On the following morning, when they were about to start, he pulled from the side of the lodge a bag, which he presented to Maidwa, saying:
"Grandchild, I give you this; it contains a present for you; and I hope you will live happily till old age."
Bidding him farewell, they again set forward; and they soon came to the second old man's lodge. He also gave them a present and bestowed his blessing.
Nor did Maidwa see anything here of the frisky little kettle which had been so lively on his former visit.
As they went on and came to the lodge of the first old man, their reception and farewell were the same; only when Maidwa glanced to the corner he failed to see the silent kettle, which had served him so well. The old man smiled when he discovered the direction of Maidwa's glance, but he said nothing.
When, on continuing their journey, they at last approached the first town that Maidwa passed in his pursuit, the watchman gave notice as before, and Maidwa was shown into the chief's lodge.
"Sit down there, son-in-law," said the chief, pointing to a place near his daughter. "And you also," he said to the Red Swan.
The chief's daughter was engaged in coloring a girdle, and, as indifferent to these visitors, she did not even raise her head. Presently the chief said, "Let some one bring in the bundle of our son-in-law."
When the bundle was laid before him, Maidwa opened one of the bags which had been given to him. It was filled with various costly articles—wampum, robes, and trinkets of much richness and value; these, in token of his kindness, he presented to the chief. The chief's daughter stole a glance at the costly gifts, then at Maidwa and his beautiful wife. She stopped working and was silent and thoughtful all the evening. The chief himself talked with Maidwa of his adventures, congratulated him on his good fortune, and concluded by telling him that he should take his daughter along with him in the morning.
"Yes," said Maidwa.