But the gift that gave the keenest pleasure to the Guide, because made by Nita, proving her change of consciousness, was a Tomtom, beautifully decorated. So meritorious was it that Miss Miller exclaimed upon seeing it, "Why, Nita, I believe you can win a grand coup for this beautiful work!"
Nita was delighted and explained how she made it. How the frame was made of the circle of an old bentwood chair, the pieces of which were found in the barn. How Bill stopped at the saddler's in Junction and obtained a piece of raw-hide for her. How hard it had been to lace the raw-hide to the frame and the difficulty she had in decorating the Totem on the Tomtom.
True admiration was so rare a thing in Nita's experience of life that she felt embarrassed at first, but the Guide made her feel more at ease by seeking diligently for her handkerchief and not finding it. Before anything could be done to relieve the tension of the situation, the tears rolled from under Miss Miller's lids and trickled over her cheeks. At a sudden gurgle from Zan, every one burst out laughing hysterically.
"Well, I don't care if you did catch me crying like an infant!" declared Miss Miller, still laughing. "But they were tears of gladness at the demonstration of your love and sacrifice."
"That Tomtom isn't all, either, Miss Miller!" cried Nita, eagerly. "When I saw the others make two things, I said I would, too, so I wrote to the doctor for the things I couldn't get here."
"Oh, do let us see what it is! We will promise to wait patiently for you to finish it!" exclaimed the Guide, eagerly.
Only too glad to show it, Nita ran to her tent and drew a long package from under the cot. Running back with it, she displayed a target half-finished and a long paper parcel which proved to be a bow and some arrows sent down by the doctor.
"Girls, I believe Nita made and thought of the best of all our gifts!" exclaimed Elena, carefully testing the bow.
"Well, one thing is certain! We can all enjoy the target and the Tomtom will help us in dancing," added Miss Miller.
"That's what made me think of making one—I just hated to dance without music or rhythm to step by!" said Nita, happily.