92 GLOOSCAP AND OTHER STORIES "My daughters, the chief's son is tired of living alone." But neither of the daughters was willing to he married, so the father sent word to the chief that there would be no wed¬ ding. Now it happened that there lived in the vil¬ lage an ill-looking fellow, who was stupid be¬ sides, and clumsy at any kind of work. When he heard that the young chief had been refused, he said with a laugh: "I could get one of those girls if I wished." Some of his companions, who heard him, said: "Let us go to the wigwam of the maidens this evening." So, just as the old people and their daughters were beginning the evening meal, the young braves slipped into the wigwam. The maidens had no time to hide behind their screen. So for once they must be looked at. The father asked the braves to stay, and after eating, they played games until late in the evening; but not one word was said aboul the proposed marriage. When the young braves came away, the others laughed at their stupid companion for his lack of courage. Time passed, and the ill-favoured young brave went one day into the forest. As lie walked along he met an old woman, wrinkled and bent. Her hair was adorned with a great