levels all distinctions, and, impelled by an influence he could not
withstand, he dared to aspire to the hand of Leelinau. Besides, there
was one superiority he enjoyed which made the claim less presumptuous.
Young as he was no hunter of the tribe could be compared with him in
skill or daring. Other lodges might be destitute, but there was always
abundance of meat in that of Magisaunikwa and those of his friends.
Happy, thought most of the girls, would she be who should lie in the
bosom of the young hunter, and cook his food.

But notwithstanding his devotion, Leelinau would not accept his gifts.
Still he fancied he had made some impression. She would listen to
his conversation by the light of the evening star, though whenever he
hinted at his passion, she would hastily retire; and twice or
thrice he had caught her eyes fixed on him, when she thought herself
unobserved. Hope lives on scanty aliment, and the young man did not
despair.

Aishkwagon-ai-bee had noticed the liking of Magisaunikwa for his
daughter, and was not displeased. The noble youth had found favor in
his eyes, and he did not disdain his alliance. There was only a single
cause of hesitation in his mind. Wampum-hair had never been on a
war-path, and had always shown a disinclination to shed human blood.
Yet his courage was undoubted. None encountered with more audacity the
panther and the bear, and several were the lives he had saved at the
hazard of his own. A successful war expedition only was necessary to
complete his claims to the highest honors. Save the bloody scalp, no
ornament was lacking in his wigwam.

"Magisaunikwa," said the Sachem, "the fire of your eyes melts not the
snow around the heart of Leelinau, and it is because she looks upon