244, THE BIG CANOE

whose weaving showed stupidity and carelessness, a
lack of diligence and ambition.

After a long time the Haidas departed, bearing the
blanket that had been purchased so dearly, and Kali
knew the time of trial and punishment was near.
Never in her life was she to forget the awesome
silence that fell upon the group of relatives gathered
around the fire as her father, the chief, strode into
the lodge, his brow dark with anger.

“Shame has come upon the Chilcats,” he thundered,
voicing the condemnation and anger of the others.
“A wretched blanket has gone out among the tribes,
bringing dishonor upon us. That one of the common
people should have woven such a blanket would be
shame enough, but that one of my family should be re-
sponsible is a disgrace to my name. Word of this
blanket will fly fast among the tribes, and all our
blankets will be discredited because of this one. A
rumor, once started on its way, goes on forever; there
is no stopping it. Nor can water that has gone over
a cliff be made to flow backward.”

“I will make another blanket, my father,” Kali
said, trembling beneath the flash of anger in his eyes.
“J will make another blanket, so large, beautiful and
finely woven, that it will go down through the years
as the finest blanket ever woven among the Chilcats.
If I do this, will the honor of my family and my tribe
be fully restored, my father? If I do this, will the

shame be lifted from your heart?”