Cumanches had set fire to the prairie in order to destroy the Blackfeet, which increased their desire for revenge; but How-ku-tho predicted misfortune, and that was joined to the circumstance that the grass had not grown sufficiently to enable them to fall suddenly upon their enemies.

The chief had to postpone the expedition, but he knew very well the growing danger to which Ralph was exposed, and felt the necessity of adopting some plan to incorporate him into the tribe.

Several weeks had elapsed since the return from the prairie. Ralph's hands and feet were now completely healed, and he rejoiced in the return of his accustomed health and strength. At last the day came on which his fate was to be decided.

It was a fine clear morning, and all the inhabitants of the village assembled together in an open space. Hatred and vengeance seemed to glow in their eyes, especially among the older women. The men and women stood on opposite sides, and the young men and women stood arranged in the centre. The modest and bashful Eimoa stood among them, and attracted the attention of many of the young men by her beauty.

They all stood quietly waiting for the chiefs to bring the prisoner from Tsa-ut-weih's wigwam. After some time they appeared walking slowly. Ralph's hands were tied behind his back. He looked paler than usual, but held his head up as proudly as ever. His eyes did

not betray the feelings of his soul, and no one could detect the anxious beating of his heart. When he reached the assembly, his eyes met Eimoa's, and her encouraging smile cheered him. He well knew what it meant.

As Tsa-ut-weih stepped behind him, and laying his hands on his head, began to speak in a solemn and dignified tone, Ralph felt a cold shudder go through him, and lifted up his soul to heaven for mercy.

The chief spoke long and vehemently. When he ceased, a low mumuring ran through the crowd. After it had subsided, he exclaimed in a loud tone, “If any maiden of our people chooses this 'pale-face' as a husband, let her come forward and unbind him.

After a moment's hesitation the beautiful Eimoa walked forward with trembling steps and downcast eyes. As she approached Ralph, her step became firmer, and her manner more composed; and with a look of affection she quickly loosened the cords that bound his

arms.

A shout of gladness and approval came from the young women, in which many of the older women joined ; but the men were silent, and How-ku-tho could scarcely restrain the rage that possessed him.

The old chief took the right hands of his daughter and Ralph, joined them together, and declared them to be man and wife. One of the chiefs gave Ralph a bow and arrows, and said, "Slay the wild beasts of the desert, and the enemies of our people!" another

brought him a lance, and said, "Win for yourself the medicine-bag of your enemy!" and a third fastened a belt with a scalping-knife around his waist, with the words, "Ornament yourself with the scalps of our foes!" With these ceremonies he became a member of the tribe. The maidens then surrounded the happy pair, and led them with songs and dances to Eimoa's wigwam.

CHAPTER VI.

THE DEATH STRUGGLE.

THE grass of the prairie had again grown to its usual height, and its freshness had attracted such large herds of wild horses and buffaloes that the Blackfeet decided on having another hunt before undertaking the expedition against the Camanches.

In accordance with the usual custom the opinion of the magicians was asked as to the success of the enterprise. They consulted the portents, and How-ku-tho predicted misfortune and disaster because a "pale-face" accompanied the Blackfeet for the first time; but by throwing the whole weight of his influence into the scale, Tsa-ut-weih succeeded in overcoming their objections, and Ralph was permitted to go as one of the hunters. He had practised throwing the lasso, and had made much progress, to the chief's great delight, and was also very expert with the bow and arrow. Tsa-ut-weih had given him one of his best horses, and he had become a thoroughly useful member of the tribe, both as a warrior and a hunter; but the magician and his adherents looked at him with an evil eye, and not only

envied his happiness, but tried in every way to blacken his reputation, and cast suspicion upon him.

Eimoa felt very anxious and sorrowful when the hour came for the party to leave. She admonished Ralph to be very cautious, and begged him to take the greatest care of himself; but he assured her that there was not the least danger, and that he would soon return, and departed accompanied by her blessing.

The cavalcade, followed by several packhorses, took the road to the hill, near which Ralph had been taken prisoner. How his heart beat when he saw in the distance the forests of the Kansas once more, and thought of all that had passed since! The picture of his widowed and broken-hearted mother came up before him, and he said to himself, "Oh that I could take Eimoa home, and present her to my poor mother as her daughter!"

But these sad and gloomy feelings were soon dispelled by the excitement of the first adventure, which was with a herd of wild horses returning from the Kansas.

"Away!" exclaimed the chief; "let us catch a spare horse for Ralph."

Ralph bounded off towards the herd, which was in full gallop. Following the instructions of the chief, he kept by the side of the troop until he saw a horse which pleased him, and then threw his lasso with such skill as to bring the animal to the ground. Rewarded by a loud cheer from the Indians, he dismounted, and hastening to the captured horse, arranged