Stories of the Cahto Tribe
How Coyote and Skunk Killed Elk
This is a line-by-line translation (within the limits of English readability)

When coyote had climbed up and stood on top of the dance-house, he called elk, they say.

Elk came, they say.

Many elk came in, they say, into the dance-house.

The dance-house was full, they say.

He picked up Skunk, they say.

He put him down by the door, they say.

He doctored Skunk's anus, he doctored his belly, they say.

Grey Squirrel sat there, they say.

Fisher sat there, they say.

Skunk farted, they say.

He killed all of them, they say.

He killed them, they say.

He killed them when he farted, they say.

Coyote ate a female deer, entrails and all, they say.

Coyote said, "I called that one," they say.

He butchered the elk, they say.

"Who will marry my younger sister?"

Each of their hands had become filthy.

Coyote ran to the creek, they say.

He washed his hands, they say.

He washed the blood off his hands, they say.

He made a long-haired wig for his head, they say.

She threw away his wig, they say.

That is all.

(Based on Cahto oral traditions and beliefs)

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