254, 



after it, but if there is one form of 

 work a settlement Indian hates more 

 than another, it is walking; besides 

 he was uncommonly drowsy. So he 

 sat down on the bank beside the 

 road to wait for Manita's return, and 

 soon toppled over into an uncom- 

 fortable position and fell asleep. 



When he awoke, water was run- 

 ning in the irrigation ditch beside 

 him, and the sun was unpleasantly 

 hot. He was within sight of his wig- 

 wam that had seemed so far the night 

 before, and he was in no amiable 

 mood as he shambled to the cooking 

 bower and sullenly attempted to 

 eat what Manita set before him. 

 The bacon was burned to a crisp 

 and the coffee had a queer taste, 

 but Whiteleg said nothing as he 

 feared the fault was his own palate; 

 the Whitemen's whiskey, as he knew, 

 was not a good morning appetiser. 

 Neither did he question Manita con- 

 cerning last night's disappearance. 

 He had a feeling that the less said 

 about last night the better. But 

 Manita was ready with an explana- 

 tion; had, in fact, sat up half the 

 night awaiting his return. 



