After laying by the cloak, the witch came directly to him. Looking at him steadily, she informed him that she had known him from the time he had left his father's lodge, and had watched his movements. She told him not to fear or despair, for she would be his protector and friend. Then she invited him into her lodge and gave him a supper. During the repast she questioned him as to his motives for visiting her. He related his story and stated the manner in which he had been disgraced and the difficulties he labored under.
"Now tell me truly," said the Little Old Woman Who Makes War, "you were afraid to go to the water in the dark."
"I was," Strong Desire answered promptly.
As he replied, the hag waved her staff. The birds set up a clamorous cry, and the mantle shook violently as all the scalps burst into a hideous shout of laughter.
"And are you afraid now?" she asked again.
"I am," again answered Strong Desire without hesitation.
"But you are not afraid to speak the truth," rejoined the little old woman. "You will be a brave man yet, and to show you that I trust you I will help you kill the Red Head."
Now Hah-Nudo-Tah, or the Red Head, was a most powerful sorcerer. Living upon an island in the center of his realm of water, he was the terror of all the country about. It was the ambition of every Indian youth to be the one finally to overcome him, so Strong Desire was greatly cheered by this assurance of the little old woman's friendship.
"Do to me as you will," he said, "I will try not to be unworthy of your confidence."
"So be it," answered the little old woman, and began at once to exercise her power upon him. His hair being very short, she took a great leaden comb, and after she had drawn it through his locks several times, they became of a handsome length like those of a beautiful young woman. She then proceeded to dress him as a maiden, furnishing him with the necessary garments and tinting his face with colors of the most charming dye. She gave him, too, a bowl of shining metal. She directed him to put in his girdle a blade of scented sword-grass and to proceed the next morning to the banks of the lake, which was no other than that over which the Red Head reigned. She then informed him that there would be many Indians upon the island, who, as soon as they saw him use the shining bowl to drink with, would come thinking him a woman, to offer marriage. These offers he was to refuse, and to say that he was a maiden who had come a great distance to be the wife of the Red Head, and that if the chief could not seek her she would marry no one.