After the last berry to fill the basket was picked, the young Cherokee became troubled about what he would offer the Chief for his daughter.  The Osage tradition was still in Bob’s mind as he watched the logs burn in the middle of circle late in the night.  This was the time to confront the Chief about marrying his daughter.  After Bob approached the Chief on the subject of marrying his daughter, the Osage sat without motion in complete silence for some time.  The father’s eyes were staring at the ground when he said, “The ways of my people are old and true.  The contest will prove you to be worthy.”

The contest began at the first light of day.  The first brave to return with the largest animal would have the honor at the evening gathering.  An Osage brave had shot a turkey for entry.  Bob hoped he could find something larger than a turkey, as he cautiously moved up the steep hill over the boulders into the rock cave.  He swiftly and quietly moved behind a large rock at the cave’s entrance.  He heard birds singing and smelled the dew-laden pines filling his nostrils.  Smal rocks began to roll down the path leading into the cave from the other side.  He placed an arrow between the bow and sinew, then standing; he placed an arrow between the eyes of a wild boar.

Bob presented the wild boar to the Chief and that evening was announced as winner of the hunting contest.  The Osage asked Bob to stay till after the last powowo contest the next day.  Bob knew that the Chief would honor his promise of letting Margarette marry him, but the chief now indirectly challenged him to enter the swimming contest.

The final day of the powwow had arrived.  Bob presented the Jones family with a big fish he had caught on hooks tied to willow limbs overnight.  He learned that the swimming contest began when the sun was directly over the camp.

In the hot sunshine, the contestants walked to the edge of the long, wide part of the river.  The first brave to successfully cross the river and return would have great honor.

At the sound of a hickory whistle, eight swimmers dived into the water.  From the riverbanks, the people could see how very swift each one moved in the water.  Bob reached the far side and was returning when he felt the urge to use all his strength to reach the bank.  The next thing he knew, Jim’s children were cheering.

Margarette’s father placed her by Bob’s side, and announced his admiration for one who was so skilled in hunting and swimming.