ain of
Lalita's lodge was still thrown back. The chief ordered his warriors
to mount their ponies and quickly follow in pursuit. And soon, in the
darkness, the sound of their ponies could be heard as they raced wildly
after the flying chief. But Tserman's horse could run much faster than
any horse in the mountains, and before the Nicolas were halfway to the
village, he and Lalita were safe within his lodge. On came the
Nicolas, and at last only one hill lay between them and the village of
their enemies. To go around this hill would be many miles, so, leaving
their horses at the foot, they began to climb its slippery side. At
length they reached the top, but they did not know that this was a
sheer cliff they had climbed, and that at its foot, between them and
the Okanagan village, there flowed a deep river.

One of their warriors, Sinikielt, wanted to go ahead and find out the
best way to reach the village and surround it. He crept forward in the
darkness, and with a wild cry fell over the steep cliff into the river
beneath. His cry rang out through the night and was heard by the
Okanagans on the other side of the river. Quickly the camp was
aroused, and going forth, the warriors encircled the hill. When the
morning came, the Okanagans began to climb the hill to attack their
enemies. The Nicolas saw them coming and knew there was nothing for
them but certain death. The Okanagans were many and strong and were
well armed. The Nicolas were only a few warriors, and if they remained
to fight, they were sure of being either killed or taken prisoners.
There was only one thing for them to do. Turning their backs on their
fast-approaching enemies, they made one running leap from the cliff to
the river below and sank forever in its waters.

Many years after, when Tserman had gone to the happy hunting ground and
his son Lemichin was made chief in his stead, there came sad days to
Lalita. Lemichin was a great warrior and strong and handsome like his
father, but he cared nothing for the good of his tribe. His only
thought was his own pleasure. Little by little he gambled away all his
possessions, until nothing was left but his saddle-horse. Then one
night that was lost, too. Lalita begged him to turn from his evil
ways, but he made her no reply. Going forth from the lodge, he made
his way to the hills and remained there for one moon. At the end of
that time he returned to the tribe. Going to his mother, he said