The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-04-26

rim of the dancing ground that seemed to be reserved for the squaws and maidens. And there they sat, when not dancing, and watched the braves go through the strange steps and gy- ratfons.
 Then, at a signal, they would all jump to their feet and rush into the dance. Chief White Calf had seated his guests directly in front of the squaws. so Jack and Hal had excel lent opportunity to observe them.
 Presently there came a cessation In the dance and longer pause than usual. small group of Indians, in- cluding Long Time-Sleep, were stand ing in the center of the open space with their heads close together. Sud- denly, one of them raised his hand aloft and cried out in loud voice. And instantly the squaws and maidens jumped to their feet and rushed for ward.
 One pretty little Indian girl grab bed hold of Halls right hand, and an- other his left, and dragged him for ward into the enclosure. And pre- cisely the same thing happened to Jack and MT. Hamilton and Goldie.
 Though their father and Goldie seemed prepared for it-since both of them had attended this dance in hon. or of the return of the Sun and the Grass and Spring in previous years Hal and Jack were so astounded that, for the moment. they had wild vis- ions of being dragged away to be gauntlet of tomahawks and knives.
 Its all right, boys!" called out Mir. Hamilton. gaily. Were going to dance with them! Do as they dol"
 And presently both Hal and Jack found that. still holding hands. the squaws had formed in two large cir cles one within the other. Then, | when the drums began. the circles be- gan to revolve In opposite directions.
 At first the boys found it difficult to keep step, but presently caught on and, indeed. rather enjoyed the thought that they were dancing in real Indian dances with real Indians. Round and round they went, in time to the drum beats, and, you may be sure, doing their best to initiate the Indians in their strange. weird chants. Then. after a while, the drums ceased and the sQuaws and maidens went flying back to their seats, leaving Hal and Jack and Goldie and MT. Ham, ilton standing in the center of the en- closure.
 They, too, started back to their places, but Chief White Calf came running forward and grabbed Hal and Jack by the hand. And, if the truth be told. both boys were little fright ened--for they couldn't imagine what was going to happen.
 But they hadn't time to think for White Calf pulled them forward un- til they stood before Chief Long Time Sleep and several of the old Indians of the tribe. Then he began to speak and great silence fell upon all the assembled Indians looking on.
 After what seemed an age to the two boys standing side by side, the in- terpreter stepped a little forward and explained. It seemed that the two chiefs desired to make presents to the sons of their old friend-but, of course, that was simply the bare fact of the speech. for the Indian, always an orator, adds many complimentary and explanatory phrases to any state ment, however simple 1t may be.
 Then Chief White Calf took the beautiful blanket from off his own shoulder and extended 1t to Hal. But he, poor lad, was so astounded that he could do nothing but gasp.
 "Give the Chief your signet ring. Hall" called out MT. Hamilton in a low tone. And Hal, though wonder ing at the strange command, obeyed instantly. Whereupon Chief White Calf smiled broadly and nodded his head. while the other Indians ap- plauded and shouted approyingly.
 Afterwards. MT. Hamilton lexplain- ed to the boys that when an Indian makes a present he always expects ono in return. Not that he ia stingy or even an ''Injun giver." for hs isn't.