Sketches From Oldest America 



nary mortal were two balls hanging up in his home, 

 which he guarded zealously ; one was bright and 

 beautiful, the other dark. Living with the chieftain 

 were his wife and daughter, the latter just budding 

 into womanhood. She was noted for her many 

 virtues, while her laughing, merry disposition ren- 

 dered her a favorite among the people, and her 

 society was much sought. 



Wandering through space just then was a spirit 

 grown tired of the aimless life it was leading. It 

 longed to enter the world, to become a mortal like the 

 merry, happy people whom it daily saw. There was 

 but one way in which the spirit could gain its desire; 

 that was to be born into the world. On looking 

 around in its wanderings, it fell in love with the 

 great virtue and beauty of the chieftain's daughter 

 and decided she should be its medium for entering 

 the world, and therefore hovered around awaiting 

 its opportunity. 



One day the young woman's mother requested 

 her to visit the spring as she wished some fresh, 

 cool water. The girl, like a dutiful daughter, skipped 

 off merrily to fulfil her mother's command. 



The spirit having heard the mother's request, has- 

 tened forward and entered the spring. The day 

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