summer's midnight sun
` Nay , Chief ; but I have heard . Mason -- far , far to the north , a spruce-tree , heavy with years , crushed out his life beneath . But his love was great , and he had much gold . With this , and her boy , she journeyed countless sleeps toward the winter 's noonday sun , and there she yet lives , -- no biting frost , no snow , no summer 's midnight sun , no winter 's noonday night . ' A second messenger interrupted with imperative summons from the council . As Mackenzie threw him into the snow , he caught a glimpse of the swaying forms before the council-fire , heard the deep basses of the men in rhythmic chant , and knew the Shaman was fanning the anger of his people . Time pressed .