soul; he told them their spirits would be given to the evil one and sent
to the turbulent waters, there to be whirled forever in sight of the
bright path they never could follow.

This story, as calculated, struck terror to the hearts of his awe-
stricken hearers, and had the desired effect. Instantly the dense
foliage hid their frightened faces as they fled from the river trail,
and only the mimic cry of bird or animal known as a warning of danger to
all within hearing, the leaping or plunging through the underbrush was
all the eye or ear could detect after Black Snake's communication, which
sent the berry pickers and cone gatherers back with the fleetness of the
deer to hide themselves in their lodges. Black Snake was again following
with his greatest speed the river trail, not pausing till near the Great
Oak's lodge, where, assuming the position and actions of the reptile
whose name he bore, he crawled to the side of the wigwam, where,
unobserved, he watched for a few moments its solitary occupant. Seated
on a robe of the soft furs of the beaver, weaving the plaits on her how
highly prized wampum, while the prolonged gaze, interrupted with
restless flashing from the dark eyes of the Fawn, bespoke the anxiety,
with which she had waited the result of that long, long day, which would
also decide her fate. Wearied with picturing the future in its brilliant
lights and dark shades, as Grey Eagle and Black Snake alternately
figured in her thoughts, and wearied with waiting for the song of the
evening birds, she is suddenly startled from her meditation as a shadow
falls across the lodge, and Black Snake stands before her.

Springing to her feet and spasmodically grasping the wampum, fearing
Black Snake had been victorious and had come for his reward, was the
impulse of the moment; but the subdued and brotherly manner assumed by
Black Snake reassured as he gently addressed her.