"I don't know it very well," said Ruth, "but I guess it was like this: Captain John Smith was about to be tommyhawked all to pieces by admiring Indians. As the fell blows were about to fell, up rushes a beautiful Indian maiden, with her black hair streaming in the breeze. 'Fear thou not!' she said, wildly; 'I will save thee!' Whereupon she flang herself upon him, and hugged him till he couldn't be reached by his tormentors. The wild Indians were forced to desist, or else pierce to the heart their own Pocahontas, beloved daughter of their tribe. So they released Captain John Smith, and so Pocahontas married Captain John Rolfe instead, and they lived happy ever after. Hence is why we celebrate her birthday."
Ruth clearly enjoyed the telling of this tale, and threw herself into it with dramatic fervor.
The others listened, enthralled by her graphic recital and thrilling diction.
"My!" exclaimed Midget, as she finished, "I didn't know you knew so many big words, Ruth."
"I didn't, either," said Ruth, calmly; "they sort of came to me as I went along."
"Well, that's just as smart as writing poetry," declared King, and Ruth was greatly pleased at the compliments.
"Now, my dear young friends," Cousin Jack said, by way of a speech, "the exercises will now begin. As you know, we are celebrating the birthday of a noble Indian Princess. Therefore, our sports or diversions will all be of an Indian character. First, we will have an Indian Club Drill."
He produced Indian clubs for all, the boys' being heavier ones than the girls.
These were new to the Maynards, but Cousin Jack soon taught them how to use them, and instructed them in a simple drill.
Hester learned more quickly than Marjorie, for she was more lithe and agile, and swung her clubs around with greater ease. Ruth seemed to know instinctively how to use them, which was partly due to her proficiency in fancy dancing. But they all learned, and greatly enjoyed the interesting exercise.