the other stood still as if undecided, but at
last he approached the lodge and looked in
a second time. There sat his sweetheart in
human form once more! The maiden was at-
tired in a doeskin gown set with elk's teeth
like ivory. Her eyes were cast down demurely
over her embroidery, but in every feature she
was the living counterpart of Taluta!

At last the two got away unobserved, and
hastened toward the place where they had con-
cealed their horses. But here Antelope sent
his companion on in advance, making the ex-
cuse that he wished to study further the best
position from which to make the attack.

When he was left alone he stood still for a
moment to decide upon a plan. He could think
of nothing but that he must meet the Ree maiden
before daylight! He realized the extreme
hazard of the attempt, but he also recalled
what he had been told by the spirit of Taluta,
and the supernatural command seemed to jus-
tify him even in going thus upon the eve of
battle to meet the enemy of his people.

He skirted the heavy timber and retraced
his steps to a point from which he could see
the village. The drum of the gambling party