Coyote thought and thought. Then he said: "It will be a hard struggle to get it safe to our own country. Summon every animal and then station yourselves along the route to the old women's house, each one a half sun's distance from the other. The strongest and swiftest must stand nearest the little mat house. Let each one be ready to run swiftly in his turn with the firebrand. Bear will hide himself outside the old women's home. I will go in. When I signal to him, he will make a rush and frighten them."
Coyote went to the little mat house and knocked at the door. The old women opened it. "Good morning," said Coyote in his politest voice. "May I come in and warm my feet? They are very cold."
The old women muttered, "Yes, yes."
When Coyote's toes were all flexible again, he coughed. Bear rushed in with a growl and dashed toward the old women. As they tried to protect themselves, Coyote snatched a blazing brand and fled.
But the old women were swift of foot, and as Coyote ran on with lolling tongue and panting breath, they sped after him. Just as he was beginning to slacken his pace, he reached Panther.
Panther seized the brand and bounded onward. The old women followed close. As Panther began
