near fire, and begins to roast some ears of corn
which the boys have stacked near by. The young people beckon Lincoln.
He shakes his head, watches them, smiling. A Virginia Reel is started
at left. Lincoln, who is still seated on log, and those who are dancing
the reel, are so absorbed that they are oblivious of a group of Indians
stalking down from right. The Indians draw near to Lincoln, and stand
motionless, watching the dance, their beads and headgear glittering in
the sun, their blankets a brilliant blotch of color against the green.
When the dance ends, Lincoln and his companions are aware of the
Indians. But the Indians, although their desire is to trade the skins
and furs they are carrying, cross to left, feigning entire
indifference, and seat themselves in a semicircle. Red Plume in passing
Lincoln has given him a grave "How!" to which Lincoln has returned
"How!" with equal gravity. The settlers stand in a group at right, a
little towards the background, watching the Indians. The Indians
continue to sit in a grave circle. An old Indian smokes. Two of the
Indian maidens appear to chatter. Finally Dark Cloud rises with a
bundle of skins in his hand. The young settlers come down to right
foreground. Dark Cloud puts the bundle of skins on the ground. Asks
them, by gesture: "What will they give?"

Tom Bush offers a penknife for one of the skins. Dark Cloud stands with
arms haughtily folded. Tom Bush adds a gay handkerchief to the
penknife. Dark Cloud shakes his head, and stalks back to his circle.
Sits with his brother Indians. Much conferring and shaking of heads.
Equal pantomime on part of settlers. Lincoln is keenly watching the
scene, but still apart from it all. Suddenly Red Plume rises and, with
slow dignity, approaches Lincoln.

RED PLUME.
How!

LINCOLN.
How!

RED PLUME
(with indicatory pantomime).
Red Plume know Lincoln. Lincoln heap square. Lincoln heap just. Honest
Abe decide.

[Lincoln rises, and comes to center foreground. Dark Cloud rises from
his circle and brings skins. He stands at Lincoln's left. The other
Indians rise slowly, cross, and stand behind Dark Cloud. At Lincoln's
right stands Tom Bush, and back of Tom Bush the youthful settlers. They
have gathered together things they wish to trade, such as a fine
blanket that was brought with the picnic blankets, hatchets, etc. Tom
Bush is the first to start the trading. He adds to the handkerchief and
penknife which he showed before a small