ing set in long rows, and among
them were white images of some substance like unto the Holy Mother at
the shrine in Montreal. Some of these graven stones were in semblance
of men with horns and goats' legs, and some of warrior women with
plumed helms upon their heads. Verily I marveled much at these strange
sights.

The pert little lads who idled about the hall began to make sport of me
concerning my dress, and laughed greatly at their own wit. I paid no
heed to their foolish gibes, there being no man among them. It irked
me more than good sense would admit, and I left the hall, and after
many vain endeavors made my way out into the open air--being right glad
to breathe again without a roof above my head.

I was ill at ease among all these gay gallants who minced and paced
along like so many string-halted nags. It was said the King walked
much in that way, and so, forsooth, must all his lords and ladies go.
Perhaps it was the fashion of the court, but I stuck to the only gait I
knew, a good, honest, swinging stride which could cover fifteen leagues
a day at a pinch.

Off to one side the water kept leaping up into the air as I am told the
spouting springs do in the Dacotah country. I walked that way and was
soon lost in wonderment at the contemplation of a vast bronze basin
filled with curious brazen beasts, half men half fishes, the like of
which I had never seen. Some had horns from which they blew sparkling
streams; others astride of strange sea monsters plunged about and cast
up jets of water. It all made so much noise I scarcely heard a voice
behind me say:

"I'll lay a golden Louis his coat is of as queer a cut as his nether
garment--whatever its outlandish name maybe."

"Done," said another voice.

I gave no heed, thinking they meant not me, until a dapper little chap,
all plumed and belaced, stepped in front of me with a most lordly air.

"Hey, friend, who is thy tailor?" and behind me rang out the merry
laugh at such a famous jest.

I turned and there being a party of fine ladies at my back full gladly
would I have retired, had not the young braggart swaggered to my front
again and persisted:

"Friend, let us see the cut of thy coat."

We men of the forest accustomed to the rough ways of a camp, and
looking not for insult, are slow to anger, so I only asked as politely
as might be, because of the ladies:

"And wherefore?"

"Because I say so, sir," he replied, most arrogantly and stamping