Three days elapsed, though, and Hiawatha did not appear. The people began to fear that he was not coming, and messengers were dispatched for him to Tioto. They found him depressed, believing that evil would follow his attendance. These fears were overruled by the eager persuasions of the messengers, and Hiawatha, taking his daughter with him, put his wonderful canoe into the water and set out for the council. The grand assemblage that was to avert the threatened danger appeared quickly in sight as he moved rapidly along in his magic canoe. And when the people saw him, they sent up loud shouts of welcome until the revered man landed. A steep ascent led up the banks of the lake to the place occupied by the council. But as he walked up, a loud whirring sound was heard above, as if caused by some rushing current of air. Instantly, all eyes were directed upward to the sky, where they saw a dark spot. It was something like a small cloud, descending rapidly, growing larger and increasing in velocity as it approached.
