"I have nothing to say in my defense, but
I hope that you will be generous. I have suf-
fered much. . . . You will understand why
I stand far from you," he added gently. "I
have been preparing myself to go upon the war-
path. We start at daylight for the Ute coun-
try. Every day for ten days I have been in the
vapor-bath, and ten nights fasting."

As Taluta well knew, a young warrior under
these circumstances dared not approach a wo-
man, not even his own wife.

"I still urge you to be my wife. Are you
ready to give me your answer?" continued An-
telope.

"My answer was sent to you by your grand-
mother this very day," she replied softly.

"Ah, tell me, tell me, . . ." pressed the
youth eagerly.

"All is well. Fear nothing," murmured
the maiden.

"I have given my word--I have made my
prayers and undergone purification. I must
not withdraw from this war-path," he said