Having approached, he was charmed by the beauty of her person.—Never had he seen so much symmetry, nor a form so delicately moulded. He hesitated for a moment, before he would speak to her; then seeing the nature of the occupation in which she was engaged, he offered his assistance. Miskwa started at the sound of his voice, for she knew not that any one was present, until he spoke, when she drew her figure up to its full height, and gazed fixedly upon him. Oloompa seemed not to regard her scrutiny,—his countenance was joyous and happy; then looking at the deer before him, he felt the joys of the chase, and before Miskwa had time to answer, added, “a good shot. The bow is strong, and the arrow went straight to its mark.” Miskwa was pleased with the compliment, for she loved her bow and quiver, and with less formality in her manner than she had at first assumed, replied, “Those who depend on themselves for food, must needs shoot well.” “Thou art pretty,” said Oloompa; “the Ottawa warriors are not men. They suffer a maiden to kill her own game.” “Would you have me choose a warrior who can send an arrow less far than I can,” said the maiden. “Surely not,” said Oloompa. “The distance is an hundred yards;—will your arrow go more straight than that?” inquired the maiden, pointing to the one which still stood fixed in the deer before her. “No,” said Oloompa. “Then thou art not the warrior who shall draw my bow,” said the maiden. Oloompa was slightly confused, and casting his eyes down, was for a moment silent. “Does a captive maiden dwell with thee?” he continued. “No,” said Miskwa. Oloompa's countenance changed from joy to disappointment, and Miskwa observing it, asked, “Didst thou come to seek her?” “Yes,” said Oloompa, “and I was happy. I thought I saw her in the forest.” “Then let thy heart be glad,” said Miskwa;—“the maiden is here;—she lives with me. But she is as free as the air she breathes.” Oloompa was again happy, and he said, “Thou dost love her?” “Yes,” said Miskwa, “as I do the life blood which warms my heart. But stay, you shall see her,” and without waiting to know his errand, she ran away to seek her friend, whom she soon found, and cried out, “who dost thou think hast come?” The maiden had never seen Miskwa so pretty or as much animated, and answered, “I did not know there was one whose coming could make Miskwa so happy.” “The chieftain seeks ‘Sweet Flower,’” said Miskwa, “come, he waits.” “Seeks me!” cried the maiden with astonishment. “Yes,” answered Miskwa. “He told me so; and his heart was glad when he found you were here. ‘Sweet Flower,’” continued Miskwa, “will have a warrior young and handsome to protect her.” “Oh, hush! Miskwa,” cried the captive. “Fire and water can never unite, nor the red with the white. I shall always be a lone bird without its mate; Oh! do not mention it, for my heart still bleeds over its earliest hopes.”