The intimidated lover departed, resolved to do a deed that should render him worthy of the daughter of Wawanosh, or die in the attempt.  In a few days he succeeded in getting together a band of young men all eager, like himself, to distinguish themselves in battle.  Armed with bow and quiver, and ornamented with war-paint and feathers, they had their war-dance, which was continued for two days and nights.  Before leaving with his companions the leader sought an interview with the daughter of Wawanosh.  He disclosed to her his firm intention never to return unless he could establish his name as a warrior.  He told her of the pangs he had felt at her father’s implied imputation of effeminacy and cowardice.  He averred that he never could be happy, either with or without her, until he had proved to the whole tribe the strength of his heart, which is the Indian term for courage.  He repeated his protestations of inviolable attachment, which she returned, and, pledging vows of mutual fidelity, they parted.

She never saw him again.  A warrior brought home the tidings that he had received a fatal arrow in his breast after distinguishing himself by the most heroic bravery.  From that moment the young girl never smiled again.  She pined away by day and by night.  Deaf to entreaty and reproach, she would seek a sequestered spot, where she would sit under a shady tree, and sing her mournful laments for hours together.  A small, beautiful bird, of a kind she had never seen, sat on her tree, every day, singing until dark.  Her fond imagination soon led her to suppose it was the spirit of her lover, and her visits were repeated with greater frequency.  She passed her time in fasting and singing her plaintive songs.  Thus she pined away, until the death she so fervently desired came to her relief.  After her death the bird was never more seen, and it became a popular opinion that this mysterious bird had flown away with her spirit.  But bitter tears of regret fell in the lodge of Wawanosh.  Too late he regretted his false pride and his harsh treatment of the noble youth.

THE FOAM WOMAN

There once lived an Ottawa woman on the shores of Lake Michigan who had a daughter as beautiful as she was modest and discreet.  She was so handsome that her mother feared she would be carried off, and, to prevent it, she put her in a box on the lake, which was tied by a long string to a stake on the shore.  Every morning the mother pulled the box ashore, and combed her daughter’s long, shining hair, gave her food, and then put her out again on the lake.