PREFACE

One of my earliest recollections is of being alone on the playhouse steps learning to fly. It may have been the roar of the Bay of Fundy —-for we lived beside it—-or because I was so engrossed in my task, that I did not hear the approach of any one, until suddenly a great ter- ror seized me and I saw close beside me several giant dogs, and behind them a group of- Indians with baskets on their backs. Then there is the memory of being comforted by my mother and of my surprise and interest at seeing the strange people partaking of her hospitality.

This was my first acquaintance with the Mic- macs. Afterwards such scenes became fa- miliar. I frequently heard my parents talk about the work of Dr. Rand—the first protes— tant missionary among these Indians; and whenever Dr. Rand was in that locality he was a visitor in our home, for he was a kinsman. It was then that I learned of the legends of Glooscap.

With such recollections hovering in conscious- ness it was natural, when a few summers ago I was searching for new stories to tell to my playground children, that I should turn back to