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diff --git a/337-h/337-h.htm b/337-h/337-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..85cd140 --- /dev/null +++ b/337-h/337-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,7157 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + Indian Boyhood, by Ohiyesa (Charles A. Eastman) + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +Project Gutenberg's Indian Boyhood, by [AKA Ohiyesa], Charles A. Eastman + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Indian Boyhood + +Author: [AKA Ohiyesa], Charles A. Eastman + +Release Date: July 5, 2008 [EBook #337] +Last Updated: October 7, 2016 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK INDIAN BOYHOOD *** + + + + +Produced by Judith Boss, and David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h1> + INDIAN BOYHOOD + </h1> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + By Ohiyesa (Charles A. Eastman) + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> I. EARLIEST RECOLLECTIONS </a><br /> + </p> + <div class="toc2"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> I. Hadakah, “The Pitiful Last” </a><br /> <a + href="#link2H_4_0003"> II. Early Hardships </a><br /> <a + href="#link2H_4_0004"> III. My Indian Grandmother </a><br /> <a + href="#link2H_4_0005"> IV. An Indian Sugar Camp </a><br /> <a + href="#link2H_4_0006"> V. A Midsummer Feast </a><br /> + </div> + <p> + <a href="#link2H_4_0007"> II. AN INDIAN BOY’S TRAINING </a><br /><br /> <a + href="#link2H_4_0008"> III. MY PLAYS AND PLAYMATES </a><br /> + </p> + <div class="toc2"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0009"> I. Games and Sports </a><br /> <a + href="#link2H_4_0010"> II. My Playmates </a><br /> <a + href="#link2H_4_0011"> III: The Boy Hunter </a><br /> <a + href="#link2H_4_0012"> IV. Hakadah’s First Offering </a><br /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <a href="#link2H_4_0013"> V. FAMILY TRADITIONS </a><br /> + </p> + <div class="toc2"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0014"> I: A Visit to Smoky Day </a><br /> <a + href="#link2H_4_0015"> II. The Stone Boy </a><br /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <a href="#link2H_4_0016"> VI. EVENING IN THE LODGE </a><br /> + </p> + <div class="toc2"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0017"> I: Evening in the Lodge </a><br /> <a + href="#link2H_4_0018"> II. Adventures of My Uncle </a><br /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <a href="#link2H_4_0019"> VII. THE END OF THE BEAR DANCE </a><br /><br /> + <a href="#link2H_4_0020"> VIII. THE MAIDENS’ FEAST </a><br /><br /> <a + href="#link2H_4_0021"> IX. MORE LEGENDS </a><br /> + </p> + <div class="toc2"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0022"> I: A Legend of Devil’s Lake </a><br /> <a + href="#link2H_4_0023"> II. Manitoshaw’s Hunting </a><br /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <a href="#link2H_4_0024"> X. INDIAN LIFE AND ADVENTURE </a><br /> + </p> + <div class="toc2"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0025"> I: Life in the Woods </a><br /> <a + href="#link2H_4_0026"> II. A Winter Camp </a><br /> <a + href="#link2H_4_0027"> III. Wild Harvests </a><br /> <a + href="#link2H_4_0028"> IV. A Meeting on the Plains </a><br /> <a + href="#link2H_4_0029"> V. An Adventurous Journey </a><br /> <a + href="#link2H_4_0030"> XI. The Laughing Philosopher </a><br /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <a href="#link2H_4_0031"> XII. FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF CIVILIZATION </a><br /> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + I. EARLIEST RECOLLECTIONS + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + I. Hadakah, “The Pitiful Last” + </h2> + <p> + WHAT boy would not be an Indian for a while when he thinks of the freest + life in the world? This life was mine. Every day there was a real hunt. + There was real game. Occasionally there was a medicine dance away off in + the woods where no one could disturb us, in which the boys impersonated + their elders, Brave Bull, Standing Elk, High Hawk, Medicine Bear, and the + rest. They painted and imitated their fathers and grandfathers to the + minutest detail, and accurately too, because they had seen the real thing + all their lives. + </p> + <p> + We were not only good mimics but we were close students of nature. We + studied the habits of animals just as you study your books. We watched the + men of our people and represented them in our play; then learned to + emulate them in our lives. + </p> + <p> + No people have a better use of their five senses than the children of the + wilderness. We could smell as well as hear and see. We could feel and + taste as well as we could see and hear. Nowhere has the memory been more + fully developed than in the wild life, and I can still see wherein I owe + much to my early training. + </p> + <p> + Of course I myself do not remember when I first saw the day, but my + brothers have often recalled the event with much mirth; for it was a + custom of the Sioux that when a boy was born his brother must plunge into + the water, or roll in the snow naked if it was winter time; and if he was + not big enough to do either of these himself, water was thrown on him. If + the new-born had a sister, she must be immersed. The idea was that a + warrior had come to camp, and the other children must display some act of + hardihood. + </p> + <p> + I was so unfortunate as to be the youngest of five children who, soon + after I was born, were left motherless. I had to bear the humiliating name + “Hakadah,” meaning “the pitiful last,” until I should earn a more + dignified and appropriate name. I was regarded as little more than a + plaything by the rest of the children. + </p> + <p> + My mother, who was known as the handsomest woman of all the Spirit Lake + and Leaf Dweller Sioux, was dangerously ill, and one of the medicine men + who attended her said: “Another medicine man has come into existence, but + the mother must die. Therefore let him bear the name ‘Mysterious + Medicine.’” But one of the bystanders hastily interfered, saying that an + uncle of the child already bore that name, so, for the time, I was only + “Hakadah.” + </p> + <p> + My beautiful mother, sometimes called the “Demi-Goddess” of the Sioux, who + tradition says had every feature of a Caucasian descent with the exception + of her luxuriant black hair and deep black eyes, held me tightly to her + bosom upon her death-bed, while she whispered a few words to her + mother-in-law. She said: “I give you this boy for your own. I cannot trust + my own mother with him; she will neglect him and he will surely die.” + </p> + <p> + The woman to whom these words were spoken was below the average in + stature, remarkably active for her age (she was then fully sixty), and + possessed of as much goodness as intelligence. My mother’s judgment + concerning her own mother was well founded, for soon after her death that + old lady appeared, and declared that Hakadah was too young to live without + a mother. She offered to keep me until I died, and then she would put me + in my mother’s grave. Of course my other grandmother denounced the + suggestion as a very wicked one, and refused to give me up. + </p> + <p> + The babe was done up as usual in a movable cradle made from an oak board + two and a half feet long and one and a half feet wide. On one side of it + was nailed with brass-headed tacks the richly-embroidered sack, which was + open in front and laced up and down with buckskin strings. Over the arms + of the infant was a wooden bow, the ends of which were firmly attached to + the board, so that if the cradle should fall the child’s head and face + would be protected. On this bow were hung curious playthings—strings + of artistically carved bones and hoofs of deer, which rattled when the + little hands moved them. + </p> + <p> + In this upright cradle I lived, played and slept the greater part of the + time during the first few months of my life. Whether I was made to lean + against a lodge pole or was suspended from a bough of a tree, while my + grandmother cut wood, or whether I was carried on her back, or + conveniently balanced by another child in a similar cradle hung on the + opposite side of a pony, I was still in my oaken bed. + </p> + <p> + This grandmother, who had already lived through sixty years of hardships, + was a wonder to the young maidens of the tribe. She showed no less + enthusiasm over Hakadah than she had done when she held her first-born, + the