A METOWAC LEGEND. 199 



as expert in the chace as he was handsome. He was swifter 

 and stronger than any of his kind. Of course Gha-Nieu might 

 have won the love of the fairest women. But he was indiffer- 

 ent to them all. He complained that those who were deaf 

 could talk too well, and see too much, and those who were 

 mute might just as well be deaf and blind. None pleased him. 



So he came to the lodge of Na-wi-qua, who heard his foot- 

 steps, and she smiled and said, 



" Netawis (my cousin) comes to talk with me ?" 



" Nee-Sheema (my younger sister) knows all things," replied 

 Gha-Nieu. But he did not approach, for her beauty was 

 exceeding great. He sat down at the door of the lodge, and 

 she being blind did not know how intently he looked at her, 

 and so she talked with him a long time without fear. At length 

 she arose, and he gave her his hand lest she should stumble, 

 and they went out together talking all the time. 



Gha-Nieu was enchanted. He forgot Na-wi-qua could 

 neither dress venison, plant corn, nor look after the lodge. He 

 only saw she was gentle, lovely, and very beautiful. They 

 walked on for a very long time, and both grew silent. 



Nha-ha ! (oh dear !) at last suddenly exclaimed Na-wi-qua, 

 as he attempted to take her hand, and she turned away. Gha- 

 Nieu looked sorrowful. He was at a loss how to act. He had 

 never known fear. Na-wi-qua moved on : but she was blind 



