Between the first lovers' meeting and the sec-
ond was a period of one moon. This was wholly
the fault of Antelope, who had been a prey
to indecision and painful thoughts. Half re-
gretting his impulsive declaration, and hoping
to forget his pangs in the chances of travel
and war, he had finally enlisted in the number
of those who were to go with the war-leader
Crowhead into the Ute country. As was the
custom of the Sioux warriors upon the eve of
departure, the young men consulted their spirit-
ual advisers, and were frequently in the purify-
ing vapor-bath, and fasting in prayer.

The last evening had come, and Antelope
was on the way to the top of the hill behind
the camp for a night of prayer. Suddenly in
the half-light he came full upon Taluta, lead-
ing her pony down the narrow trail. She had
never looked more beautiful to the youth than
at that moment.

"Ho," he greeted her. She simply smiled
shyly.

"It is long since we met," he ventured.

"I have concluded that you do not care to
hear my reply," retorted the girl.