"'I wish,' said she, 'to visit the graves of my
brothers! I shall carry with me their war-bon-
nets and their weapons, to give to certain young
men on the eve of battle, according to the an-
cient custom. Long ago I resolved to do this,
and the time is now come.'
"The chief was at this time well advanced
in years, and had been sitting quite alone in his
lodge, thinking upon the days of his youth, when
he was noted for daring and success in battle.
In silence he listened as he filled his pipe, and
seemed to meditate while he smoked the fra-
grant tobacco. At last he spoke with tears in
his eyes.
"'Daughter, I am an old man! My heart
beats in my throat, and my old eyes cannot keep
back the tears. My three sons, on whom I had
placed all my hopes, are gone to a far country!
You are the only child left to my old age, and
you, too, are brave--as brave as any of your
brothers. If you go I fear that you may not
return to me; yet I cannot refuse you my per-
mission!"
"The old man began to chant a war-song,
and some of his people, hearing him, came in to
learn what was in his mind.
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