But she never failed to keep track of all his movements, and as soon as she learned that he was endeavoring to gain the affections of one (who chanced to be a friend and an intimate) of their number, she resolved to ascertain what his intentions really were, for, with a woman's penetration she saw that something was hidden.
First, however, she must take the girl whom he destined to make his wife into her confidence, and obtain from her a pledge of secrecy, as well as to put her upon her guard against a love that could only prove disastrous. This was not difficult. Indian girls love mystery as well as their fairer-skinned sisters, and it was so arranged that the Burning Cloud became an unseen witness of many of their interviews.
The girl played her part well. It was subtle treachery against treachery. She led him on by the arts well known to all women—by a skillful management of sighs and voice and eyes, until he plainly told her of his love, and urged her to consent to immediately become his wife. Then she played the coquette—refused him even a kiss, but, after long pleading, promised to meet him the next evening, when no one could see or hear them, and give him an answer.
The delay chafed, but he was forced to be satisfied, and when the appointed time came, he found the young squaw waiting for him at the trysting, though the spot she had chosen was so dark that he knew not of her presence until she called him by a name given by the tribe—and a very appropriate one it was.
"The eyes of White Wolf are not sharp," she said, with a low laugh at the manner in which he started, "and his heart beats not warm or it would have told him who was near."
"Why, Little Raven," he replied, "it is so dark that I could not see any thing—so dark that I was afraid you would not dare to come."
"What should she fear? Her heart is pure and her trail an open one. She is willing the Great Spirit should see both—should know her every thought."
"Why do you speak so low, and in a changed voice?"
"There is more than one of the braves jealous of White Wolf, and until Little Raven becomes his wife and has found a home in his wigwam, she would not have any one know of their meeting."
"That is well enough. But, come nearer to me. Let me put my arm around you, and give me a kiss."