by L. T. Meade
"'Where is Natawara?' he cried.
"Only Black Fox dared to come forward. He had but just returned from avictorious conquest.
"'Natawara made a trip of three months beside the running brook thatleads to the big water.'
"'Is there one, even more than one, who thinks of Natawara as acoward?' the chief cried.
"But none, of course, answered. Side glances were exchanged. So thenews had come to the Great Chief.
"'No coward is my brother,' Black Fox replied. 'None dare so say, formy arm would gain double its strength if I heard aught of it.'
"'Speak thou for thyself. Cannot Natawara make his own fights, answerinsults himself?'
"'His is a great spirit; to him such taunts are but water even on aduck's back. He loves not combat--rather he would voyage everywhere;but none here holds his strength, none his true courage.'
"Black Fox's eyes flashed. He made a picture that brought fire to hisfather's eyes.
"'So I would have you, my son, speak--even so. But Natawara is my son,too. Soon I shall join the Great Spirit and if he is to be chief, hemust be like the great chiefs before him. He must not own the soul ofa squaw.'
"Then after three moons, even as Black Eagle waited, his rage stillwith him, came Natawara home. There came with him a tamed fox,following as does a dog.
"'I have brought him to my brother who bears his name.'
"But Laughing Eyes called to him and instead of laughter there wasdread in her eyes.
"'Go to your father who has called and is waiting.'
"So Natawara went.
"What befell there, no one can tell for it shall remain a thing ofmystery; but those who saw have said that when Natawara came forth hisface bore a wondrous light as if the Great Spirit had touched it. Hebade farewell to his mother and was away.
"Black Eagle's heart was crushed; but his stern resolve held and thenext day Black Fox (who courageously announced that his brotherNatawara should be chief, should he ever return) was proclaimed as thenext in line. And truly as he stood there, his black eyes flashing,the fox--gift of his brother Natawara--beside him, he made the truefigure of a chief."
Jim Lee paused. "I fear," he said, "my story is of too great length."
But Mary Lee breathlessly replied, "Please go on. Tell us ofNatawara."
"Did he come back?" Letty demanded.
"Wasn't his brother splendid?" was Ruth's comment.
Jim Lee turned to Mrs. Saunders who nodded her head to continue.
"Years passed," Jim Lee continued, "and with the years came more fameto the name of Wah-hi-tis. Black Eagle joined the Great Spirit andthere was much sorrow everywhere.
"And with the years Natawara became a name forgotten. Forgotten did Isay? True, except by his mother, Laughing Eyes. Her name became amisnomer; rather it should have been eyes that held the rain, so sadwas she. Black Fox, loyal heart, also remembered, and after his motherdied, he made the mother of Natawara even as his mother.
"But war, he found a great game. Love came, too. White Cloud becamehis wife. A gentle soul was she who loved him and his great strengthand her second love went forth to Laughing Eyes.
"In the meantime Natawara went everywhere. The sadness left him, forlife was before him. No longer was he a Wah-hi-ti. He made his homeeverywhere, learned many things. From the Sioux he learned how to usea wondrous thing even like the present ax. Elsewhere he found whatiron would do. Then, too, he learned the use of many medicines. Thislast art he prized most. And with the years, throughout the land, wordwent forth of his healing touch, his healing medicines. Medicine-menspoke of the Healer everywhere. His was a life of love. What would themany tribes have thought had the truth been known--that here wasNatawara, a Wah-hi-ti and son of that great chief, Black Eagle, andbrother even of the Black Fox!
"So then a son was born to Black Fox--a son who promised to continuethe great name of the Wah-hi-ti. Richer and more powerful had grownthis nation and the land it held.
"But black clouds appeared. Black Buffalo, the son, had a strangesickness and the medicine men could not cure, try as they would. Itwas a time of great sorrow.
"The chief medicine man came unto the chief.
"'None can help Black Buffalo but the Healer. Send you for him; butsend not as the great chief, but only as a father who suffers, for theHealer knows not the call of chief or slave, as such, but only as acall.'
