Page:Bridge of the Gods (Balch).djvu/95

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among the tribes, though Multnomah himself be crumbled into dust."

She made no reply, but sat looking confused and pained, by no means elated at the future he had described.

"Have you never thought of this, that some time I must give you to a warrior? "

Her head drooped lower and her cheek faintly flushed.

"Sometimes."

"But you have chosen no one? M

"I do not know," she faltered.

Her father s hand still rested on her head, but there was an expression on his face that showed he would not hesitate to sacrifice her happiness to his ambition.

"You have chosen, then? Is he a chief? No, I will not ask that; the daughter of Multnomah could love no one but a chief. I have already selected a husband for you. Tear this other love from your heart and cast it aside."

The flush died out of her cheek, leaving it cold and ashen; and her fingers worked nervously with the flute in her lap.

He continued coldly,

"The fame of your beauty has gone out through all the land. The chief of the Chopponish l has offered many horses for you, and the chief of the Spokanes, our ancient foes, has said there would be peace be tween us if I gave you to him. But I have promised you to another. Your marriage to him will knit the bravest tribe of the confederacy to us; he will take

  • Indian name of the N