
go, either as a guest or as a performer in the sports. Still he asks
Mikchich whether he will not take part; he says: "All the girls will be
there." He asks him why he does not marry; it must be that he lives in a
lonely fashion.
* * * * *
"I am so poor that I have not one garment which is suitable for a feast.
Is it not better that I should smoke my pipe at home?"--"If this is all
that is wanted," Kuloskap replies to his uncle "do not take thought for
the exterior of your face; he who knows how can easily do it over, as a
suit of clothes is made over."--"Yes my child," says Mikchich, "what do
you say if you can make over the inside of a person?"--"By the great
beaver," answers the chief, "that is hard to do, (yet) before I leave
this village, I will do this. Do you, however, in this present sport
(or: playground) put on my belt."
So when he puts it on, Mikchich becomes young and handsome, such a one
as man or woman has not yet seen. Kuloskap dresses him in most beautiful
clothes. He promises him that to the end of his days, he will be a most
beautiful man. Because he is patient and tough, he must be like the
toughest animal, so that he may kill all creatures in this world.
Then Mikchich goes to the feast (or: playground). Now the chief of
Pictou has three young beautiful daughters. The youngest one he (Turtle)
looks on, and he returns and says: "I see her whom I desire." But, as it
happens, all the lads at Pictou desire this maiden. They will kill him
who wins her.
* * * * *