JEHIEL'S WOOING.
After Jehiel had gained a position to suit him, his first endeavor was to let Snowdrop know that he was there, and to make her aware of his intentions.
But the question then arose how this was to be accomplished.
Like nearly all border men, Jehiel could imitate perfectly the beasts of the field and the birds of the air, and he now resolved to make good use of the power he possessed to attract her attention.
The whirring sound made by the sudden swoop of the night-hawk fell upon the air, but no notice was made of it.
He was within short pistol-shot of the Indians; indeed he could smell the savory steaks as they were broiling upon the coals, and he knew that a discovery would result in instant death, and the fact affected him in any thing but a pleasant manner.
Then he chirped like a wren, but no more attention was paid to that than to the whir of the night-hawk.
This was followed by the dull too-hoot of an owl, and the long, mocking note of the cat-bird.
They were all too common sounds. Neither the Indians nor Snowdrop paid the least attention to what they had been accustomed to hear every day and night of their lives.
Jehiel now gave a good imitation of the crow, and as the ringing caw, caw, sounded through the forest, the Indians merely looked up at the clouds to see if there were any indications of rain, and proceeded with their meal.