Oct., 1903. Arapaho Traditions — Dorsey and Kroeber. 147 



']']. — Snake-Boy. 



When the Arapaho were yet hving in Southern Colorado, and 

 men were still troublesome to white intruders, a husband started out 

 with a war-party. The party, consisting of brave warriors, was absent 

 for days and people began to feel uneasy about their absence. 



In the party there was a young man who had just recently been 

 married, and his wife loved him devotedly. This wife used to wander 

 off in the wilderness and weep in solitude. One day she went to a 

 dreary place, with some quilled work to occupy her spare time, to rest 

 in weeping. This wife told a story like this : 



"As I was alone on the hill, doing some quilled work, and at times 

 thinking of my dear husband, wondering whether or not he would come 

 home, a very charming young man came up before me. Oh ! how I 

 felt when he stepped in front of me. I began to think of my dear hus- 

 band more and more. I could not help but look up to this young man 

 and ask him what he wanted, besides telling him that I was not out in 

 search of a partner, but constantly sat on top of the hill, thinking that 

 perhaps I might see the return of the war-party. 



"This handsome young man had a fair face, long and dark hair, 

 and had a slender stature. 



"He advanced closer and smiled at me. 'What do you want, young 

 man?' said I. The young man cleared his throat, slightly lifted his 

 right foot from the ground, and asked me if I had any desire to establish 

 a tie of friendship with him, since my dear husband was absent. Oh ! 

 I was struck so suddenly by the unexpected question. He stepped 

 backward and laughed at my silence. Of course I did not answer him 4t 

 once, but my conscience weakened, and I yielded to him. 



"As I had forgotten my poor husband, I laid my quill work aside 

 and was in deep thought. 'I know that your husband loves you dearly, 

 and you tell me that because he has not yet returned it has caused you 

 to have lonely thoughts, so allow me to say this to you, which I hope 

 you will grant. You may understand that, since you were a girl until 

 your recent marriage, I have been fascinated ; therefore, knowing that 

 you were here, I came alone. I came over to see you. You have not 

 been married long enough to love your husband.. Since he has gone for 

 good, and left you to stand the consequences, you should consent to me, 

 will you? Tf you really love your own father, mother, brothers, and 

 sisters, please yield to me and don't forsake your relatives. I pray 

 you that just as much as you love them, please consent to my request. 

 You may understand that I had intended to "buy" you at one time, 



