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How Glooskap became friendly to the
Loons, and made them his Messengers. (Micmac.) When Glooskap was pursuing
Win-pe, he one day on Uktukamkw saw from afar flying over water the Kwe-moo
(M.), or Loons. And thrice did their chief make the circle of the lake, coming
near to the land of men and beasts every time, as if he would fain seek
somewhat. Then Glooskap asking him what he wanted, Kwe-moo replied that he
would be his servant and friend. So Glooskap taught him a strange long cry like
the howl of a dog, and when the loons were in need of him or would pray to him
they were to utter this cry. And it came to pass that
when he was in Newfoundland he came to an Indian town, and they who dwelt
therein were all Kwee-moo-uk, or Loons. And they, as men, were exceeding glad
to see their lord, who had blessed them as birds, and did their best to please
him. So he made them his huntsmen and messengers, and in all the tales of Glooskap
the Kweemoo ever appears as faithful to him. Whence to this day, when the Indians
hear the cry of the Loon, they say, "Kwemoo el-komik-too-ajul Gloocapal"
(He is calling upon Glooskap). |