“Oh!” said Shee-shee-banze, “it is one of my followers that always likes to be a little impudent. I am obliged to put up with it sometimes, but you observed that I treated him with silent contempt.”
The messenger returned to the chief, and reported the manner in which the invitation had been received.
“Oh!” said the good-natured chief, “it is because he feels he is poor and insignificant. Go back again—call him by my name, and make a flourishing speech to him.”
The messenger fulfilled his mission as he was bid.
“Way-gee-mar-kin,” said he, pompously, “a great feast is to be given to-night, and I am sent most respectfully to solicit the honor of your company!”
“Did I not tell you?” said Shee-shee-banze to the maidens. Then nodding with careless condescension, he added, “Tell them I’ll come.”
At night, Shee-shee-banze dressed himself in his very best paint, feathers and ornaments—but before his departure he took his grandmother aside.
“Be sure,” said he, “that you watch these young people closely until I come back. Shut up your lodge tight, tight. Let no one come in or go out, and above all things, do not go to sleep.”
These orders given, he went his way.