boy’s father, in her arms. Every little attention that is due to a + loved child she performed with much skill and devotion. She made all my + scanty garments and my tiny moccasins with a great deal of taste. It was + said by all that I could not have had more attention had my mother been + living. + </p> + <p> + Uncheedah (grandmother) was a great singer. Sometimes, when Hakadah + wakened too early in the morning, she would sing to him something like the + following lullaby: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Sleep, sleep, my boy, the Chippewas + + Are far away—are far away. + + Sleep, sleep, my boy; prepare to meet + + The foe by day—the foe by day! + + The cowards will not dare to fight + + Till morning break—till morning break. + + Sleep, sleep, my child, while still ‘tis night; + + Then bravely wake—then bravely wake! +</pre> + <p> + The Dakota women were wont to cut and bring their fuel from the woods and, + in fact, to perform most of the drudgery of the camp. This of necessity + fell to their lot, because the men must follow the game during the day. + Very often my grandmother carried me with her on these excursions; and + while she worked it was her habit to suspend me from a wild grape vine or + a springy bough, so that the least breeze would swing the cradle to and + fro. + </p> + <p> + She has told me that when I had grown old enough to take notice, I was + apparently capable of holding extended conversations in an unknown dialect + with birds and red squirrels. Once I fell asleep in my cradle, suspended + five or six feet from the ground, while Uncheedah was some distance away, + gathering birch bark for a canoe. A squirrel had found it convenient to + come upon the bow of my cradle and nibble his hickory nut, until he awoke + me by dropping the crumbs of his meal. My disapproval of his intrusion was + so decided that he had to take a sudden and quick flight to another bough, + and from there he began to pour out his wrath upon me, while I continued + my objections to his presence so audibly that Uncheedah soon came to my + rescue, and compelled the bold intruder to go away. It was a common thing + for birds to alight on my cradle in the woods. + </p> + <p> + My food was, at first, a troublesome question for my kind foster-mother. + She cooked some wild rice and strained it, and mixed it with broth made + from choice venison. She also pounded dried venison almost to a flour, and + kept it in water till the nourishing juices were extracted, then mixed + with it some pounded maize, which was browned before pounding. This soup + of wild rice, pounded venison and maize was my main-stay. But soon my + teeth came—much earlier than the white children usually cut theirs; + and then my good nurse gave me a little more varied food, and I did all my + own grinding. + </p> + <p> + After I left my cradle, I almost walked away from it, she told me. She + then began calling my attention to natural objects. Whenever I heard the + song of a bird, she would tell me what bird it came from, something after + this fashion: + </p> + <p> + “Hakadah, listen to Shechoka (the robin) calling his mate. He says he has + just found something good to eat.” Or “Listen to Oopehanska (the thrush); + he is singing for his little wife. He will sing his best.” When in the + evening the whippoorwill started his song with vim, no further than a + stone’s throw from our tent in the woods, she would say to me: + </p> + <p> + “Hush! It may be an Ojibway scout!” + </p> + <p> + Again, when I waked at midnight, she would say: + </p> + <p> + “Do not cry! Hinakaga (the owl) is watching you from the tree-top.” + </p> + <p> + I usually covered up my head, for I had perfect faith in my grandmother’s + admonitions, and she had given me a dreadful idea of this bird. It was one + of her legends that a little boy was once standing just outside of the + teepee (tent), crying vigorously for his mother, when Hinakaga swooped + down in the darkness and carried the poor little fellow up into the trees. + It was well known that the hoot of the owl was commonly imitated by Indian + scouts when on the war-path. There had been dreadful massacres immediately + following this call. Therefore it was deemed wise to impress the sound + early upon the mind of the child. + </p> + <p> + Indian children were trained so that they hardly ever cried much in the + night. This was very expedient and necessary in their exposed life. In my + infancy it was my grandmother’s custom to put me to sleep, as she said, + with the birds, and to waken me with them, until it became a habit. She + did this with an object in view. An Indian must always rise early. In the + first place, as a hunter, he finds his game best at daybreak. Secondly, + other tribes, when on the war-path, usually make their attack very early + in the morning. Even when our people are moving about leisurely, we like + to rise before daybreak, in order to travel when the air is cool, and + unobserved, perchance, by our enemies. + </p> + <p> + As a little child, it was instilled into me to be silent and reticent. + This was one of the most important traits to form in the character of the + Indian. As a hunter and warrior it was considered absolutely necessary to + him, and was thought to lay the foundations of patience and self-control. + There are times when boisterous mirth is indulged in by our people, but + the rule is gravity and decorum. + </p> + <p> + After all, my babyhood was full of interest and the beginnings of life’s + realities. The spirit of daring was already whispered into my ears. The + value of the eagle feather as worn by the warrior had caught my eye. One + day, when I was left alone, at scarcely two years of age, I took my + uncle’s war bonnet and plucked out all its eagle feathers to decorate my + dog and myself. So soon the life that was about me had made its impress, + and already I desired intensely to comply with all of its demands. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + II. Early Hardships + </h2> + <p> + ONE of the earliest recollections of my adventurous childhood is the ride + I had on a pony’s side. I was passive in the whole matter. A little girl + cousin of mine was put in a bag and suspended from the horn of an Indian + saddle; but her weight must be balanced or the saddle would not remain on + the animal’s back. Accordingly, I was put into another sack and made to + keep the saddle and the girl in position! I did not object at all, for I + had a very pleasant game of peek-aboo with the little girl, until we came + to a big snow-drift, where the poor beast was stuck fast and began to lie + down. Then it was not so nice! + </p> + <p> + This was the convenient and primitive way in which some mothers packed + their children for winter journeys. However cold the weather might be, the + inmate of the fur-lined sack was usually very comfortable—at least I + used to think so. I believe I was accustomed to all the precarious Indian + conveyances, and, as a boy, I enjoyed the dog-travaux ride as much as any. + The travaux consisted of a set of rawhide strips securely lashed to the + tent-poles, which were harnessed to the sides of the animal as if he stood + between shafts, while the free ends were allowed to drag on the ground. + Both ponies and large dogs were used as beasts of burden, and they carried + in this way the smaller children as well as the baggage. + </p> + <p> + This mode of travelling for children was possible only in the summer, and + as the dogs were sometimes unreliable, the little ones were exposed to a + certain amount of danger. For instance, whenever a train of dogs had been + travelling for a long time, almost perishing with the heat and their heavy + loads, a glimpse of water would cause them to forget all their + responsibilities. Some of them, in spite of the screams of the women, + would swim with their burdens into the cooling stream, and I was thus, on + more than one occasion, made to partake of an unwilling bath. + </p> + <p> + I was a little over four years old at the time of the “Sioux massacre” in + Minnesota. In the general turmoil, we took flight into British Columbia, + and the journey is still vividly remembered by all our family. A yoke of + oxen and a lumber-wagon were taken from some white farmer and brought home + for our conveyance. + </p> + <p> + How delighted I was when I learned that we were to ride behind those + wise-looking animals and in that gorgeously painted wagon! It seemed + almost like a living creature to me, this new vehicle with four legs, and + the more so when we got out of axle-grease and the wheels went along + squealing like pigs! + </p> + <p> + The boys found a great deal of innocent fun in jumping from the high wagon + while the oxen were leisurely moving along. My elder brothers soon became + experts. At last, I mustered up courage enough to join them in this sport. + I was sure they stepped on the wheel, so I cautiously placed my moccasined + foot upon it. Alas! before I could realize what had happened, I was under + the wheels, and had it not been for the neighbor immediately behind us, I + might have been run over by the next team as well. + </p> + <p> + This was my first experience with a civilized vehicle. I cried out all + possible reproaches on the white man’s team and concluded that a + dog-travaux was good enough for me. I was really rejoiced that we were + moving away from the people who made the wagon that had almost ended my + life, and it did not occur to me that I alone was to blame. I could not be + persuaded to ride in that wagon again and was glad when we finally left it + beside the Missouri river. + </p> + <p> + The summer after the “Minnesota massacre,” General Sibley pursued our + people across this river. Now the Missouri is considered one of the most + treacherous rivers in the world. Even a good modern boat is not safe upon + its uncertain current. We were forced to cross in buffalo-skin boats—as + round as tubs! + </p> + <p> + The Washechu (white men) were coming in great numbers with their big guns, + and while most of our men were fighting them to gain time, the women and + the old men made and equipped the temporary boats, braced with ribs of + willow. Some of these were towed by two or three women or men swimming in + the water and some by ponies. It was not an easy matter to keep them right + side up, with their helpless freight of little children and such goods as + we possessed. + </p> + <p> + In our flight, we little folks were strapped in the saddles or held in + front of an older person, and in the long night marches to get away from + the soldiers, we suffered from loss of sleep and insufficient food. Our + meals were eaten hastily, and sometimes in the saddle. Water was not + always to be found. The people carried it with them in bags formed of + tripe or the dried pericardium of animals. + </p> + <p> + Now we were compelled to trespass upon the country of hostile tribes and + were harassed by them almost daily and nightly. Only the strictest + vigilance saved us. + </p> + <p> + One day we met with another enemy near the British lines. It was a prairie + fire. We were surrounded. Another fire was quickly made, which saved our + lives. + </p> + <p> + One of the most thrilling experiences of the following winter was a + blizzard, which overtook us in our wanderings. Here and there, a family + lay down in the snow, selecting a place where it was not likely to drift + much. For a day and a night we lay under the snow. Uncle stuck a long pole + beside us to tell us when the storm was over. We had plenty of buffalo + robes and the snow kept us warm, but we found it heavy. After a time, it + became packed and hollowed out around our bodies, so that we were as + comfortable as one can be under those circumstances. + </p> + <p> + The next day the storm ceased, and we discovered a large herd of buffaloes + almost upon us. We dug our way out, shot some of the buffaloes, made a + fire and enjoyed a good dinner. + </p> + <p> + I was now an exile as well as motherless; yet I was not unhappy. Our + wanderings from place to place afforded us many pleasant experiences and + quite as many hardships and misfortunes. There were times of plenty and + times of scarcity, and we had several narrow escapes from death. In savage + life, the early spring is the most trying time and almost all the famines + occurred at this period of the year. + </p> + <p> + The Indians are a patient and a clannish people; their love for one + another is stronger than that of any civilized people I know. If this were + not so, I believe there would have been tribes of cannibals among them. + White people have been known to kill and eat their companions in + preference to starving; but Indians—never! + </p> + <p> + In times of famine, the adults often denied themselves in order to make + the food last as long as possible for the children, who were not able to + bear hunger as well as the old. As a people, they can live without food + much longer than any other nation. + </p> + <p> + I once passed through one of these hard springs when we had nothing to eat + for several days. I well remember the six small birds which constituted + the breakfast for six families one morning; and then we had no dinner or + supper to follow! What a relief that was to me—although I had only a + small wing of a small bird for my share! Soon after this, we came into a + region where buffaloes were plenty, and hunger and scarcity were + forgotten. + </p> + <p> + Such was the Indian’s wild life! When game was to be had and the sun + shone, they easily forgot the bitter experiences of the winter before. + Little preparation was made for the future. They are children of Nature, + and occasionally she whips them with the lashes of experience, yet they + are forgetful and careless. Much of their suffering might have been + prevented by a little calculation. + </p> + <p> + During the summer, when Nature is at her best, and provides abundantly for + the savage, it seems to me that no life is happier than his! Food is free—lodging + free—everything free! All were alike rich in the summer, and, again, + all were alike poor in the winter and early spring. However, their + diseases were fewer and not so destructive as now, and the Indian’s health + was generally good. The Indian boy enjoyed such a life as almost all boys + dream of and would choose for themselves if they were permitted to do so. + </p> + <p> + The raids made upon our people by other tribes were frequent, and we had + to be constantly on the watch. I remember at one time a night attack was + made upon our camp and all our ponies stampeded. Only a few of them were + recovered, and our journeys after this misfortune were effected mostly by + means of the dog-travaux. + </p> + <p> + The second winter after the massacre, my father and my two older brothers, + with several others, were betrayed by a half-breed at Winnipeg to the + United States authorities. As I was then living with my uncle in another + part of the country, I became separated from them for ten years. During + all this time we believed that they had been killed by the whites, and I + was taught that I must avenge their deaths as soon as I was able to go + upon the war-path. + </p> + <p> + I must say a word in regard to the character of this uncle, my father’s + brother, who was my adviser and teacher for many years. He was a man about + six feet two inches in height, very erect and broad-shouldered. He was + known at that time as one of the best hunters and bravest warriors among + the Sioux in British America, where he still lives, for to this day we + have failed to persuade him to return to the United States. + </p> + <p> + He is a typical Indian—not handsome, but truthful and brave. He had + a few simple principles from which he hardly ever departed. Some of these + I shall describe when I speak of my early training. + </p> + <p> + It is wonderful that any children grew up through all the exposures and + hardships that we suffered in those days! The frail teepee pitched + anywhere, in the winter as well as in the summer, was all the protection + that we had against cold and storms. I can recall times when we were + snowed in and it was very difficult to get fuel. We were once three days + without much fire and all of this time it stormed violently. There seemed + to be no special anxiety on the part of our people; they rather looked + upon all this as a matter of course, knowing that the storm would cease + when the time came. + </p> + <p> + I could once endure as much cold and hunger as any of them; but now if I + miss one meal or accidentally wet my feet, I feel it as much as if I had + never lived in the manner I have described, when it was a matter of course + to get myself soaking wet many a time. Even if there was plenty to eat, it + was thought better for us to practice fasting sometimes; and hard exercise + was kept up continually, both for the sake of health and to prepare the + body for the extraordinary exertions that it might, at any moment, be + required to undergo. In my own remembrance, my uncle used often to bring + home a deer on his shoulder. The distance was sometimes considerable; yet + he did not consider it any sort of a feat. + </p> + <p> + The usual custom with us was to eat only two meals a day and these were + served at each end of the day. This rule was not invariable, however, for + if there should be any callers, it was Indian etiquette to offer either + tobacco or food, or both. The rule of two meals a day was more closely + observed by the men—especially the younger men—than by the + women and children. This was when the Indians recognized that a true + manhood, one of physical activity and endurance, depends upon dieting and + regular exercise. No such system is practised by the reservation Indians + of to-day. