Summary
From the quietude of a Washington conference, the Arapahoe Medicine Man returns to his people, not merely with tales of the paleface, but with tangible, potent symbols of their encounter: a military hat, stark emblem of martial prowess, and a curious top hat, imbued by collective belief with mystical efficacy. A domestic incident shatters this fragile symbolic peace when his daughter, in a moment of youthful inadvertence, pierces the enchanted headwear with an arrow. This seemingly minor transgression precipitates a monumental vow: the daughter’s hand in marriage to the first suitor. The opportunistic Weasel seizes this chance, claiming her despite her palpable distress. Yet, the currents of true affection run deep; her devoted lover, refusing to yield, confronts the Weasel, compelling him to relinquish his claim. The Medicine Man, bound by the solemnity of his oath, initially remains unyielding. It is the daughter, with astute resolve, who unmasks the Weasel’s true nature as a petty thief, simultaneously as her lover diligently restores the damaged top hat to its perceived magical integrity. This confluence of exposed perfidy and symbolic redemption liberates the Medicine Man from his rigid commitment, paving the way for the rightful union of the young lovers.
Synopsis
Returning from a conference with the White Men in Washington, the Medicine Man of the Arapahoe brings with him two hats, the hat worn by the white men in war and a top hat, which he and the Indians believe to have wonderful powers. While the Medicine Man is displaying his possessions, his daughter accidentally shoots an arrow through the top hat, and he promises her to the first man who asks for her. The Weasel speaks first and in spite of her protest, she is given to him. But her lover threatens the Weasel and he agrees to give her up. Her father refuses to take back his word, but the girl proves that the Weasel is a thief and the lover mends the top hat, so he takes back his word and the girl and her lover are united.
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