They suddenly saw an Indian maiden on whom they gazed with all their eyes. She wore the vivid scarlet mantle with purple stripes that Lois had longed for, and a petticoat embroidered with bright beads. Her long, shining braids hung over her shoulders. Her arms bore heavy bracelets and her silent feet were shod with moccasins. She wore a brilliant hued bodice and a narrow gold band passed across her forehead.
To the children she looked all that was stately and beautiful and commanding as she moved, straight as an arrow, through the forest. They clutched each other, with beating hearts.
She caught sight of them, and turned and they saw that she carried on her arm a large light basket, containing a few smaller ones made of sweet grass.
"You like to buy some baskets?" she asked, and wonder of wonders she smiled upon them, and drew nearer.
Lois found her voice after a minute. It had seemed to be buried somewhere deep down, perhaps in her stomach—it felt queer.
"We haven't any money," she said, hoping the announcement would not bring down the wrath of the beautiful being.
But the stranger only nodded pleasantly.
"The little boy would like some bow and arrows, perhaps?" She fixed a bright gaze on Hal, whose knees were trying not to wobble.
"Yes, I would—" he said rather breathlessly, "some day—when—when I have some money."
"You come, see what we have," said the maiden, and the children, still clasping hands, followed her stately tread.