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0004" id="link2H_4_0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + III. My Indian Grandmother + </h2> + <p> + AS a motherless child, I always regarded my good grandmother as the wisest + of guides and the best of protectors. It was not long before I began to + realize her superiority to most of her contemporaries. This idea was not + gained entirely from my own observation, but also from a knowledge of the + high regard in which she was held by other women. Aside from her native + talent and ingenuity, she was endowed with a truly wonderful memory. No + other midwife in her day and tribe could compete with her in skill and + judgment. Her observations in practice were all preserved in her mind for + reference, as systematically as if they had been written upon the pages of + a note-book. + </p> + <p> + I distinctly recall one occasion when she took me with her into the woods + in search of certain medicinal roots. + </p> + <p> + “Why do you not use all kinds of roots for medicines?” said I. + </p> + <p> + “Because,” she replied, in her quick, characteristic manner, “the Great + Mystery does not will us to find things too easily. In that case everybody + would be a medicine-giver, and Ohiyesa must learn that there are many + secrets which the Great Mystery will disclose only to the most worthy. + Only those who seek him fasting and in solitude will receive his signs.” + </p> + <p> + With this and many similar explanations she wrought in my soul wonderful + and lively conceptions of the “Great Mystery” and of the effects of prayer + and solitude. I continued my childish questioning. + </p> + <p> + “But why did you not dig those plants that we saw in the woods, of the + same kind that you are digging now?” + </p> + <p> + “For the same reason that we do not like the berries we find in the shadow + of deep woods as well as the ones which grow in sunny places. The latter + have more sweetness and flavor. Those herbs which have medicinal virtues + should be sought in a place that is neither too wet nor too dry, and where + they have a generous amount of sunshine to maintain their vigor. + </p> + <p> + “Some day Ohiyesa will be old enough to know the secrets of medicine; then + I will tell him all. But if you should grow up to be a bad man, I must + withhold these treasures from you and give them to your brother, for a + medicine man must be a good and wise man. I hope Ohiyesa will be a great + medicine man when he grows up. To be a great warrior is a noble ambition; + but to be a mighty medicine man is a nobler!” + </p> + <p> + She said these things so thoughtfully and impressively that I cannot but + feel and remember them even to this day. + </p> + <p> + Our native women gathered all the wild rice, roots, berries and fruits + which formed an important part of our food. This was distinctively a + woman’s work. Uncheedah (grandmother) understood these matters perfectly, + and it became a kind of instinct with her to know just where to look for + each edible variety and at what season of the year. This sort of labor + gave the Indian women every opportunity to observe and study Nature after + their fashion; and in this Uncheedah was more acute than most of the men. + The abilities of her boys were not all inherited from their father; + indeed, the stronger family traits came obviously from her. She was a + leader among the native women, and they came to her, not only for medical + aid, but for advice in all their affairs. + </p> + <p> + In bravery she equaled any of the men. This trait, together with her + ingenuity and alertness of mind, more than once saved her and her people + from destruction. Once, when we were roaming over a region occupied by + other tribes, and on a day when most of the men were out upon the hunt, a + party of hostile Indians suddenly appeared. Although there were a few men + left at home, they were taken by surprise at first and scarcely knew what + to do, when this woman came forward and advanced alone to meet our foes. + She had gone some distance when some of the men followed her. She met the + strangers and offered her hand to them. They accepted her friendly + greeting; and as a result of her brave act we were left unmolested and at + peace. + </p> + <p> + Another story of her was related to me by my father. My grandfather, who + was a noted hunter, often wandered away from his band in search of game. + In this instance he had with him only his own family of three boys and his + wife. One evening, when he returned from the chase, he found to his + surprise that she had built a stockade around her teepee. + </p> + <p> + She had discovered the danger-sign in a single foot-print, which she saw + at a glance was not that of her husband, and she was also convinced that + it was not the foot-print of a Sioux, from the shape of the moccasin. This + ability to recognize footprints is general among the Indians, but more + marked in certain individuals. + </p> + <p> + This courageous woman had driven away a party of five Ojibway warriors. + They approached the lodge cautiously, but her dog gave timely warning, and + she poured into them from behind her defences the contents of a + double-barrelled gun, with such good effect that the astonished braves + thought it wise to retreat. + </p> + <p> + I was not more than five or six years old when the Indian soldiers came + one day and destroyed our large buffalo-skin teepee. It was charged that + my uncle had hunted alone a large herd of buffaloes. This was not exactly + true. He had unfortunately frightened a large herd while shooting a deer + in the edge of the woods. However, it was customary to punish such an act + severely, even though the offense was accidental. + </p> + <p> + When we were attacked by the police, I was playing in the teepee, and the + only other person at home was Uncheedah. I had not noticed their approach, + and when the war-cry was given by thirty or forty Indians with strong + lungs, I thought my little world was coming to an end. Instantly + innumerable knives and tomahawks penetrated our frail home, while bullets + went through the poles and tent-fastenings up above our heads. + </p> + <p> + I hardly know what I did, but I imagine it was just what any other little + fellow would have done under like circumstances. My first clear + realization of the situation was when Uncheedah had a dispute with the + leader, claiming that the matter had not been properly investigated, and + that none of the policemen had attained to a reputation in war which would + justify them in touching her son’s teepee. But alas! our poor dwelling was + already an unrecognizable ruin; even the poles were broken into splinters. + </p> + <p> + The Indian women, after reaching middle age, are usually heavy and lack + agility, but my grandmother was in this also an exception. She was fully + sixty when I was born; and when I was seven years old she swam across a + swift and wide stream, carrying me on her back, because she did not wish + to expose me to accident in one of the clumsy round boats of bull-hide + which were rigged up to cross the rivers which impeded our way, especially + in the springtime. Her strength and endurance were remarkable. Even after + she had attained the age of eighty-two, she one day walked twenty-five + miles without appearing much fatigued. + </p> + <p> + I marvel now at the purity and elevated sentiment possessed by this woman, + when I consider the customs and habits of her people at the time. When her + husband died she was still comparatively a young woman—still active, + clever and industrious. She was descended from a haughty chieftain of the + “Dwellers among the Leaves.” Although women of her age and position were + held to be eligible to re-marriage, and she had several