"Two Dahcotahs went to war against their enemies.

On returning home, they stopped at the Lake St.Croix, hungry and much fatigued.
"One of them caught a fish, cooked it, and asked his comrade to eat, but he refused.

The other argued with him, and begged of him to eat, but still he declined.
"The owner of the fish continued to invite his friend to partake of it, until he, wearied by his importunities, consented to eat, but added with a mysterious look, 'My friend, I hope you will not get out of patience with me.' After saying this, he ate heartily of the fish.
"He then seemed to be very thirsty, and asked his companion to bring him some water out of the lake; he did so, but very soon the thirst, which was quenched for a time only, returned; more was given him, but the terrible thirst continued, and at last the Indian, who had begged his companion to eat, began to be tired of bringing him water to drink.

He therefore told him he would bring him no more, and requested him to go down to the water and drink.

He did so, and after drinking a great quantity, while his friend was asleep, he turned himself into a large fish and stretched himself full length across the St.Croix.
"This fish for a long time obstructed the passage of the St.Croix; so much so that the Indians were obliged to go round it by land.
"Some time ago the Indians were on a hunting excursion up the river, and when they got near the fish a woman of the party darted ahead in her canoe.
"She made a dish of bark, worked the edges of it very handsomely, filled it with water, and placed some red down in it.