Page:Nattie Nesmith (1870).pdf/106

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with his uncle, a great warrior, who taught him to use most skillfully the bow and arrow.

Nattie was rather sorry to have the old Indian depart; though she stood very much in awe of him, still she preferred him to the squaw, his wife, and instinctively felt, that when he was gone, her condition would be worse than at present. She was glad, therefore, to hear him tell his wife, on the eve of his departure, that it was now time to teach Tulip the art of bead-work and willow-weaving. During his absence, he wished Black-bird to do a share of the housework, and give Tulip a chance to learn the finer arts of Indian life. Nattie knew the old squaw would not dare wholly to disregard her husband's commands.

Accordingly, after the Indian left, she was one day given the odd bits and ends of willow, and told to make a basket. Nattie had watched Black-bird's fingers closely when she had been about her daily tasks in the cabin; so she took what was given and went away by herself. She wrought at her