How the Partridge got His Whistle --- From James Mooney's "History, Myths, and Sacred Formulas of the Cherokees"

[Robert Spiritwalker Murchison]

In the old days the Terrapin had a fine whistle, but the Partridge had none. The Terrapin
was constantly going about whistling and showing his whistle to the other animals until
the Partridge became jealous, so one day when they met the Partridge asked to try the
whistle.


The Terrapin was afraid to risk it at first, suspecting a trick, but the Partridge said, "I'll
give it back right away, and if you are afraid you can stay with me while I practice." So the
Terrapin let him have the whistle and the Partridge walked around blowing on it in fine
fashion. "how does it sound with me?" asked the Partridge. "O, you do very well," said the
Terrapin, walking alongside. " Now, how do you like it?" said the Partridge, running ahead
and whistling a little faster. "That's fine," answered the Terrapin, hurrying to keep up, "but
don't run so fast." "And now, how do you like this?" called the Partridge, and with that he
spread his wings, gave one long whistle, and flew to the top of a tree, leaving the poor
Terrapin to look after him from the ground.


The Terrapin never recovered his whistle, and from that, and the loss of his scalp, which
the Turkey stole from him, he grew ashamed to be seen, and ever since he shuts himself
up in his box when anyone comes near him.