A thief in the night

long, long time ago, the people became tired of feeding on grass,
like deer and wild animals, and they talked together how fire might
be found. The Ti-amoni said, "Coyote is the best man to steal fire
from the world below," so he sent for Coyote.

When Coyote came, the Ti-amoni said, "The people wish for fire. We
are tired of feeding on grass. You must go to the world below and
bring the fire."

Coyote said, "It is well, father. I will go."

So Coyote slipped stealthily to the house of Sussistinnako. It was
the middle of the night. Snake, who guarded the first door, was
asleep, and he slipped quickly and quietly by. Cougar, who guarded
the second door, was asleep, and Coyote slipped by. Bear, who guarded
the third door, was also sleeping. At the fourth door, Coyote found
the guardian of the fire asleep. Slipping through into the room of
Sussistinnako, he found him also sleeping.

Coyote quickly lighted the cedar brand which was attached to his tail
and hurried out. Spider awoke, just enough to know some one was
leaving the room. "Who is there?" he cried. Then he called, "Some one
has been here." But before he could waken the sleeping Bear and
Cougar and Snake, Coyote had almost reached the upper world.