Short Stories » Hootay of the Little Rosebud

Hootay of the Little Rosebud - Page 4 of 5

Pie waded clumsily through the deep snow, following a dry creek-bed ; and, now and then, from force of habit, he would stealthily climb the bank and scan the field above and below before exposing himself. This was partly for self -protection and partly in the hope of surprising his game.

Presently Hootay came upon the footprint of another hunter. He snarled and put his muzzle closer to the trail when he detected the hateful odor of man. At the same instant he smelled fresh meat.

The very smell seemed to give him a new lease of life, for he sat up on his haunches and began sniffing the air eloquently. His hair was as shaggy as that of an old buffalo-robe, and his age and sitting posture made his hump appear very prominent.

"Waugh, waugh!" the old man grunted, with an air of disgust, for there came to his nose a strong human scent mingled with the savory odor of the life-giving meat.

Zechah distinctly heard the snort of a bear. He seized his bow and quiver full of arrows.

" Can it be that Hootay is near?" he muttered to himself. "He may perhaps add my scalp to the many that he has taken of my people, but I will first send an arrow of mine into his body!"

He rested his bow upon the shaggy head of the dead bull, and went on skinning it with a large knife, working rapidly. Presently the gray wolf approached from another direction.

"Ho, kola, you have guided me to game! It is yours and mine. You, too, shall have meat," he said.

As soon as he had skinned one side, Zechah cut off a generous piece and walked toward Shunkmanitoo, who was sitting upon his haunches, watching him work in that wonderful way with a single sharp thing in his hand. But he did not think it best to trust the wild man too far, for he still carried that sharp thing in his hand as he approached him with the meat. He arose and moved back- ward a few paces.

"Do not fear, kola! Warriors and hunters like ourselves must have faith in each other when they work together for a good cause," the Red man said, again. He placed the meat upon the snow where Shunkmanitoo had been sitting, and returned to his work.

After a time, and with apparent reluctance, the big, burly wolf came back to his meat and examined it. At last he ate of it. It was good. He no longer feared the wild man. From time to time Zechah would throw him a piece of meat until he was satisfied.

The hunter had cleared away the snow around the buffalo, which was now cut up in convenient pieces for carrying. He was exceedingly hungry. He had, indeed, eaten a piece of the liver, which the Sioux always eats raw, but this only served to sharpen his appetite. He had heavy work before him, for he must take some of the meat home to his starving wife, and then bring as many of the people as were able to walk to carry the rest to camp. There were plenty of dry boughs of the pine. He made a fire by rubbing together the pieces of dry cedar -wood which every Indian hunter of that day carried with him, and, broiling strips of the savory meat upon live coals, he ate of it heartily.

Suddenly a fearful growl was heard. Zechah had dismissed the idea of a bear from his mind as soon as his friend Shunkmanitoo appeared. He was taken by surprise. When he looked up, Hootay was almost upon him. He came forward with his immense jaws wide open, his shaggy hair making him look as big as a buffalo bull against the clear whiteness of the landscape.

Shunkmanitoo's chance was small. He occupied the only road to Zechah's position, and there were perpendicular walls of snow on either side of him. His only hope lay in his quickness and agility. As Hootay rushed madly upon him with uplifted paw, the wolf sprang nimbly to one side and well up on the snow-bank. His assailant had to content himself with raking down the snow, and in the effort he plunged into a heavy drift from which he was unable to drag himself.

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Hootay Of The Little Rosebud - Takeaway for Class 1,2,3

It's important to appreciate the beauty and magic in the world around us, just like Hootay finds in the little rosebud.

Hootay Of The Little Rosebud - Takeaway for Class 4,5,6

Always believe in yourself and your abilities, just like Hootay, because even the smallest creatures can achieve great things.

Hootay Of The Little Rosebud - Takeaway for Class 7,8,9

Even if you feel small and insignificant like Hootay the owl, showing bravery and kindness can lead to great friendships and unexpected adventures.

3 Fun Facts

• Hootay is a friendly gnome who loves to help his friends and spread joy.
• The Little Rosebud is a magical place filled with vibrant flowers and happy creatures.
• Hootay's greatest wish is to share the beauty and wonder of Rosebud with everyone around.

Quiz for Class 1,2,3

• What did Hootay find when he was exploring the garden?
• Who did Hootay meet that made him feel happy in the garden?
• What did Hootay learn about being kind and helpful from his adventure?

Quiz for Class 4,5,6

• What special item did Hootay receive from his friend, the fairy, that allowed him to perform magical tasks?
• How did Hootay help the birds that were struggling during the summer heat in the story?
• What lesson did the other animals learn from Hootay’s actions by the end of the story?

Quiz for Class 7,8,9

• In the story "Hootay of the Little Rosebud," what task was Hootay given by his mother before he went out to play?
• How did Hootay demonstrate his determination and cleverness when faced with challenges during his adventure?
• What lesson or moral does the story convey through Hootay's experiences and actions?