The Daughter of the Chieftain

"I want to see how a little Indian girl looks," muttered Ben with

a laugh, following his mother into the house.

Alice caught sight of him, and was in his arms the next instant,

while Linna rose to her feet, and stood with her forefinger between

her teeth, shyly studying the newcomer.

"Helloa, Linna! how are you?" he called, setting down his young

sister and catching up the little Indian. Not only that, but he

gave her a resounding smack on her dusky cheek.

"I always like pretty little girls, and I'm going to be your beau:

what do you say? Is it a bargain?"

It is not to be supposed that the Delaware miss caught the whole

meaning of this momentous question. She was a little overwhelmed

by the rush of the big boy's manner, and nodded her head about a

dozen times.

"There, Alice; do you understand that?" he asked, making the room

ring with his merry laughter; "I'm to be Linna's beau. How do you

like it?"

"I'm glad for you, but I--guess--I oughter be sorry for Linna."