warm
attachment for each other. The magician never alluded to the Red Swan
in their conversations.

At last, the day arrived when Odjibwa made preparations to return. The
young magician amply repaid him for his kindness and bravery, by
various kinds of wampum, robes, and all such things as he had need of
to make him an influential man. But though the young man's curiosity
was at its height about the Red Swan, he controlled his feelings, and
never so much as even hinted of her; feeling that he would surrender a
point of propriety in so doing; while the one he had rendered such
service to, whose hospitality he was now enjoying, and who had richly
rewarded him, had never so much as even mentioned anything about her,
but studiously concealed her.

Odjibwa's pack for travelling was ready, and he was taking his farewell
smoke, when the young magician thus addressed him: "Friend, you know
for what cause you came thus far. You have accomplished your object,
and conferred a lasting obligation on me. Your perseverance shall not
go unrewarded; and if you undertake other things with the same spirit
you have this, you will never fail to accomplish them. My duty renders
it necessary for me to remain where I am, although I should feel happy
to go with you. I have given you all you will need as long as you live;
but I see you feel backward to speak about the Red Swan. I vowed that
whoever procured me my scalp, should be rewarded by possessing the Red
Swan." He then spoke, and knocked on the partition. The door
immediately opened, and the Red Swan met his eager gaze. She was a most
beautiful female, and as she stood majestically before him, it would be
impossible to describe her charms, for she looked as if she did not
belong to earth. "Take her," the young magician said; "she is my
sister, treat her well; she is worthy of you, and what you have done
for me merits more. She is ready to go with you to your kindred and
friends, and has been so ever since your arrival, and my good wishes go
with you both." She then looked very kindly on her husband, who now bid
farewell to his friend indeed, and accompanied by the object of his
wishes, he commenced retracing his footsteps.

They travelled slowly, and after two or three days reached the lodge of
the third old man, who had fed him from his small magic pot. He was
very kind, and said, "You see what your perseverance has procured you;
do so always and you will succeed in all things you und