ing greatly what new experience I was about to meet with,
I could not fail to notice the great respect with which my strange
protector was treated, a respect seemingly not unmixed with awe. Many
curious glances were cast at me as we passed through the crowd of idlers
and "dandies" who lounged about the open space before the temple, but no
word was spoken as they drew back to make way for us.

At the edge of the plain, and standing apart from the other structures,
I had observed a small lodge; it differed in no respect from the others
except in size. We walked directly towards this, and on reaching it
WAKOMETKLA entered, motioning me to remain outside. Laying down
upon the green turf, I abandoned myself to rest and reflection.
Naturally, my thoughts were mainly of my wife; and the mystery as to her
whereabouts and probable fate constantly occupied my mind. Had I but
known it, my suspense was soon to be at an end; but I little dreamed
that I was soon to see her again, to meet only to part for years, and
with the certainty that she would be subjected to every degradation; and
had I known it, such knowledge would have only caused me additional
misery. For over an hour I laid motionless; at times watching the
movements of a party of Indians who were engaged in ball play; at times
lost in thought. At last my savage master, having finished his visit,
the object of which I knew not, emerged from the lodge and signed me to
rise. We retraced our steps until we reached the temple, when he
indicated by gestures that I might remain without. I concluded from his
manner that I was at liberty for a time at least to follow my own
inclinations, and accordingly occupied myself in making a tour of the
village, thinking it possible that I might see something of my wife. As
I strolled about, I was surprised to find that I was entirely
unmolested, although many of the red warriors looked at me with an
expression that indicated a desire to "lift my hair." I afterward
learned that the silver collar I wore was itself a safeguard which the
boldest "buck" in the village would not dare to violate.

My search was for the time unavailing; returning to the vicinity of the
temple, I laid down upon the ground and awaited the summons of
WAKOMETKLA, which I momentarily expected. It seemed, however,
that he had either forgotten me, or was busied with something of more
importance, as I was suffered to remain by myself for several hours.
Watching the variou