Page:Indian nature myths (IA indiannaturemyth00cowl 0).pdf/90

 warrior who was lonely in his father's lodge, and he said to himself, 'I will seek a maiden to wed, and make ready a lodge of my own.'

"So he watched the maidens of the village, and he found two sisters who seemed so modest, and kind, and good, that he knew not which of them to choose.

"When he went to their father's lodge, he was kindly treated by both. They gave him words of welcome, they smiled upon him, and they prepared food and set it before him. Both could weave fine baskets for the lodge, and make rich embroidery of quills.

"Many times the young brave went to the lodge, but he could not tell which maiden would make the better wife. And at last he said to himself, 'I will try magic. I will get the medicine man to help me.'

"So he visited the lodge of the Medicine Man, and after a time there came away from the Medicine Man's lodge an old man, bent, and leaning upon a stick. He walked feebly, and his garments were ragged. His hair was white, and his chin quivered with age.

"The old man went to the lodge of the two maidens and begged a bit of food. The younger