WASSA’S THEFT. 29

“Wilt thou not throw us some of the blos-
soms, Wassa?” asked one of the little maids.

The one who was gathering the lilies care-
lessly threw a bunch toward the new-comers,
and then continued her occupation.

Soon another rustling in the bushes an-
nounced the approach of some one else, and
another little maid stood before them and
looked about her.

The new-comer was of about the size of the
one gathering lilies, but her whole appearance
was different. Her dress was made of rabbit
skins neatly sewed together, and she wore leg-
gins and moccasins of leather tastefully and
carefully embroidered with porcupine quills
stained in bright colors. Her brown hair was
neatly braided, and her dark blue eyes had an
open, honest expression. She had the confid-
ing, trusting air that is seen in children who
are tenderly and carefully reared, and who have
experienced only love and kindness.

The blue-eyed maid stood at some distance
from the brother and sisters, and watched them
with great interest, with the wistful expression
one sees but in an only child; but a troubled
look came over her face as Wassa ruthlessly