One day soon after this I saw the Chief coming up the path to the house.
He was not alone. Mary was lying in the swinging hammock. She gave a
bound like a deer and reached the door just as her father came in. She
threw her arms about his neck and fainted away. Mother put water on her
face. She soon opened her eyes and smiled at her father. He took her
hand and talked long to her. She looked past him and saw the strange
young Indian standing beside the door. She gave a cry and put her hands
to her face. Her father called him to come to them, speaking to them
both. At last Mary gave him her hand and spoke the Indian greeting,
"Bou shou" (how do you do.) In turn we all greeted him with the same
term. The Chief talked a long time to Mary and mother, telling about his
trip. Father came home to supper.
The Chief had brought a large pack of beautiful silks, beads, scarfs and
cloth for Mary to make some new gowns. He also brought some pretty
shells from Lake Simcoe for mother, which she prized very highly as her
mother was born there, and many more goods of furs and rugs. The young
Indian also brought some furs and rugs, one handsome white one with
black spots upon it which he laid down at Mary's feet. She did not seem
to be very well pleased with the present, but her father was loud in his
praise and thanks. At last Mary thanked him in a low voice. As it was
growing dark the Chief and the young Indian left for the village, Mary
remaining with us for the night. Brother Charley and I lay down on the
white rug with Bob beside us and were soon fast asleep.
Oh childhood's happy hours,
Would that they could come again!
If only we might taste their joys once more
Our hearts would sing a glad refrain.