llie had been listening to the
doctor with absorbed attention.

"The Indian girl has asked for her friends several times in the last few
days," the doctor continued, "but she has not been well enough to be
permitted to talk. The nurses tell me the child had been most patient.
They are much attracted toward her. Now, I think it may do the little
girl good to see you. Naki, your guide has explained to me the
circumstances of your finding of the child. It is most remarkable. But I
wonder if you are really interested in the girl, or whether you are being
kind to her, now, only because of her accident?"

"Why do you ask me, doctor?" Miss Stuart inquired quietly.

"Because," the doctor answered honestly, "I am much interested in the
child myself. I would like to know that she has friends. The grandmother,
stupid and ignorant though she is, seems devoted to the child. As for
Eunice herself, she is an enigma. She is not in the least like the
grandmother. The old Indian woman is probably of mixed white and Indian
blood, but the child has less Indian blood. Eunice must have had a white
mother or father. I have asked the child about her parents, but she knows
absolutely nothing about them, and the Indian woman will not tell. She
told me, very decidedly, that it was not my business to inquire; that I
was to make Eunice well after which she and her grandchild would go back
to their wigwam and live in peace. But that beautiful little girl ought
not to grow up in entire ignorance. She should be educated, and given an
opportunity to develop."

"I agree with you, doctor," Miss Sallie rejoined, "but the case will
present difficulties. The old grandmother is the child's natural
guardian. She will never be persuaded to give her up."

"Doctor," declared Ruth shyly, "if it were possible I should love to
educate little Eunice. I could send her to school and do whatever is best
for her. But I am afraid we have no right to do it for her."

"Well, I cannot recommend kidnapping the child, Miss Ruth," the doctor
replied, "but, perhaps, you girls can persuade the old Indian to be less
obstinate. Come and see my little charge when you can. She is quite well
enough to see you. I shall not have to keep her at the hospital a great
while longer. Her arm is still bandaged. She will soon be able to walk
about."

"Aunt Sallie," Ruth asked, as soon as the doctor left, "may I have Eunice
up at the hotel with us, as soon as she is well enough to leave