persistent suitors + who were men of her own age and chiefs, yet she preferred to cherish in + solitude the memory of her husband. + </p> + <p> + I was very small when my uncle brought home two Ojibway young women. In + the fight in which they were captured, none of the Sioux war party had + been killed; therefore they were sympathized with and tenderly treated by + the Sioux women. They were apparently happy, although of course they felt + deeply the losses sustained at the time of their capture, and they did not + fail to show their appreciation of the kindnesses received at our hands. + </p> + <p> + As I recall now the remarks made by one of them at the time of their final + release, they appear to me quite remarkable. They lived in my + grandmother’s family for two years, and were then returned to their people + at a great peace council of the two nations. When they were about to leave + my grandmother, the elder of the two sisters first embraced her, and then + spoke somewhat as follows: + </p> + <p> + “You are a brave woman and a true mother. I understand now why your son so + bravely conquered our band, and took my sister and myself captive. I hated + him at first, but now I admire him, because he did just what my father, my + brother or my husband would have done had they opportunity. He did even + more. He saved us from the tomahawks of his fellow-warriors, and brought + us to his home to know a noble and a brave woman. + </p> + <p> + “I shall never forget your many favors shown to us. But I must go. I + belong to my tribe and I shall return to them. I will endeavor to be a + true woman also, and to teach my boys to be generous warriors like your + son.” + </p> + <p> + Her sister chose to remain among the Sioux all her life, and she married + one of our young men. + </p> + <p> + “I shall make the Sioux and the Ojibways,” she said, “to be as brothers.” + </p> + <p> + There are many other instances of intermarriage with captive women. The + mother of the well-known Sioux chieftain, Wabashaw, was an Ojibway woman. + I once knew a woman who was said to be a white captive. She was married to + a noted warrior, and had a fine family of five boys. She was well + accustomed to the Indian ways, and as a child I should not have suspected + that she was white. The skins of these people became so sunburned and full + of paint that it required a keen eye to distinguish them from the real + Indians. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0005" id="link2H_4_0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + IV. An Indian Sugar Camp + </h2> + <p> + WITH the first March thaw the thoughts of the Indian women of my childhood + days turned promptly to the annual sugarmaking. This industry was chiefly + followed by the old men and women and the children. The rest of the tribe + went out upon the spring fur-hunt at this season, leaving us at home to + make the sugar. + </p> + <p> + The first and most important of the necessary utensils were the huge iron + and brass kettles for boiling. Everything else could be made, but these + must be bought, begged or borrowed. A maple tree was felled and a log + canoe hollowed out, into which the sap was to be gathered. Little troughs + of basswood and birchen basins were also made to receive the sweet drops + as they trickled from the tree. + </p> + <p> + As soon as these labors were accomplished, we all proceeded to the bark + sugar house, which stood in the midst of a fine grove of maples on the + bank of the Minnesota river. We found this hut partially filled with the + snows of winter and the withered leaves of the preceding autumn, and it + must be cleared for our use. In the meantime a tent was pitched outside + for a few days’ occupancy. The snow was still deep in the woods, with a + solid crust upon which we could easily walk; for we usually moved to the + sugar house before the sap had actually started, the better to complete + our preparations. + </p> + <p> + My grandmother worked like a beaver in these days (or rather like a + muskrat, as the Indians say; for this industrious little animal sometimes + collects as many as six or eight bushels of edible roots for the winter, + only to be robbed of his store by some of our people). If there was + prospect of a good sugaring season, she now made a second and even a third + canoe to contain the sap. These canoes were afterward utilized by the + hunters for their proper purpose. + </p> + <p> + During our last sugar-making in Minnesota, before the “outbreak,” my + grandmother was at work upon a canoe with her axe, while a young aunt of + mine stood by. We boys were congregated within the large, oval sugar + house, busily engaged in making arrows for the destruction of the rabbits + and chipmunks which we knew would come in numbers to drink the sap. The + birds also were beginning to return, and the cold storms of March would + drive them to our door. I was then too young to do much except look on; + but I fully entered into the spirit of the occasion, and rejoiced to see + the bigger boys industriously sharpen their arrows, resting them against + the ends of the long sticks which were burning in the fire, and + occasionally cutting a chip from the stick. In their eagerness they paid + little attention to this circumstance, although they well knew that it was + strictly forbidden to touch a knife to a burning ember. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly loud screams were heard from without and we all rushed out to see + what was the matter. It was a serious affair. My grandmother’s axe had + slipped, and by an upward stroke nearly severed three of the fingers of my + aunt, who stood looking on, with her hands folded upon her waist. As we + ran out the old lady, who had already noticed and reproved our + carelessness in regard to the burning embers, pursued us with loud + reproaches and threats of a whipping. This will seem mysterious to my + readers, but is easily explained by the Indian superstition, which holds + that such an offense as we had committed is invariably punished by the + accidental cutting of some one of the family. + </p> + <p> + My grandmother did not confine herself to canoe-making. She also collected + a good supply of fuel for the fires, for she would not have much time to + gather wood when the sap began to flow. Presently the weather moderated + and the snow began to melt. The month of April brought showers which + carried most of it off into the Minnesota river. Now the women began to + test the trees-moving leisurely among them, axe in hand, and striking a + single quick blow, to see if the sap would appear. The trees, like people, + have their individual characters; some were ready to yield up their + life-blood, while others were more reluctant. Now one of the birchen + basins was set under each tree, and a hardwood chip driven deep into the + cut which the axe had made. From the corners of this chip—at first + drop by drop, then more freely-the sap trickled into the little dishes. + </p> + <p> + It is usual to make sugar from maples, but several other trees were also + tapped by the Indians. From the birch and ash was made a dark-colored + sugar, with a somewhat bitter taste, which was used for medicinal + purposes. The box-elder yielded a beautiful white sugar, whose only fault + was that there was never enough of it! + </p> + <p> + A long fire was now made in the sugar house, and a row of brass kettles + suspended over the blaze. The sap was collected by the women in tin or + birchen buckets and poured into the canoes, from which the kettles were + kept filled. The hearts of the boys beat high with pleasant anticipations + when they heard the welcome hissing sound of the boiling sap! Each boy + claimed one kettle for his especial charge. It was his duty to see that + the fire was kept up under it, to watch lest it boil over, and finally, + when the sap became sirup, to test it upon the snow, dipping it out with a + wooden paddle. So frequent were these tests that for the first day or two + we consumed nearly all that could be made; and it was not until the + sweetness began to pall that my grandmother set herself in earnest to + store up sugar for future use. She made it into cakes of various forms, in + birchen molds, and sometimes in hollow canes or reeds, and the bills of + ducks and geese. Some of it was pulverized and packed in rawhide cases. + Being a prudent woman, she did not give it to us after the first month or + so, except upon special occasions, and it was thus made to last almost the + year around. The