“To think he should be jealous of John Swiftwing!” she murmured, “that’s enough to stir any one up! And he is jealous! He needn’t deny it! I’ll make him still more so before I quit. I’ll make him think I am really in love with John.”
Little did she know how dangerous was the ground upon which she was so fearlessly treading.
CHAPTER XX—THE SUN DANCE
By this time the boys had arisen, hastily made their toilets, eaten a “snatched” breakfast, and were coming forth to witness the ceremonies.
It was interesting to watch the crowd gathering from all directions. Some who had come to witness the ceremonies had traveled many hundred miles. There were many Mexicans, not a few cowboys, Indians from various tribes, ranchers and sports, travelers and women.
While mass was going on in the little white chapel, the Pueblos, for whose benefit it was said, were busy elsewhere with preparations for the religious ceremony, in which they have the fullest belief.
The men were in the subterranean estufas, dressing their bodies and performing those secret rites which no white man is ever permitted to witness.
The women were in the labyrinths of the great pyramids, decking themselves out in their finest apparel for the celebration, for the Pueblos had Sunday clothes, and not a few of the garments were rich and handsome.
Mass was over at last, and then came the procession of the saints.
In the chapel were several images. These were taken up in mysterious awe by the women present and carried to the door.