These are stories that are shared from one generation to another and handed down over many, many generations. Ours was an oral tradition and many lessons of life were learned within these legends.

There was a white man who was such a sharp trader that nobody ever got the better of him. Or so people said, until one day a man told this wasichu: "There's somebody who can outcheat you anytime, anywhere."

"That's not possible," said the wasichu's. "I've had a trading post for many years, and I've cheated all the Indians around here."

"Even so, Coyote can beat you in any deal."

"Let's see whether he can. Where is Coyote?"

"Over there, that tricky-looking guy."

"Okay, all right, I'll try him."

The wasichu trader went over to Coyote. "Hey, let's see you outsmart me."

"I'm sorry," said Coyote, "I'd like to help you out, but I can't do it without my cheating medicine."

"Cheating medicine, hah! Go get it."

"I live five miles from here and I'm on foot. But if you'd lend me your fast horse?"

"Well, all right, you can borrow it. Go on home and get your cheating medicine.!"

"Well, friend, I'm a poor rider. Your horse is afraid of me, and I'm afraid of him.

Lend me your clothes; then your horse will think that I am you."

"Well, all right. Here are my clothes; now you can ride him. Go get that medicine. I'm sure I can beat it!"

So, Coyote rode off with the wasichu's fast horse and his fine clothes, while the wasichu stood there bare-assed.

This story was told at the Pine Ridge Reservation, South Dakota in 1974 and is one of the legends of the Brule Sioux.

© from the book American Indian Myths and Legends by Richard Erdoes and Alfonso Ortiz. It is a great book to read. Check it out sometime.

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