by Alan Nafzger & Lilly Tabbytite (Comanche)
Some ducks were cutting down trees and singing in the woods. A coyote appeared. When he asked what they were doing, they replied that they were just cutting down trees and singing. Coyote expressed an interest in attempting to fell some trees as well.
It was exhausting work. After a while, Coyote announced that he was going to lie down in the shade of one of the trees to rest. He lay down and promptly fell asleep.
One of the ducks went over to the tree where Coyote was sleeping and cut it down. The Coyote jumped up when he heard the tree start to fall. He started running for his life, but the tree fell on him and grabbed him by the tail. He tried but couldn't get out, and the ducks laughed and flew away.
Coyote struggled, but he couldn't get his tail out. Finally, someone took pity on him and assisted him in getting his tail out. When he was free, he went back to his house.
On his way, he came across a duck and asked him if he was one of those who had been felling trees. He stated that he was.
"Listen," Coyote said. "You are to find my wife at my lodge." You tell her to cook you and leave your head for me to eat when I get home."
The Duck agreed to do so and flew ahead to Coyote's lodge. When he arrived, he informed Coyote's wife that Coyote had instructed her to prepare their moccasins and clothing. She began doing this. The duck then walked away. He went over to a pond near some cottonwood trees and sat in it.
When Coyote entered, he inquired as to where she had hidden the duck head. She stated that she had no idea.
"Did that duck come, the one I told you to cook?"
"He did come, but he instructed me to cook these things, so I did."
This enraged the coyote. When he went out to get some water, he noticed the duck sitting on the pond. He threw his bucket of water at him. "There you have it! "I'm coming for you!" A coyote jumped in and started swimming around, attempting to capture Duck. However, the duck simply flew away.