hildren,
and numberless instances prove how carefully even an untamed beast
will treat a little child--if nobody interferes. But let an adult
attempt to avert a seeming danger, and the animal will promptly throw
the responsibility on human shoulders, and act out its own mood at its
own will.

Wahneenah understood this, and, simply leaving her hand upon the
Snowbird's rein, but quite without any pressure, rode where that
frolicsome creature chose to lead. A strap, which the Snake-Who-Leaps
had fastened around the waist of the Sun Maid, held her securely to
her saddle, though her small hands clutched the flying mane of her
mount so tightly that she could not well have been shaken off.

It was a rough school in which to learn so dangerous an art, but it
sufficed; and that one day's ride did more to help Gaspar and Kitty to
good horsemanship than all the instruction they afterward received.

"How far--nice Other Mother?" asked the little girl, when the three
horses of their own accord began to slacken speed.

"Not far now, papoose. See yonder, where the trees fringe the river?
Among those trees is a wonderful spot I know. I've not seen it for
years, but in its shelter my warrior and I spent many happy hours.
There we used to take our son, and tell him the story of his people.
It was a hiding-place, in the ancient years, when enemies of the
Pottawatomies were on the war-path, and the chief would save his women
and children. But nobody remembers that trail, at this late day,
except those of my father's house. Besides me, not one soul lives who
could find his way thither, save Black Partridge. It is even many
moons since he has talked with me about it, and he may not recall it
still. Though he is a man who never forgets, and the knowledge is
doubtless merely sleeping in his brain."

Kitty Briscoe understood but little of this speech, but Gaspar's
interest was roused. Amid the discipline and routine of his old
life at the Fort, his lighter, gayer qualities had lain dormant,
but they were now rapidly awakening under the influence of his
recent adventures. It was impossible, too, for anybody to be long
with Wahneenah, in her present mood, without catching her spirit
and gayety; and though the Sun Maid comprehended little save the
liveliness of her companions, she could enter into that with all her
heart.

Therefore, it was a merry party which came at last to the river bank,
where the horses were glad to pause for rest, an