“Does a captive maiden dwell with thee?” he continued.
“No,” said Miskwa.
Oloompa's countenance changed from joy to disappointment, and Miskwa observing it, asked, “Didst thou come to seek her?”
“Yes,” said Oloompa, “and I was happy. I thought I saw her in the forest.”
“Then let thy heart be glad,” said Miskwa;—“the maiden is here;—she lives with me. But she is as free as the air she breathes.”
Oloompa was again happy, and he said, “Thou dost love her?”
“Yes,” said Miskwa, “as I do the life blood which warms my heart. But stay, you shall see her,” and without waiting to know his errand, she ran away to seek her friend, whom she soon found, and cried out, “who dost thou think hast come?”
The maiden had never seen Miskwa so pretty or as much animated, and answered, “I did not know there was one whose coming could make Miskwa so happy.”
“The chieftain seeks ‘Sweet Flower,’” said Miskwa, “come, he waits.”
“Seeks me!” cried the maiden with astonishment.