Short Stories » Wechah The Provider

Wechah The Provider - Page 2 of 6

Wasula had the skin of a buffalo calf's head for a work-bag, beautifully embroidered with porcupine quills about the open mouth, nose, eyes, and ears. She would slip this over Wechah's head and tie his fore-paws together so that he could not pull it off. Then she would take him to the spring under the shadow of the trees and let him look at himself. This was enough punishment for him. Sometimes even the mention of the calf's head was enough to make him submit.

Of course, the little Striped Face could take his leave at any time that he became dissatisfied with his life among the Red people.

Wasttla had made it plain to him that he was free. He could go or stay ; but, apparently, he loved her too well to think of leaving. He would curl himself up into a ball and lie by the hour upon some convenient branch while the girl was cutting wood or sitting under a tree doing her needle - work. He would study her every movement, and very often divine her intentions.

Wasula was a friend to all the little people of the woods, and especially sympathized with the birds in their love-making and home-building. Wechah must learn to respect her wishes. He had once stolen and de- voured some young robins. The parent birds were frantic about their loss, which attracted the girl's attention. The wicked animal was in the midst of his feast.

" Glechu ! glechu (Come down) !" she called, excitedly. He fully understood from the tone that all was not right, but he would not jump from the tree and run for the deep woods, thereby avoiding punishment and gaining his freedom. The rogue came down with all the outward appearance of one who pleads guilty to the charge and throws himself upon the judge's mercy. She at once put him in the calf's head and bound his legs, and he had nothing to eat for a day and a night.

It was a great trial to both of them. Wadetaka, the dog, for whom he had no special love, was made to stand guard over the prisoner so that he could not get away and no other dog could take advantage of his helplessness. Wasula was very sorry for him, but she felt that he must learn his lesson. That night she lay awake for a long time. To be sure, Wechah had been good and quiet all day, but his tricks were many, and she had discovered that his people have danger-calls and calls for help quite different from their hunting and love calls.

After everybody was asleep, even Wade-taka apparently snoring, and the camp-fire was burning low, there was a gentle movement from the calf's - head bag. Wasula uncovered her head and listened. Wechah called softly for help.

"Poor Wechah! I don't want him to be angry with me, but he must let the little birds' homes alone."

Again Wechah gave his doleful call. In a little while she heard a stealthy footfall, Wecha.K the Provider and at the same time Wadetaka awoke and rushed upon something.

It was a large raccoon! He ran up a nearby tree to save himself, for Wadetaka had started all the dogs of the camp. Next the hunters came out. Wasula hurriedly put on her moccasins and ran to keep the men from shooting the rescuer.

Wechah's friend took up his position upon one of the upper limbs of a large oak, from which he looked down with blazing eyes upon a motley crew. Near the root of the tree Wechah lay curled up in a helpless ball. The new - comer scarcely understood how this unfortunate member of his tribe came into such a predicament, for when some one brought a torch he was seen to rise, but immediately fell over again.

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Wechah The Provider - Takeaway for Class 1,2,3

Wechah the Provider teaches us that caring for others and sharing can bring happiness and build strong friendships.

Wechah The Provider - Takeaway for Class 4,5,6

Wechah teaches us that by using our skills and teamwork, we can find clever ways to help others and solve problems together.

Wechah The Provider - Takeaway for Class 7,8,9

Wechah, the brave and clever fox, reminds us that using our intelligence and resourcefulness can help us overcome challenges and provide for those we care about.

3 Fun Facts

• Wechah is a clever little fox that helps his animal friends by providing food for them.
• Despite being small, Wechah uses his quick thinking and resourcefulness to solve problems and find food.
• The story is set in a forest, where Wechah's adventures display the importance of teamwork and friendship among the animal characters.

Quiz for Class 1,2,3

• What kind of animal was Wechah in the story?
• What did Wechah do to show he was a good provider?
• Who did Wechah share his food with in the story?

Quiz for Class 4,5,6

• What did Wechah the fox do to help the family survive through the winter?
• How did the family feel about Wechah's actions throughout the story?
• What lesson can we learn from Wechah's story about helping others?

Quiz for Class 7,8,9

• What lesson does Wechah learn about teamwork and cooperation during the story?
• Describe how Wechah's perspective toward his role as a provider changes throughout the narrative.
• How do the interactions between Wechah and the other animals illustrate the theme of community support and collaboration?