THE MAGICAL HAIR STRING

HERE was once a large Indian encamp- ment on the border of a forest. On the outskirts of this village there lived two old people. They had two children, both of whom were daughters. They were fair and beautiful; but they were so shy that they would not allow themselves to be seen by any one, and they would marry no one.

Now the chief of the village had a fine look- ing son, who knew of these two beautiful girls, and Wished to marry one of them. He told his father and some of his friends about his wish, and they went to the Wigwam where the maidens lived, to see what could be done. The beautiful maidens were nowhere to be seen, for they kept themselves behind a screen out of sight.

The evening passed merrily; they feasted and played games. At last the old chief said:

“My son is tired of living alone.”

The father said that he must wait until the next day before he could give the chief an an- swer.

When the visitors had gone, the father said: 91