smaller candies were reserved as an occasional treat for + the little fellows, and the sugar was eaten at feasts with wild rice or + parched corn, and also with pounded dried meat. Coffee and tea, with their + substitutes, were all unknown to us in those days. + </p> + <p> + Every pursuit has its trials and anxieties. My grandmother’s special + tribulations, during the sugaring season, were the upsetting and gnawing + of holes in her birch-bark pans. The transgressors were the rabbit and + squirrel tribes, and we little boys for once became useful, in shooting + them with our bows and arrows. We hunted all over the sugar camp, until + the little creatures were fairly driven out of the neighborhood. + Occasionally one of my older brothers brought home a rabbit or two, and + then we had a feast. + </p> + <p> + The sugaring season extended well into April, and the returning birds made + the precincts of our camp joyful with their songs. I often followed my + older brothers into the woods, although I was then but four or five years + old. Upon one of these excursions they went so far that I ventured back + alone. When within sight of our hut, I saw a chipmunk sitting upon a log, + and uttering the sound he makes when he calls to his mate. How glorious it + would be, I thought, if I could shoot him with my tiny bow and arrows! + Stealthily and cautiously I approached, keeping my eyes upon the pretty + little animal, and just as I was about to let fly my shaft, I heard a + hissing noise at my feet. There lay a horrid snake, coiled and ready to + spring! Forgetful that I was a warrior, I gave a loud scream and started + backward; but soon recollecting myself, looked down with shame, although + no one was near. However, I retreated to the inclined trunk of a fallen + tree, and there, as I have often been told, was overheard soliloquizing in + the following words: “I wonder if a snake can climb a tree!” + </p> + <p> + I remember on this occasion of our last sugar bush in Minnesota, that I + stood one day outside of our hut and watched the approach of a visitor—a + bent old man, his hair almost white, and carrying on his back a large + bundle of red willow, or kinnikinick, which the Indians use for smoking. + He threw down his load at the door and thus saluted us: “You have indeed + perfect weather for sugar-making.” + </p> + <p> + It was my great-grandfather, Cloud Man, whose original village was on the + shores of Lakes Calhoun and Harriet, now in the suburbs of the city of + Minneapolis. He was the first Sioux chief to welcome the Protestant + missionaries among his people, and a well-known character in those pioneer + days. He brought us word that some of the peaceful sugar-makers near us on + the river had been attacked and murdered by roving Ojibways. This news + disturbed us not a little, for we realized that we too might become the + victims of an Ojibway war party. Therefore we all felt some uneasiness + from this time until we returned heavy laden to our village. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0006" id="link2H_4_0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + V. A Midsummer Feast + </h2> + <p> + IT was midsummer. Everything that the Santee Sioux had undertaken during + the year had been unusually successful. The spring fur-hunters had been + fortunate, and the heavy winter had proved productive of much maple sugar. + The women’s patches of maize and potatoes were already sufficiently + advanced to use. The Wahpetonwan band of Sioux, the “Dwellers among the + Leaves,” were fully awakened to the fact that it was almost time for the + midsummer festivities of the old, wild days. + </p> + <p> + The invitations were bundles of tobacco, and acceptances were sent back + from the various bands—the “Light Lodges”, “Dwellers back from the + River,” and many others, in similar fashion. Blue Earth, chief of the + “Dwellers among the Leaves,” was the host. + </p> + <p> + There were to be many different kinds of athletic games; indeed, the + festival was something like a State fair, in that there were many side + shows and competitive events. For instance, supposing that (Miss) White + Rabbit should desire to give a “maidens’ feast,” she would employ a crier + to go among the different bands announcing the fact in a sing-song manner: + </p> + <p> + “Miss White Rabbit will receive her maiden friends to-day at noon, inside + of the circular encampment of the Kaposia band.” + </p> + <p> + Again, should (Mr.) Sleepy Eye wish to have his child’s ears pierced + publicly, he would have to give away a great deal of savage wealth—namely, + otter, bear and beaver skins and ponies—or the child would not be + considered as belonging to a family in good standing. + </p> + <p> + But the one all-important event of the occasion was the lacrosse game, for + which it had been customary to select those two bands which could boast + the greater number of fast runners. + </p> + <p> + The Wahpetonwan village on the banks of the Minnesota river was alive with + the newly-arrived guests and the preparations for the coming event. Meat + of wild game had been put away with much care during the previous fall in + anticipation of this feast. There was wild rice and the choicest of dried + venison that had been kept all winter, as well as freshly dug turnips, + ripe berries and an abundance of fresh meat. + </p> + <p> + Along the edge of the woods the teepees were pitched in groups or + semi-circles, each band distinct from the others. The teepee of Mankato or + Blue Earth was pitched in a conspicuous spot. Just over the entrance was + painted in red and yellow a picture of a pipe, and directly opposite this + the rising sun. The painting was symbolic of welcome and good will to men + under the bright sun. + </p> + <p> + A meeting was held to appoint some “medicine man” to make the balls that + were to be used in the lacrosse contest; and presently the herald + announced that this honor had been conferred upon old Chankpee-yuhah, or + “Keeps the Club,” while every other man of his profession was + disappointed. He was a powerful man physically, who had apparently won the + confidence of the people by his fine personal appearance and by working + upon superstitious minds. + </p> + <p> + Towards evening he appeared in the circle, leading by the hand a boy about + four years old. Closely the little fellow observed every motion of the + man; nothing escaped his vigilant black eyes, which seemed constantly to + grow brighter and larger, while his exuberant glossy black hair was + plaited and wound around his head like that of a Celestial. He wore a bit + of swan’s down in each ear, which formed a striking contrast with the + child’s complexion. Further than this, the boy was painted according to + the fashion of the age. He held in his hands a miniature bow and arrows. + </p> + <p> + The medicine man drew himself up in an admirable attitude, and proceeded + to make his short speech: + </p> + <p> + “Wahpetonwans, you boast that you run down the elk; you can outrun the + Ojibways. Before you all, I dedicate to you this red ball. Kaposias, you + claim that no one has a lighter foot than you; you declare that you can + endure running a whole day without water. To you I dedicate this black + ball. Either you or the Leaf-Dwellers will have to drop your eyes and bow + your head when the game is over. I wish to announce that if the + Wahpetonwans should win, this little warrior shall bear the name Ohiyesa + (winner) through life; but if the Light Lodges should win, let the name be + given to any child appointed by them.” + </p> + <p> + The ground selected for the great final game was on a narrow strip of land + between a lake and the river. It was about three quarters of a mile long + and a quarter of a mile in width. The spectators had already ranged + themselves all along the two sides, as well as at the two ends, which were + somewhat higher than the middle. The soldiers appointed to keep order + furnished much of the entertainment of the day. They painted artistically + and tastefully, according to the Indian fashion, not only their bodies but + also their ponies and clubs. They were so strict in enforcing the laws + that no one could venture with safety within a few feet of the limits of + the field. + </p> + <p> + Now all of the minor events and feasts, occupying several days’ time, had + been observed. Heralds on ponies’ backs announced that all who intended to + participate in the final game were requested to repair to the ground; also + that if any one bore a grudge against