rity. Whenever a girl approaches the altar there is a
stir among the spectators and sometimes a rude youth would call out;
"Take care! you will overturn the rock or pull out the arrows!"

Immediately behind the maidens' circle is the chaperons' circle. This
second circle is almost as interesting to look at as the inner one.

The old women watched every movement of their respective charges with
the utmost concern. There was never a more gorgeous assembly of its
kind than this one. The day was perfect. The Crees, displaying their
characteristic horsemanship, came in groups; the Assiniboines with
their curious pompadour well covered with red paint. The various bands
of Sioux all carefully observed the traditional peculiarities of dress
and behavior.

The whole population of the region had assembled and the maidens came
shyly into the circle. During the simple preparatory rites, there was a
stir of excitement among a group of Wahpeton Sioux young men. All the
maidens glanced nervously toward the scene of the disturbance. Soon a
tall youth emerged from the throng of spectators and advanced toward
the circle. With a steady step, he passed by the chaperons, and
approached the maidens' circle.

At last, he stopped behind a pretty Assiniboine maiden of good family
and said:

"I am sorry, but according to custom, you should not be here."

The girl arose in confusion, but she soon recovered her control.

"What do you mean?" she demanded indignantly. "Three times you have
come to court me, but each time I have refused to listen to you. I have
turned my back upon you. Twice I was with Washtinna. She can tell the
people that this is true. The third time I had gone for water when you
intercepted me and begged me to stop and listen. I refused because I
did not know you. My chaperon Makatopawee knows I was gone but a few
minutes. I never saw you anywhere else."

The young man was unable to answer this unmistakable statement of facts
and it became apparent that he had sought to revenge himself for her
repulse.

"Woo! Woo! Carry him out!" was the order of the Chief of the Indian
police, and the audacious youth was hurried away into the nearest
ravine to be chastised.

The young woman who had thus established her good name returned to the
circle and the feast was served. The "maidens' song" was sung, and four
times they danced in a ring around the altar.

Each maid, as she departed, took her oath to remain pure until she
shou