palms.

"I have the right to carry it," she told them. "It is Echford Flagg's.
He gave it into my hands. He said it is known along the river and will
help me. I want to go north to his drive. He has sent me. It is on his
business!"

She received no immediate encouragement from their manner; they looked
at each other and turned their gaze again to her.

"Frank Orono," said one, patting his hand on his beaded breast. "Him
brother, Louis Orono."

"The drive is up there. If you're going only a little way in that
direction won't you take me along in your canoe?" she pleaded,
confessing, "I'm so tired. There was an accident to the team--I've had
to walk."

"You see!" said Frank Orono, stroking his hand over the feathers of his
headdress. "Big time for tribe. All dressed up. Him, me, we go to Olamon
Island. Governor live there--Chief Susep Nicola. His girl she marry
to-night. Big time!" He grinned. That evidence of human feeling in the
countenance which had been so impassive heartened the girl.

"And if I can get as far as Olamon with you----"

They ducked their heads in permission.

"Maybe Chief Susep send you on. Chief he much like him!" Frank Orono
pointed to the staff. "Chief cut in totem sign, his own hands. You come.
Be all right."

They spread a blanket for her in the middle of the canoe and paddled on.

It was then past midafternoon of her crowded day.

When at last they swung around a wooded point and beheld the Indian
village of Olamon the dusk was deepening. Many lights twinkled and a
huge bonfire waved flaming tongues.

"Big time!" chuckled Frank Orono. "Pretty girl--nice feller she marry.
Chief be glad to see you--you tell him!"

Those who were gathered at the pull-out place surveyed her with
curiosity. The bonfire lighted the scene and many were able to see the
totem mark on the staff of the cant dog. Those saluted her respectfully
and passed the word to others, who came crowding about.

Therefore, when the brothers Orono escorted her into the presence of
Sachem Nicola, Lida entertained the confidence of one who was among
friends. The chief--or rather, the elected governor of the tribe--dwelt
in a modest cottage, and with him was the priest who had come for the
wedding ceremony. It was the priest who displayed the liveliest interest
in the girl and he promptly began to seek the reason that had brought
her north with that emblem of authority. He questioned her with
kindness, but with much vigor.