WONDER TALES OF THE FOREST 51 ance to test the maidens, so she answered them, "The chief has many beautiful daughters. I will talk with him.'' When she told the chief about this Indian, who had come there, seeking a wife, and that he was so scarred and sore, and that he did not look at all like a brave young warrior, the chief said at once, '' Bring the young brave hither, and let him take the choice of my daughters." For the old chief, too, had a touch of magical power, and he at once knew that this Indian was not what he seemed to be. The beautiful daughters seated themselves in a circle about the wigwam, and waited for the young brave to enter, and choose one of them for his wife. As he entered the wigwam, he let the branches of the doorway brush against his face and tear the scars and sores. When the beautiful maidens saw this stumbling crea¬ ture, with his face bleeding, they screamed and ran. Just one remained on her mat. She was the youngest and best of all the chief's daughters. The young man sat down beside her. They were married that very day, and the maiden could not keep back her tears. "Do not cry, my child," the old chief said. 1' You will soon find that you have no reason to be sorrowful."