deserted him. His moodiness at length attracted the attention of
Peéna. Ohquamehud was lying on the floor of her hut, his head resting
on his hand, and he had been for some time gazing in the fire. The
simple noon-day meal had barely been tasted, and that in silence.

"Have the hands of Peéna," she said, "forgot how to prepare his food,
that the eyes of my brother turn away from it with displeasure?"

"The hands of my sister have not lost their skill, but Ohquamehud is
not hungry."

"Ohquamehud is a warrior, and Peéna is but a weak woman, and he will
not be angry," she added, hesitatingly.

The Indian waved his hand, with dignity, as if inviting her to
proceed.

"Ohquamehud sees the heart of his sister, and he knows that it loves
him, for he is the brother of Huttamoiden. Why does he cover up his
face from her, and hide his grief? Is she unworthy," she added, laying
her hand on his shoulder, and looking affectionately in his face, "to
listen to his voice?"

He turned towards her, and paused before he said--

"The stone in the path of Ohquamehud is very small, and will not hurt
his feet."

"Peéna, then, will try to remove it. She has strength to move small
stones."