Myths and Tales of the Southeastern Indians: Koasati Stories: 53. Rabbit Obtains Fire

54. RABBIT AND THE RIVER (55, 62, 66)

A man said that rivers ought to run straight, with the current in the middle. Then Rabbit said, "It is not well to have straight rivers."

Then the person asked who wanted to carry off the water in order to spill it about, and Rabbit said, "I will spill it." Then he stood there to take the water, but the man did not give it to him. Then the Rabbit wanted it in order to spill it. And when nobody was looking he stole the water and ran off with it.

After that the men came and took the box far out into the ocean and threw it away. They said, "Well, the Rabbit lied foolishly. Now he is gone," and they laughed. And in four days there was Rabbit coming back. Rabbit said, "I told you I would come back."