LOHIER TRIES MATCH-MAKING 253 



their arms and ankles. Each maiden had on her best 

 striped petticoat, and some wore necklaces of dogs' 

 teeth, and feather ribbons. It was a beautiful sight, 

 and much we wondered what it was all about. 



At length the chief, stepping forward, said he had 

 been a long way ; had visited the largest towns of his 

 country; and had brought back with him the most 

 beautiful women belonging to the tribe. He hoped we 

 would each select one that pleased us, marry her, and 

 settle down among the Coyaries. We were rich, and 

 could easily buy a nice garden ; and all the men in 

 Narinuma would help us build a house, where we and 

 our children could live and be happy. 



We then saw that what we had considered a joke, 

 Lohier had taken in earnest. I did not see just how 

 we were going to get out of it ; but, as they were all 

 so good-natured, we anticipated no trouble. 



The parents of some of the girls had come too, and 

 were standing in the background. 



Lohier explained that the prices were high, as they 

 were the finest women in the country. 



He arranged them all in line, a row of giggling 

 girls, that we might see them to advantage. Begin- 

 ning with the first, he told their names and gave their 

 different accomplishments. 



"This young lady's name is Mime. Her home is in 

 Gidiaruma. She can sing, dance, work in the garden, 

 cook kangaroo, and is good-tempered and tidy. She is 



