Page:Nattie Nesmith (1870).pdf/148

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known to the old chief the tale of its coming, that he may drive it away by using the arts which the medicine-man of a great tribe taught him, when his years were few and his feet nimble as the deer on the mountains."

These, words roused the old squaw and her papooses. Black-bird sat up and stared blankly at Nattie, till a dark frown clouded her brow and flashes of anger shot from her murky, black eyes. She had noticed the hue of Nattie's skin and the garb which she wore. The sight filled her with wrath and jealousy. Fox Heart exclaimed:

"Tulip has turned white since yesterday; is it because she is Torch Eye's bride, pappy?"

The old chief laughed aloud, and said:

"Who knows but it may be because she is soon to behold her future chief? though some moons must wax and wane before their marriage morning. Tulip must grow to woman's hight, and Torch Eye must learn the warrior's life, before he takes the bride to his own wigwam."