A long time ago the country along the Thompson River east of Lytton was inhabited by the Coyote people. The surrounding country to the east and south was also occupied by them; but they were probably more numerous around Spences Bridge, Nkamtci'n, and the immediate neighbourhood than any other place. The chief of these people was the Old Coyote. He was great with magic. No other person could vanquish him or kill him; and it is said that he could never die. Although magically so powerful, yet he was often made a dupe of by other people. He was always trying to do things beyond his power, and to imitate others, and generally failed in such attempts. Although he sometimes proved to be very simple, and easily taken in, yet, on the whole, he was wise, crafty, cunning, selfish, and deceitful. He travelled around the country from place to place. He had many wives, most of whom he obtained by trickery, or in some unusual manner. He used to dress in alkali grass.

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