another, he was implored to forget + his ill-feeling until the contest should be over. + </p> + <p> + The most powerful men were stationed at the half-way ground, while the + fast runners were assigned to the back. It was an impressive spectacle—a + fine collection of agile forms, almost stripped of garments and painted in + wild imitation of the rainbow and sunset sky on human canvas. Some had + undertaken to depict the Milky Way across their tawny bodies, and one or + two made a bold attempt to reproduce the lightning. Others contented + themselves with painting the figure of some fleet animal or swift bird on + their muscular chests. + </p> + <p> + The coiffure of the Sioux lacrosse player has often been unconsciously + imitated by the fashionable hair-dressers of modern times. Some banged and + singed their hair; others did a little more by adding powder. The Grecian + knot was located on the wrong side of the head, being tied tightly over + the forehead. A great many simply brushed back their long locks and tied + them with a strip of otter skin. + </p> + <p> + At the middle of the ground were stationed four immense men, magnificently + formed. A fifth approached this group, paused a moment, and then threw his + head back, gazed up into the sky in the manner of a cock and gave a + smooth, clear operatic tone. Instantly the little black ball went up + between the two middle rushers, in the midst of yells, cheers and + war-whoops. Both men endeavored to catch it in the air; but alas! each + interfered with the other; then the guards on each side rushed upon them. + For a time, a hundred lacrosse sticks vied with each other, and the + wriggling human flesh and paint were all one could see through the cloud + of dust. Suddenly there shot swiftly through the air toward the south, + toward the Kaposias’ goal, the ball. There was a general cheer from their + adherents, which echoed back from the white cliff on the opposite side of + the Minnesota. + </p> + <p> + As the ball flew through the air, two adversaries were ready to receive + it. The Kaposia quickly met the ball, but failed to catch it in his netted + bag, for the other had swung his up like a flash. Thus it struck the + ground, but had no opportunity to bound up when a Wahpeton pounced upon it + like a cat and slipped out of the grasp of his opponents. A mighty cheer + thundered through the air. + </p> + <p> + The warrior who had undertaken to pilot the little sphere was risking + much, for he must dodge a host of Kaposias before he could gain any + ground. He was alert and agile; now springing like a panther, now leaping + like a deer over a stooping opponent who tried to seize him around the + waist. Every opposing player was upon his heels, while those of his own + side did all in their power to clear the way for him. But it was all in + vain. He only gained fifty paces. + </p> + <p> + Thus the game went. First one side, then the other would gain an + advantage, and then it was lost, until the herald proclaimed that it was + time to change the ball. No victory was in sight for either side. + </p> + <p> + After a few minutes’ rest, the game was resumed. The red ball was now + tossed in the air in the usual way. No sooner had it descended than one of + the rushers caught it and away it went northward; again it was fortunate, + for it was advanced by one of the same side. The scene was now one of the + wildest excitement and confusion. At last, the northward flight of the + ball was checked for a moment and a desperate struggle ensued. Cheers and + war-whoops became general, such as were never equaled in any concourse of + savages, and possibly nowhere except at a college game of football. + </p> + <p> + The ball had not been allowed to come to the surface since it reached this + point, for there were more than a hundred men who scrambled for it. + Suddenly a warrior shot out of the throng like the ball itself! Then some + of the players shouted: “Look out for Antelope! Look out for Antelope!” + But it was too late. The little sphere had already nestled into Antelope’s + palm and that fleetest of Wahpetons had thrown down his lacrosse stick and + set a determined eye upon the northern goal. + </p> + <p> + Such a speed! He had cleared almost all the opponents’ guards—there + were but two more. These were exceptional runners of the Kaposias. As he + approached them in his almost irresistible speed, every savage heart + thumped louder in the Indian’s dusky bosom. In another moment there would + be a defeat for the Kaposias or a prolongation of the game. The two men, + with a determined look approached their foe like two panthers prepared to + spring; yet he neither slackened his speed nor deviated from his course. A + crash—a mighty shout!—the two Kaposias collided, and the swift + Antelope had won the laurels! + </p> + <p> + The turmoil and commotion at the victors’ camp were indescribable. A few + beats of a drum were heard, after which the criers hurried along the + lines, announcing the last act to be performed at the camp of the “Leaf + Dwellers.” + </p> + <p> + The day had been a perfect one. Every event had been a success; and, as a + matter of course, the old people were happy, for they largely profited by + these occasions. Within the circle formed by the general assembly sat in a + group the members of the common council. Blue Earth arose, and in a few + appropriate and courteous remarks assured his guests that it was not + selfishness that led his braves to carry off the honors of the last event, + but that this was a friendly contest in which each band must assert its + prowess. In memory of this victory, the boy would now receive his name. A + loud “Ho-o-o” of approbation reverberated from the edge of the forest upon + the Minnesota’s bank. + </p> + <p> + Half frightened, the little fellow was now brought into the circle, + looking very much as if he were about to be executed. Cheer after cheer + went up for the awe-stricken boy. Chankpee-yuhah, the medicine man, + proceeded to confer the name. + </p> + <p> + “Ohiyesa (or Winner) shall be thy name henceforth. Be brave, be patient + and thou shalt always win! Thy name is Ohivesa.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0007" id="link2H_4_0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + II. AN INDIAN BOY’S TRAINING + </h2> + <p> + IT is commonly supposed that there is no systematic education of their + children among the aborigines of this country. Nothing could be farther + from the truth. All the customs of this primitive people were held to be + divinely instituted, and those in connection with the training of children + were scrupulously adhered to and transmitted from one generation to + another. + </p> + <p> + The expectant parents conjointly bent all their efforts to the task of + giving the new-comer the best they could gather from a long line of + ancestors. A pregnant Indian woman would often choose one of the greatest + characters of her family and tribe as a model for her child. This hero was + daily called to mind. She would gather from tradition all of his noted + deeds and daring exploits, rehearsing them to herself when alone. In order + that the impression might be more distinct, she avoided company. She + isolated herself as much as possible, and wandered in solitude, not + thoughtlessly, but with an eye to the impress given by grand and beautiful + scenery. + </p> + <p> + The Indians believed, also, that certain kinds of animals would confer + peculiar gifts upon the unborn, while others would leave so strong an + adverse impression that the child might become a monstrosity. A case of + hare-lip was commonly attributed to the rabbit. It was said that a rabbit + had charmed the mother and given to the babe its own features. Even the + meat of certain animals was denied the pregnant woman, because it was + supposed to influence the disposition or features of the child. + </p> + <p> + Scarcely was the embyro warrior ushered into the world, when he was met by + lullabies that speak of wonderful exploits in hunting and war. Those ideas + which so fully occupied his mother’s mind before his birth are now put + into words by all about the child, who is as yet quite unresponsive to + their appeals to his honor and ambition. He is called the future defender + of his people, whose lives may depend upon his courage and skill. If the + child is a girl, she is at once addressed as the future mother of a noble + race. + </p> + <p> + In hunting songs, the leading animals are introduced; they come to the boy + to offer their