right-colored calicoes or in heavily fringed and beaded buckskin. Their
smooth cheeks and the central part of their glossy hair was touched with
vermilion. All brought with them wooden basins to eat from. Some who
came from a considerable distance were mounted upon ponies; a few, for
company or novelty's sake, rode double.

The maidens' circle was formed about a coneshaped rock which stood upon
its base. This was painted red. Beside it two new arrows were lightly
stuck into the ground. This is a sort of altar, to which each maiden
comes before taking her assigned place in the circle, and lightly
touches first the stone and then the arrows. By this oath she declares
her purity. Whenever a girl approaches the altar there is a stir among
the spectators, and sometimes a rude youth would call out:

"Take care! You will overturn the rock, or pull out the arrows!"

Such a remark makes the girls nervous, and especially one who is not
sure of her composure.

Immediately behind the maidens' circle is the old women's or chaperons'
circle. This second circle is almost as interesting to look at as the
inner one. The old women watched every movement of their respective
charges with the utmost concern, having previously instructed them how
they should conduct themselves in any event.

There was never a more gorgeous assembly of the kind than this one.
The day was perfect. The Crees, displaying their characteristic
horsemanship, came in groups; the Assiniboines, with their curious
pompadour well covered with red paint. The various bands of Sioux all
carefully observed the traditional peculiarities of dress and behavior.
The attaches of the fort were fully represented at the entertainment,
and it was not unusual to see a pale-face maiden take part in the feast.

The whole population of the region had assembled, and the maidens came
shyly into the circle. The simple ceremonies observed prior to the
serving of the food were in progress, when among a group of Wahpeton
Sioux young men there was a stir of excitement. All the maidens glanced
nervously toward the scene of the disturbance. Soon a tall youth emerged
from the throng of spectators and advanced toward the circle. Every one
of the chaperons glared at him as if to deter him from his purpose. But
with a steady step he passed them by and approached the maidens' circle.

At last he stopped behind a pretty Assiniboine maiden of good family and
said:

"I am sorry, but, according t