*

Coyote’s wife became ill and died.

Coyote was devastated and did nothing but howl for the loss of her.

The Great Spirit tired of the eternal racket Coyote had set up and sent Death Spirit to calm him.

“If you long to see your wife again,” said Death Spirit, “I can take you to the place where she has gone.”

Coyote ceased his howling.

“You must follow my instructions to the letter.”

“To the letter,” echoed Coyote.

“Then let us go,” said Death Spirit.

Coyote could not see Death Spirit properly, he appeared somewhat shadowy, but he was happy to follow as best he could.

They set off together and traversed a plain.

“So many horses,” observed Death Spirit, “it must be a round-up.”

“Yes, yes,” agreed Coyote, “lots of horses!” but he could not actually see any.

Death Spirit knew Coyote could not see anything but when they approached the Lodge of the Dead he said, “Oh look, a bounty of berries, let us pick some to eat!” Then he reached up and pulled a branch of berries down.

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