The Indian maiden, Moon-keek, was deeply in love with her cousin
Shon-keek. She was the daughter of the elderly chief, No-big-a-sha. Despite the fact that Shon-keek was the son of the chief's
brother, in their hearts they were betrothed. It was said that evil always came upon a tribe that permitted the marriage of
cousins. Moon-keek and Shon-keek continued to meet, their love stronger than the tribal customs. A deceitful Nock-a-wan-do,
hoping to claim Moon-keek as his own, frequently spied on the lovers and whispered his secret observations to the chief. Shon-keet
and Moon-keet eventually learned of a tribe far off to the Northeast that would welcome them. As their plan developed, they
decided to meet at the island on Pontoosuc Lake, fleeing their nearby village to begin a new life together. Moon-keek and
Shon-keek were joyful in the knowledge that they would soon be together. The night of their secret rendezvous, Moon-keek swiftly
paddled her canoe to the island. Shon-keet followed. Unknown to them, the evil Nock-a-wan-do also followed. In a fit of murderous
jealously, Nock-a-wan-do fired a flint-pointed arrow through his paddling rival's back, piercing his heart. Moon-keek saw
her lover fall into the lake. Jumping into her canoe, she quickly paddled towards Shon-keek's canoe. She was startled to see
the spirit of Shon-keek, still strongly paddling towards her. As she reached out to the fading presence, she plunged into
the depths of the lake and both disappeared without a trace. Witnessing the scene, Nock-a-wan-do fled in terror. The bodies
of the dead lovers were never recovered. It is said that Moon-keek found her lover, and they rest forever in each others arms.
It is also believed to be an omen of great fortune to glimpse the spirit lovers, eternally paddling together on Pontoosuc
Lake.
