mountain vines covered with flowers, and here Souk and Chaf-fa-ly-a each day spent hour after hour in sweet communion with each other.  The stream was dotted for miles with hundreds of richly painted teepees; thousands of horses and ponies were constantly to be seen grazing in the green valley, and scores of warriors in their gay and various-coloured costumes galloped to and fro among the villages.  It was a pleasant sight at the home of the old Brule, and one that filled their young hearts with pride and joy, for all these herds and people were one day to be theirs.

After lingering a month in the camp, the old Brule announced to Souk he was about to send the chiefs to receive the presents for Chaf-fa-ly-a’s hand, and if the young man and his friends wished to return home it would be a favourable opportunity for them to do so.  Souk took the hint and made preparations accordingly.

        By the advice of the old chief, the party took another route,
        and, although it was two days longer, it brought them in
        safety to the Ogallalla encampment.

At Souk’s request, his father immediately assembled the council, and the negotiations for Chaf-fa-ly-a’s hand began.  An aged Brule made the first speech, expatiating on the power of his chief, the richness of his tribe, and the beauty of Chaf-fa-ly-a.  This was followed by an Ogallalla, who dwelt at length upon the power of his chief, his rank, and age, and upon the nobleness, bravery, and skill of Souk.  Several other speeches were made on each side, in which the young man and woman were alternately praised, and the glory of their fathers extolled to the skies.  The council then adjourned until the following day, the important point of the conference—­the price of the lady’s hand—­not having been touched upon at all.

Next day the conference continued, and toward evening the Brule chiefs, after having spoken a great deal, abruptly demanded fifty horses and two hundred ponies as the price for Chaf-fa-ly-a.

The friends of Souk were a good deal surprised at the extravagant demand of the Brule, it being about three times more than they expected to give.  Souk’s father could not conceal his indignation, and, saying he would give but twenty-five horses and one hundred ponies, adjourned the council, directing the Brule chiefs to return home and inform their venerable head of his decision.

Souk returned to his lodge with a heavy heart, for he clearly foresaw trouble, and that his love, like all other “true loves,” was not to run smoothly.  Summoning his friends, he desired them to make as many presents as possible to the Brule chiefs, and before they started he added five horses of his own, hoping by this liberality to secure their good-will.  He also caused them to be secretly informed, that if they could induce the Brule chief to accept his father’s offer, he would, on the