THE AMERICANS AND THE ABORIGINES. 359 



capable of acting towards him in a base or hostile 

 manner. 



That evening the nuptials of Canondah and El 

 Sol were celebrated ; but the Indian maiden, although 

 fondly attached to the young chief, was weighed down 

 by a foreboding of evil which she found it impossible 

 to shake off. On her marriage-day she was sad and 

 in tears. 



" And does Canondah," said the bridegroom mildly, 

 " enter the wigwam of El Sol with a sorrowful heart 1 " 



" El Sol," replied the maiden, " is dearer to Can- 

 ondah than her own life ; his voice is music in her 

 ears, and his love the limit of her wishes ; but Can- 

 ondah's heart is heavy to bursting. The Great Spirit 

 whispers to her, and she has no words to express his 

 whisperings." She clasped Rosa in her arms, and 

 pressed a long and feverish kiss upon her lips. 

 " Rosa," said she, in a stifled voice, " will you be a 

 daughter to the Miko when Canondah is no more 1 " 



" I will," sobbed Rosa. 



" Will you promise, by the Great Spirit, not to 

 forsake him 1 " 



"I promise it," replied Rosa, her tears flowing 

 fast. 



The Miko, who stood silent and sunk in thought, 

 now made a sign ; El Sol threw his arm round Can- 

 ondah, and led her away in the direction of the 

 council wigwam. 



The wedding had been celebrated with great re- 



