"Grandfather," he cried, "some young men are going to court some girls and I wish to go with them."

"Do so," said the old man. "See, here are many things that are sacred, charms which will assist you in any undertaking. Choose ye among them, but do not take the lance and drum which are my own wotawe."

The Stone Boy dressed himself in some very fine skins. He painted his face and put bear's oil on his hair. Having made himself ready, he suddenly cut the strings of the sacred drum and lance and darted out of the lodge.

"H-e-e-e!" cried the wakan man. "What have you done? Bring back my lance and drum."

He ran after the boy but could not catch him. Again he called to the boy, "H-e-e-e! Grandson, stop, I wish to speak with you." The Stone Boy halted, laughing. "Grandson," said the old man, "I see that you are very bold. You fear nothing. Therefore, take my drum and lance, and here are some sacred charms to go with them."

He gave the boy some medicine powder to blow upon his breast and a charm to put in his mouth. "You must be careful in using the drum," said the wakan man. "You must never beat this drum very hard, for its rattle reaches to the upper world and causes a great wind to blow which will destroy everything."

Dreams and Thunder: Stories, Poems, and the Sun Dance Opera, p. 46