Page:Nattie Nesmith (1870).pdf/107

 task as patiently and skillfully as she could, and in an hour had made, what seemed in her eyes, a very pretty little basket. It had a bail and a fanciful edge which looked like a looped scarlet ribbon, though it was all done with colored willow. Nattie was proud of her success, and when she held it up, the three papooses, who had come into the wigwam and gathered round her, clapped their hands and sent forth shouts of laughter.

"Tulip has made the pootiest basket," said Fox Heart, the oldest boy.

"So she do," said Light-foot, the second one.

"Do, do," chimed in little Sweet Fern, the baby of the group.

"Let me see," cried Black-bird, tossing her red scarf proudly.

Nattie carried the basket to the Indian maid, whose black eyes flashed with jealousy, as she said:

"You use too much red willow, it is expensive, you will be a poor hand to bring profits on work."