9 "My master called me many names," the woman
announced,
"none of them fit to repeat! The only recollection I have of my
mother before they separated us, was that she used to hold me whenever
she could, and call me her Sweet Little Treasure. Would you find Sweet
Treasure an offensive name? It is the only one I can remember that does
not bring thoughts of shame or cruelty."
10 "Then Sweet Treasure it is!" cried Swift Deer, "And an appropriate
name it is, indeed!"
11 Great Mountain motioned them to him, and they sat by his side. Sweet
Treasure leaned over and spoke to him, glancing occasionally to Swift Deer. The big Giant laughed and
rubbed her head joyously. "Hey, weak heart!" he cried, "Is it fair to
steal your host's woman? But all is good! You can have her, but you be
good to her, or you'll deal with me!"
12 A great feast was served, and when it was done Great Mountain
introduced Swift Deer. The introduction was very flattering and
extremely boastful. When Swift Deer rose to speak, he felt somewhat
embarrassed. From Great Mountain's description, he made him out almost
to be The Hawk, himself!
13 The proposal seemed to spark interest. Many men stopped talking to
listen. When he was done, Swift Deer seated himself.
14 A rather fat Chieftain rose. "You said we can keep our property," he
began, "but what about our slaves and our women? I know your people have some strange Laws when it comes
to women. Like, a man can't beat his wife, and that she owns half his house. He can't sell it without her consent.
Will we be bound by these Laws?"
15 Any person taken by force," answered Swift Deer, after receiving
Great Mountain's signal, "will have to be freed. Our Law will accept
nothing else. And
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