So the boy reasoned unconsciously; but beside, he felt glad, he felt happy, because his mother approved of him.

He was fond of his mother at the bottom of his heart, as fond as any Indian can be.
Say Koitza approved his choice.

There was no doubt about it, and still she had not spoken plainly as yet.

At any other time he would have maintained a prudent reserve and waited his time to inquire.

To-day he felt so surprised, so completely stupefied, that only one course was left him, and that was to learn her real feelings by asking his mother directly for an explanation of her inexplicable demeanour.
When, therefore, Say asked again, "What ails you, mot[=a]tza, why don't you eat ?" he turned to her with a heavy sigh, placed both hands on his knees, and replied,-- "I cannot eat until I have asked a question of you.