"'I shall go to him myself,' replied Black Fox, 'as a father whose sonails and whom the medicine men, professedly wise, cannot cure.'
"So Black Fox went forth. Seven moons of great haste and he came uponthe home of the Healer.
"A great change had come unto both, so that neither knew the otherexcept that within both of them was a great call which could not beexplained. Black Fox dared not tell his name for the Healer had manyother calls and his partiality was for the poor and the needy. Ratherhe spoke of the great love he held for his sick son and of the motherat home.
"The Healer heard the father's call and went forth. To the Wah-hi-tishe went, in his heart a great desire to see the land of his youth.Even so, he stopped often for the stricken were everywhere.
"So they came to the home of the Wah-hi-tis, to the old home ofNatawara. Black Buffalo was on his couch, but not as the son of achief, only as a Wah-hi-ti.
"As the medicine men watched, the Healer deftly applied his lotions,applied his touch.
"'The boy shall be well within fourteen moons. I shall stay if thechief will send everywhere word that I am here. But who is the chiefof the Wah-hi-tis?'
"'Know you not?' replied one of the medicine men who knew the greatdesire of Black Fox to keep his and his son's name secret. 'It isBlack Fox.'
"A strange look came into the Healer's face but he said nothing.
"On the third day came Laughing Eyes to see the patient.
"Yet as she entered the room, she it was who knew.
"'Natawara, my son! Natawara is here! Wonderful is the Great Spirit.'And she took him in her arms even as she did when he was but a youth.
"'It is Natawara, Natawara, son of Black Eagle!'
"The news traveled fast. Black Fox came at a great pace.
"'The Healer is your brother. It is Natawara.' A great light was inhis eyes. Brother and brother clasped hands, for each was filled witha great joy.
"'It is good,' said the Healer.
"'You are our chief,' said Black Fox.
"'Not so,' was the reply. 'The leader is here and here lies the leaderto come. My kingdom is elsewhere. I would that he who is saved shouldnot feel the call to battle except for the things that are worth thefight.'
"'So I shall teach him,' spoke up White Cloud, a great resolve in hereyes.
"'So it shall be, my brother,' announced Black Fox.
"But when the fourteen moons had come and gone so also had Natawara."
Jim Lee paused.
There was a silence of many moments. It spoke the appreciation of thethree girls.
"There's a lesson in the story for today, isn't there?" said Mrs.Saunders.
CHAPTER XVII
AUNT MADGE RETURNS TO THE CITY
Jim Lee left on Thursday to join his regiment. There was a quietleave-taking between Mary Lee and the man. Neither showed emotion--itwas kept within the depths of their hearts. On Friday Tom Marshallleft with several men for the mine. Mr. Saunders was to follow a fewdays later.
Mary Lee received some disquieting news on the same day. Dr. Paysoninformed her that with the return of Dr. Anderson he intended to jointhe first assignment of physicians and nurses bound for France. Hefelt, however, that her services could be used by Dr. Anderson to goodadvantage. Her experience would be of great help and under Dr.Anderson she would continue to progress.
Saturday afternoon found the old Campfire Group awaiting the trainwhich was late.
"Won't Aunt Madge be pleased with our Red Cross work at the school?"commented Grace Olcott.
"Wonder if she'll be displeased at our group's merging with the RedCross work?" r
emarked Edith.
"Of course, she won't," answered Ruth. "Will she, Mary Lee?"
The girls had an idea that Mary Lee's opinion and decision on mostthings was usually sound.
"I'm sure she won't. She'll feel that it was a very democratic andsensible thing to do," was Mary Lee's answer.
The train was in at last and the waiting girls stood on tiptoewatching the passengers as they came from the coaches.
"I see her, I see her," called Letty. "And there's Dr. Anderson andBob, too."
But the other girls were no less quick in seeing the Andersons andthere was excited gesticulating as well as calls. Finally, Mrs.Anderson saw them. She waved her hand and drew her husband'sattention to the girls. The doctor lifted his hat and smiled at them.
