Beaver and Muskrat - Thompson Formerly the muskrat had a broad tail like that of the beaver at the present day, while the beaver had a narrow tail, like that of the muskrat now. One day Beaver asked the loan of Muskrat's tail to try it, and gave his own to Muskrat to try. Beaver found that Muskrat's tail was much better than his own for swimming with, and thereafter kept it. He always avoided Muskrat, who was now unable to catch him. When they were transformed, it was ordained that each should keep the tail he had. The Transformer said that Beaver had more need of the large tail than Muskrat. Taken from: Myths and Tales from Nicola Valley and Fraser River collected by James Alexander Teit, 1911 and is now in the public domain. Come visit us at. "Keeper of Stories". http://www.newkeeperofstories.com/