awaited the speech. He was somewhat surprised and
scandalized, under the circumstances, at the garrulity of his
companions, and, to confess the truth, Arundel sunk considerably in
his estimation. However, he made all allowances for the rude manners
of the whites and differences of customs, though hardly restrained by
such considerations from uttering a rebuke for the others' want of
respect to age, and to the master of the house, for whom he took the
picture. As, after Arundel and the girl left the apartment, the figure
remained standing, with eyes fastened on Waqua, and his hand
continually extended, the Indian, considering it an invitation to be
seated, sat down in a chair. He expected now to be addressed, and
modestly dropping his eyes waited for what should be said. Thus sat
Waqua, until, surprised at the continued silence of the other, he
raised his eyes, and beheld him still in the same position, with lips
partly open, yet emitting no sound. The situation of the Indian now
became more and more embarrassing, and he hesitated what course to
pursue. Greatly perplexed, he turned the matter over and over, until
finally he reached the conclusion that this was a mode of welcome
among the white men, and that the politeness of the other kept him
silent, in order that the visitor should first take up the word, in
which opinion he was confirmed by the sedate and unmoved expression of
the face. With such a notion occupying his mind, he rose from his
seat, and throwing the beaver robe a little off the right shoulder to
allow opportunity for gesticulation, he stood before the picture, and
after a moment of grave thought addressed it.

"Waqua," he said, "is a young man, and ashamed to speak first in the
presence of his elder; but the customs of the white men are very
different from those of their red brethren, and perhaps among his
white brothers the young men speak first that their folly may appear.
Because he thinks his white brother desires him to speak, he will make
a very little speech."

"The silent chief (so he called the picture, not knowing what other
name to use) knows that Waqua is a friend, because he sees him in
company with the white man who went away with the chief's daughter
with the strawberry lips. Waqua only asks the hospitality of the
silent chief, and permission to remain in his lodge till his friend
returns."

Thus having spoken, Waqua gathered up his robe upon his shoulder, and
awaited a reply.

But