Bob made his way through the throng for he also had espied them.
He was the first to get to the gate.
"Hello girls!" he called. "Hello, Mary Lee, it's good to see you."
"I'm glad to see you, too," answered the girl. By that time Aunt Madgehad also arrived and the former had embraced and kissed all the girls.
"Well, Mary Lee," she said, when it was her turn, "when I see you Ifeel I'm at home."
"It certainly does seem so," added her husband who was keenlyinterested in his favorite. "Dr. Payson has been giving me some goodreports of you, young lady."
Several of the girls had come in cars, so it was an easy matter totake everyone home.
Mary Lee was seated with the Andersons. Bob was in the car with Ruth.
As they sped homeward, the conversation between Ruth and Bobnaturally turned to Mary Lee.
"Do you know that Jim Lee and Tom Marshall were here? And that Jim Leejoined the army?"
Bob didn't know a thing about it as Mary Lee had not written to tellhim. Ruth was not a bit averse to telling him all about Jim Lee.
"He's so nice and so romantic. And he's turned over his share of themoney from his mine to Mary Lee. And Tom Marshall has returned to themine. You'd like them both, Bob."
"Guess I would," replied Bob. "Wish I could have gone with Mr.Marshall to the mine. I'm glad Mary Lee has seen Mr. Lee and I'm gladhe's nice," he added.
"Isn't it all wonderful?" Ruth concluded as they reached the home ofthe Andersons.
Bob, too, got out at this point for he was going to stay with his auntas his mother and father were out of town. He, therefore, did not getanother chance that afternoon to talk to Mary Lee.
HE MADE IT A POINT TO CALL ON MARY LEE]
Bob, however, made up for lost time the next day for he made it apoint to call on Mary Lee. He was to be in the city for only that dayas he was due at school on Monday.
Mary Lee greeted him warmly. Somehow, the stiffness of their greetingthe day before was gone. Neither could tell just why they had been socool and so formally polite upon seeing each other, unless it was dueto the fact that so many others were about.
"I wish you had been here to see Jim and Mr. Marshall, Bob. I toldthem so much about you and they were very anxious to meet you."
"No more than I am to meet them," was the reply of the boy. "Tell mesomething more about everything. Ruth told me but I want to hear itfirst-hand."
Mary Lee went into an account of the meeting and everything that hadhappened. The boy listened intently.
She then gave him an account of the Red Cross work and what the girlshad done.
Bob was deeply interested.
"Our Boy Scouts at school are doing good work too. They are allanxious to spend vacation time on farms. I hope to get permission frommother and father to go to one during the summer. There isn't a boy atschool who isn't anxious to help at this time and I wish you could seethe big garden we have there. I wonder if Jim Lee will go to France,"the boy added.
"He is anxious to go, but of course no one knows what is to be done,"replied Mary Lee.
"Isn't it great to be part of such a big undertaking? Of course, waris terrible, but I've often envied the boys and men who lived duringthe Civil War. Now we are living in even bigger times and it's greatto help, even if only in a small way."
"I noticed yesterday how naturally you walk, Bob. No one would eversuspect you had ever been lame."
The boy flushed with pride. He was proud of the fact that he was nowlike other boys. He valued the use of both his limbs, the more,because he had been so long without their use. Nothing pleased him somuch as to be told he was like other boys.
Letty came in a little later and the three took a long walk.
"Isn't Bob brave to travel by himself on a sleeper? I'd be scared,"said Letty.
"Huh," answered the boy, "that's because you're a girl. At that," headded, "I'll bet Mary Lee wouldn't be afraid."
CHAPTER XVIII
MARY LEE MAKES A DECISION
It need not be thought for an instant that, in the rush of events ofthe last few days, the work of the Red Cross Group had lessened.
On the contrary, the Mayor had replied almost at once and had givenhis permission, including that of the Commissioner of Parks, for theuse of one of the parks in the neighborhood of the High School. Inaddition he had told them that other groups and clubs in othersections were receiving permission in the same way.
