was just going to say that myself," said Helen.

Masters smiled sadly. "Look at the mothers in Oraibi to-morrow. See what
heathenism has done for them." He passed on and Van Shaw who had stared
at Masters as he spoke said to Helen--"They're queer beggars, ain't
they. But I don't believe in trying to change them. They belong here.
Might as well let 'em go on the way they've been going the last thousand
years."

Helen looked at him with the first feeling she had had of possible
distrust or dislike. Van Shaw had spoken just as he really felt, and
Helen saw a brief ways into his real character. But as she looked again
at the winding figures steadily trotting up the steep path, she had a
momentary doubt in her own mind as to the ultimate wisdom of Masters and
Clifford in trying to change the century old customs and habits of these
desert people.

The day of the snake dance at Oraibi dawned strangely with a heavy
shower.

"They're getting their answer to their prayer before they offer it,"
said Mr. Douglas to Clifford as they sat up on their rugs and listened
to the downpour on the tent.

"It has no effect on them," replied Clifford. "The snake dance means a
prayer for rain for the whole season. This rain the poor devils believe
is an answer to their prayer made two years ago. It's a little late in
getting here but every drop of water between the two dances is so
accounted for."

By the middle of the forenoon it had cleared up and the two parties,
increased by other tourist crowds that had come in during the night,
proceeded to climb the trail into Oraibi.

Van Shaw and his two friends in spite of the rain had got up early and
finished making the litter. When the moment came for Helen to be
transferred to it there was an embarrassing halt and the young men eyed
one another. Felix was determined to be one of the carriers and Walter
was bound to be another. Van Shaw seemed to take for granted that as he
was the one who had suggested the affair he should be another. The two
friends from Pittsburgh protested that they would be desolate if not
allowed to help.

Felix and Walter had gone to the head of the cot and seized the ends of
the tent poles and Van Shaw had stepped up to one of the poles at the
other end when Esther, who perhaps sensed some electricity in the air
not caused by the recent thunder storm, said to Paul:

"You take hold with Mr. Van Shaw, Paul, and let Mr. Coleman and Mr.
Calder take their turn later