that she wished to return to shore.
“She does not like me,” she said, nodding toward Mrs. Smith-Jones’s cabin, “and I will not stay.”
It took John Alden Smith-Jones a long time to persuade the girl to change her mind. He pointed out that his wife was greatly overwrought by the shock of the news of Waldo’s death. He assured Nadara that at heart she was a kindly woman, and that eventually she would regret her attitude toward the girl. And at last Nadara consented to remain aboard the Priscilla. But when Marie would have clothed her in the garments of civilization she absolutely refused—scorning the hideous and uncomfortable clothing.
It was two days before Mrs. Smith-Jones sent for her. When she entered that lady’s cabin the latter exclaimed at once against her barbarous attire.
“I gave instructions that Marie should dress you properly,” she said. “You are not decently clothed—that bear skin is shocking.”
Nadara tossed her head, and her eyes flashed fire.
“I shall never wear your silly clothes,” she cried. “This, Thandar gave me—he slew Nagoola, the black panther, with his own hands, and gave the skin to me who was to be his mate—do you think I would exchange it for such foolish garments as those?” and she waved a contemptuous gesture