Monday brought a letter from the president of the railroad company. Hetold them that no written permission could be given but that anygardening done on their property would be respected by that company.Upon receipt of this information Miss James had written thenewspapers so that proper publicity could be given the fact and peopleavail themselves of the opportunity to obtain a garden plot.
The Red Cross Girls met that night. Over one hundred and fifty nowbelonged. All of them had donated some money at every meeting and thegroup now sent seventy-five dollars in cash to the Red CrossCommittee. At this meeting they were divided into six groups oftwenty-five each and each group assigned to certain definite work onthe big garden they were to start in the park. This idea had beensuggested by one of the men on the Park Board who had been a visitorat the meeting.
But it was a late spring. The weather stayed cold despite theeagerness and desire for warmth and sunshine on the part of the RedCross workers. The girls felt that they had done almost everythingpossible in their gardening, and although a few found their interestabating, the larger number kept pluckily at the duty assigned to each.
The days passed swiftly now. Mrs. Anderson soon made the girlsunderstand that she was still Aunt Madge to them. She renewed herinterest in their doings and was able to help Miss James in theorganization and planning of the Red Cross Group.
Throughout the country the realization of war came slowly. Somehow itwas hard to believe that the country was at war, hard to realize thatthe German nation, so long on friendly terms with our own land, wasnow an enemy. It dawned slowly in people's minds.
New York City was never so gay. Soldiers were everywhere. One felt,however, that beneath the outward gayety and color the city wasprepared for whatever might come.
A rare treat was given to Mary Lee and Letty who were invited by Dr.Anderson to accompany Mrs. Anderson and himself to a point of vantagewhere they could see General Joffre and the ex-premier of France,Monsieur Viviani. Never had the two girls been so impressed as theywere by the simple, kindly looking old man in the uniform of France.There was a greatness about him which both girls felt. And Mary Leealso felt that it was a history-making epoch. She was glad that in thefuture she would be able to say that she had seen the big man ofFrance. He was a character that one could never forget.
In the meantime, Dr. Payson was making ready to close his office andto turn over his practice to Dr. Anderson. He had been pledged tosecrecy as to sailing so his friends did not know just when he wouldbe on his way to France.
Mary Lee thought of the doctor's departure with many regrets. It hadbeen valuable time that she had spent at his office; and although thegirl had felt that he was in earnest as to her possible usefulness toDr. Anderson, something Aunt Madge had said made Mary Lee decide thatshe could not accep
t, even if Dr. Anderson felt in duty bound to offerher the position.
Aunt Madge and the girl had been shopping one Saturday afternoon. Theformer was evidently still unaware of Dr. Payson's intention of goingto the front. The conversation had turned to Mary Lee's work at thedoctor's office and Aunt Madge was as interested as was the girl.
"You see, dear, I, too, am helping Dr. Anderson in the same way. Hehas been so considerate, so kind. He objected to it at first, wantedto get the services of someone, although, as he regretfully said,'there is only one Mary Lee.' He felt that it would be too much of atax for me. He also added some silly, manlike remark about not wantinghis wife to be his assistant. But I think he understands now. You see,dear, it is such a fine thing to be able to look forward to doingsomething worth while, to be able to help my husband. It is usefulwork, too, and I am learning rapidly."
After that, of course, Mary Lee had no regrets in not offering herservices to Dr. Anderson. At an early opportunity she brought thesubject up before Dr. Payson.
"I hope you haven't spoken to Dr. Anderson as to my going over to hisoffice when you leave, Doctor."
The doctor looked at her in surprise.
"Have you decided that it is too hard work, my dear? I know it is andI do not blame you; especially so, since you are to receive a smallincome through Mr. Lee's fund. No, I haven't spoken to him as yet,"the Doctor continued. "I intend to do so within the next two days,however. I'm glad you spoke about it because this is the time to makeup your mind."