The appearance of Ohquamehud indicated no hostility when he presented
himself before the Recluse, whom he found weaving baskets in front
of his cabin, nor did his visit seem to surprise the latter. For an
instant the Indian looked with disdain upon an employment which his
wild education had taught him was fit only for women; but suppressing
the expression of a sentiment that might have interfered with his
purpose, with a quiet dignity, and, as if in answer to a wave of
Holden's hand, he seated himself on a large stone by his side. For
a time he was silent, as if either out of deference to the superior
years of the other, or because he wished to collect his thoughts
before he began the conversation. Finding, however, he could obtain
from the Solitary no further sign of recognition, he spoke in his own
language.

"My brother has a big heart. He is making gifts for the beautiful
women of his nation."

"Indian," replied Holden, "think not to deceive me. At this moment
thou considerest this an occupation unfit for a man."

"My brother has very long eyes. They can see the woodpecker on the
rotten tree across the river, but they reach not here," laying his
hand upon his breast. "The Holder of the Heavens loves not to see
things alike. He therefore made the leaf of the oak to differ from
that of the hickory, and the pine from both, and also the white race
from the red. And, for the same reason, he taught the white man to
make big lodges of wood, and brick and stone, and to swim over the
waters in large canoes with wings: while to the red man he gave the
forests and prairies, with the deer, and bear, and buffalo, and caused
him to dwell in very small wigwams made of bark. And so, also, he