Short Stories » The Challenge

The Challenge - Page 2 of 8

It was near the close of the moon of black cherries, when elk and antelope roam in great herds, and the bears are happiest, because it is their feasting- time. There was to be a friendly contest in the hunting. All agreed to use no weapon save the bow and arrows, although the "mysterious iron" and gunpowder had already been introduced. Furthermore, they agreed that no pony should be used in running down the game. Thus the rules which should govern the character of the hunt were all determined upon in advance, and the natural rivalry between the hunters was to be displayed in a fair and open trial of skill and endurance. It was well known that these five were all tried and mighty men beyond most of their fellows. This does not mean that they were large men ; on the contrary, none was much above the medium height, but they were exceptionally symmetrical and deep-chested.

On the second morning, the men scattered as usual, after selecting a camping-ground at which all would meet later in the day. Each hunter was attired in his lightest buck-skin leggings and a good running pair of moccasins, while only a quiver with the arrows and bows swung over his stalwart shoulders. All set out apparently in different directions, but they nevertheless kept a close watch upon one another, for the chief occasion of an Indian's mirth is his friend's mistakes or mishaps in the chase.

Flying Bee hastened along the upper ridges overlooking the plain. What! a great herd of elk grazing not far away! It was needful to get as close to them as possible in order to make a successful chase. He threw off all superfluous garments, tossed his quiver to one side, and took three arrows with the bow in his hand. He then crept up a ravine until he came within a short distance of the herd. As he cautiously raised his head for a survey, he saw a jack-rabbit's long ears a little way off, while a yearling antelope showed itself above the long grass to the left.

' Ugh, you may fool the elk, but you can't fool me!" he remarked as he smiled to himself.

Again, on the farther side, a fawn's head was turned in the direction of the herd.

"Ho, ho!" chuckled Flying Bee. "Where is the other?"

Just then, at his right, a little buffalo calf's head was pushed cautiously above a bunch of grass.

" Ugh, you are all here, are you? Then I will show you how to chase the elk."

He pulled a large bunch-weed and held it in front of him so that the elk could not see him for a moment. Then he ran forward rapidly under cover of the weed.

He had scarcely done this when Charging Bear emerged from the direction of the fawn display. Tawahinkpeota came forth from the antelope head, while Black Hawk and Antler rose up where the jack-rabbit and calf had lain. Bee disappeared in the midst of the fleeing herd, as he was a runner of exceptional swiftness. The great herd de- parted in a thunder of hoofs, and the five friends paused to smoke together and ex- change jokes before going to examine their game. Black Hawk, whose quarry had gone with the rest, carrying his arrows, was greatly disappointed, and he immediately became a butt for the wit and ridicule of the others.

'How is this, friend? Have the elk such a fear of the harmless jack-rabbit ? It seems that they did not give you a chance to make your swift arrows count."

"Ha, ha, ha!" laughed Tawahinkpayota. " The elk people never knew before that a rabbit would venture to give them chase."

« BackNext »

---

The Challenge - Takeaway for Class 1,2,3

The little ant proved that teamwork and determination can help you achieve what seems impossible.

The Challenge - Takeaway for Class 4,5,6

Working together as a team and embracing everyone's unique strengths can help overcome challenges and achieve great success.

The Challenge - Takeaway for Class 7,8,9

Believing in yourself and embracing challenges can help you discover hidden talents and achieve more than you ever thought possible.

3 Fun Facts

• Jodi the giraffe challenged all her forest friends to see who could find the most delicious food.
• Despite being smaller, Benny the rabbit cleverly found tasty carrots hidden underground and won the challenge.
• Everyone learned the valuable lesson that being clever and resourceful is just as important as being big or strong.

Quiz for Class 1,2,3

• What did Mr. Adams use to tell the children the story of the great explorer?
• Where did the children plan to set up their campsite for the challenge?
• Who was the first one to solve the mystery of the missing map?

Quiz for Class 4,5,6

• What did Sam find inside the treasure chest on the second island during his adventure?
• Why did the animals on the third island help Sam and his friends during their journey?
• How did Sam and his friends eventually solve the puzzle that was set by the wise old owl?

Quiz for Class 7,8,9

• What did Rohan initially struggle with when he first started learning to skateboard, and how did he eventually overcome it?
• Describe how Rohan's attitude towards skateboarding changed over the course of the story. What pivotal moment contributed to this change?
• What lesson did Rohan learn by the end of the story, and how did it affect his view on facing new challenges?