THE CHILCAT BLANKET 235

in size and showed signs of carelessness. Her mother
scolded. Her grandmother told her many stories of
the beautiful blankets other Chilcat princesses had
made. But no one could arouse within her any feel-
ing of pride or duty or loyalty. Vain and arrogant
was Kali in those days, thinking only of herself.
She cared nothing about her reputation as a weaver;
she cared nothing for the honor of her tribe. She
cared not that the winter was half gone with but
little accomplished on the blanket—and that little so
carelessly done that her mother was ashamed of her.

“Tf this blanket is not finished by the time we go
South in the spring,” the mother said one day, “you
shall stay here in the village, under guard, until it
is done. I will not have it said among the tribes
that there is no discipline in this household, nor
any training in the art for which we are famous.
I will not have people say that you are vain and
stupid and self-willed, parading in your finery be-
fore your father’s guests when you should be work-
ing at your loom.”

After that warning Kali worked harder, for she
could not bear to think of being left behind in the
village while all the others were enjoying themselves
at Fort Simpson. The trip South was something every
one looked forward to throughout the year. No visits
to the trading-post? No eager suitors? No visits with
the young princesses from other tribes? No pot-