feathered headpieces, that hung grandly down their backs like Big
Chiefs.

Also they had pasteboard tomahawks, and Cousin Jack taught them a
war-whoop that was truly ear-splitting.

"First," said Mr. Bryant, "we'll all sing the Blue Juniata, as that is a
pretty Indian song, and so, sort of appropriate to Pocahontas."

So they all sang it, with a will, and the song of "The Indian Girl,
Bright Alfarata," was, in a way, a tribute to Pocahontas.

"Now," Mr. Bryant went on, "some one must tell the story of Pocahontas.
Harry, will you do it?"

But the Sand Crab was too shy to speak in public, so Cousin Jack asked
Ruth to do it.

"I don't know it very well," said Ruth, "but I guess it was like this:
Captain John Smith was about to be tommyhawked all to pieces by admiring
Indians. As the fell blows were about to fell, up rushes a beautiful
Indian maiden, with her black hair streaming in the breeze. 'Fear thou
not!' she said, wildly; 'I will save thee!' Whereupon she flang herself
upon him, and hugged him till he couldn't be reached by his tormentors.
The wild Indians were forced to desist, or else pierce to the heart
their own Pocahontas, beloved daughter of their tribe. So they released
Captain John Smith, and so Pocahontas married Captain John Rolfe
instead, and they lived happy ever after. Hence is why we celebrate her
birthday."

Ruth clearly enjoyed the telling of this tale, and threw herself into it
with dramatic fervor.

The others listened, enthralled by her graphic recital and thrilling
diction.

"My!" exclaimed Midget, as she finished, "I didn't know you knew so many
big words, Ruth."

"I didn't, either," said Ruth, calmly; "they sort of came to me as I
went along."

"Well, that's just as smart as writing poetry," declared King, and Ruth
was greatly pleased at the compliments.

"Now, my dear young friends," Cousin Jack said, by way of a speech, "the
exercises will now begin. As you know, we are celebrating the birthday
of a noble Indian Princess. Therefore, our sports or diversions will all
be of an Indian character. First, we will have an Indian Club Drill."

He produced Indian clubs for all, the boys' being heavier ones than the
girls.

These were new to the Maynards, but Cousin Jack soon taught them how to
use them, and instructed them in a simple drill.

Hester learned more quickly than Marjorie, for she was more lithe and
agile, and swung her clubs around with greater ease. Ruth seemed to know