"All these I will observe faithfully," replied the young husband.
Now it happened that after a longer absence than usual, he was seen to come home with a wife. They pitched their tent some way from the village, and the people saw at a distance the figure of a graceful young woman moving about the solitary white teepee. But whenever any of his relatives approached to congratulate him and to bid her welcome, she would take up her axe and go forth into the forest as if to cut wood for her fire, or with her bucket for water.
At night, however, they came to see the young couple and found her at home, but it appeared very strange that she did not speak to any of them, not even by signs, though she smiled so graciously and sweetly that they all loved her. Her husband explained that the girl was of another race who have these strange ways, and by and by the people became used to them, and even ceased to wonder why they could never find her at home in the day time.
So they lived happily together, and in due time children came to them; first a boy, and a little girl afterward. But one night the father came home tired and hungry from the hunt, and the little one cried loudly and would not be quieted. Then for the first time he forgot his promise and spoke angrily to the mother and child.
Instantly the fire went out and the tent was dark.
When he had kindled the fire again, he saw that he was alone, nor did tears and searchings avail to find his wife and children. Alas, they were gone from him forever!