But the maiden shook her head. "I shall not live in the tree-tops," she answered.
"Choose your own way to live, Star-Maiden," said the chief.
"I shall live among you as a flower," she said. "Surely the children's hearts are gladdened by the blossoms of the earth."
"They are, indeed," declared the chief. "The mountain-rose is wondrously beautiful."
"Oh, but it is too far away from the children," sighed the maiden.
"The prairie dandelion makes our little ones clap their hands in glee," suggested the chief.
The maiden thought awhile; then she said, "The buffalo's hoof often crushes the prairie dandelion."
The chief was sorely puzzled. Finally he said, "You would be safe from harm if you should choose the rocky cliffs for your blooming place."
But the maiden said, "The children seldom climb the cliffs. I must live where the children can see me."
Suddenly her face brightened and she said, "I know! I know! I'll live in the clear streamlet and bloom on its surface. I shall feel soft breezes blow and hear the birds sing. In the branches which bend over me the warblers will build their nests. The children will play on the banks, and they will touch me with their little hands as they glide safely along in their canoes. Look for me in the streamlet."