bodies for the sustenance of his tribe. The animals are + regarded as his friends, and spoken of almost as tribes of people, or as + his cousins, grandfathers and grandmothers. The songs of wooing, adapted + as lullabies, were equally imaginative, and the suitors were often animals + personified, while pretty maidens were represented by the mink and the + doe. + </p> + <p> + Very early, the Indian boy assumed the task of preserving and transmitting + the legends of his ancestors and his race. Almost every evening a myth, or + a true story of some deed done in the past, was narrated by one of the + parents or grandparents, while the boy listened with parted lips and + glistening eyes. On the following evening, he was usually required to + repeat it. If he was not an apt scholar, he struggled long with his task; + but, as a rule, the Indian boy is a good listener and has a good memory, + so that the stories were tolerably well mastered. The household became his + audience, by which he was alternately criticized and applauded. + </p> + <p> + This sort of teaching at once enlightens the boy’s mind and stimulates his + ambition. His conception of his own future career becomes a vivid and + irresistible force. Whatever there is for him to learn must be learned; + whatever qualifications are necessary to a truly great man he must seek at + any expense of danger and hardship. Such was the feeling of the + imaginative and brave young Indian. It became apparent to him in early + life that he must accustom himself to rove alone and not to fear or + dislike the impression of solitude. + </p> + <p> + It seems to be a popular idea that all the characteristic skill of the + Indian is instinctive and hereditary. This is a mistake. All the stoicism + and patience of the Indian are acquired traits, and continual practice + alone makes him master of the art of wood-craft. Physical training and + dieting were not neglected. I remember that I was not allowed to have beef + soup or any warm drink. The soup was for the old men. General rules for + the young were never to take their food very hot, nor to drink much water. + </p> + <p> + My uncle, who educated me up to the age of fifteen years, was a strict + disciplinarian and a good teacher. When I left the teepee in the morning, + he would say: “Hakadah, look closely to everything you see”; and at + evening, on my return, he used often to catechize me for an hour or so. + </p> + <p> + “On which side of the trees is the lighter-colored bark? On which side do + they have most regular branches?” + </p> + <p> + It was his custom to let me name all the new birds that I had seen during + the day. I would name them according to the color or the shape of the bill + or their song or the appearance and locality of the nest—in fact, + anything about the bird that impressed me as characteristic. I made many + ridiculous errors, I must admit. He then usually informed me of the + correct name. Occasionally I made a hit and this he would warmly commend. + </p> + <p> + He went much deeper into this science when I was a little older, that is, + about the age of eight or nine years. He would say, for instance: + </p> + <p> + “How do you know that there are fish in yonder lake?” + </p> + <p> + “Because they jump out of the water for flies at mid-day.” + </p> + <p> + He would smile at my prompt but superficial reply. + </p> + <p> + “What do you think of the little pebbles grouped together under the + shallow water? and what made the pretty curved marks in the sandy bottom + and the little sand-banks? Where do you find the fish-eating birds? Have + the inlet and the outlet of a lake anything to do with the question?” + </p> + <p> + He did not expect a correct reply at once to all the voluminous questions + that he put to me on these occasions, but he meant to make me observant + and a good student of nature. + </p> + <p> + “Hakadah,” he would say to me, “you ought to follow the example of the + shunktokecha (wolf). Even when he is surprised and runs for his life, he + will pause to take one more look at you before he enters his final + retreat. So you must take a second look at everything you see. + </p> + <p> + “It is better to view animals unobserved. I have been a witness to their + courtships and their quarrels and have learned many of their secrets in + this way. I was once the unseen spectator of a thrilling battle between a + pair of grizzly bears and three buffaloes—a rash act for the bears, + for it was in the moon of strawberries, when the buffaloes sharpen and + polish their horns for bloody contests among themselves. + </p> + <p> + “I advise you, my boy, never to approach a grizzly’s den from the front, + but to steal up behind and throw your blanket or a stone in front of the + hole. He does not usually rush for it, but first puts his head out and + listens and then comes out very indifferently and sits on his haunches on + the mound in front of the hole before he makes any attack. While he is + exposing himself in this fashion, aim at his heart. Always be as cool as + the animal himself.” Thus he armed me against the cunning of savage beasts + by teaching me how to outwit them. + </p> + <p> + “In hunting,” he would resume, “you will be guided by the habits of the + animal you seek. Remember that a moose stays in swampy or low land or + between high mountains near a spring or lake, for thirty to sixty days at + a time. Most large game moves about continually, except the doe in the + spring; it is then a very easy matter to find her with the fawn. Conceal + yourself in a convenient place as soon as you observe any signs of the + presence of either, and then call with your birchen doe-caller. + </p> + <p> + “Whichever one hears you first will soon appear in your neighborhood. But + you must be very watchful, or you may be made a fawn of by a large + wild-cat. They understand the characteristic call of the doe perfectly + well. + </p> + <p> + “When you have any difficulty with a bear or a wild-cat—that is, if + the creature shows signs of attacking you—you must make him fully + understand that you have seen him and are aware of his intentions. If you + are not well equipped for a pitched battle, the only way to make him + retreat is to take a long sharp-pointed pole for a spear and rush toward + him. No wild beast will face this unless he is cornered and already + wounded, These fierce beasts are generally afraid of the common weapon of + the larger animals—the horns, and if these are very long and sharp, + they dare not risk an open fight. + </p> + <p> + “There is one exception to this rule—the grey wolf will attack + fiercely when very hungry. But their courage depends upon their numbers; + in this they are like white men. One wolf or two will never attack a man. + They will stampede a herd of buffaloes in order to get at the calves; they + will rush upon a herd of antelopes, for these are helpless; but they are + always careful about attacking man.” + </p> + <p> + Of this nature were the instructions of my uncle, who was widely known at + that time as among the greatest hunters of his tribe. + </p> + <p> + All boys were expected to endure hardship without complaint. In savage + warfare, a young man must, of course, be an athlete and used to undergoing + all sorts of privations. He must be able to go without food and water for + two or three days without displaying any weakness, or to run for a day and + a night without any rest. He must be able to traverse a pathless and wild + country without losing his way either in the day or night time. He cannot + refuse to do any of these things if he aspires to be a warrior. + </p> + <p> + Sometimes my uncle would waken me very early in the morning and challenge + me to fast with him all day. I had to accept the challenge. We blackened + our faces with charcoal, so that every boy in the village would know that + I was fasting for the day. Then the little tempters would make my life a + misery until the merciful sun hid behind the western hills. + </p> + <p> + I can scarcely recall the time when my stern teacher began to give sudden + war-whoops over my head in the morning while I was sound asleep. He + expected me to leap up with perfect presence of mind, always ready to + grasp a weapon of some sort and to give a shrill whoop in reply. If I was + sleepy or startled and hardly knew what I was about, he would ridicule me + and say that I need never expect to sell my scalp dear. Often he would + vary these tactics by shooting off his gun just outside of the lodge while + I was yet asleep, at the same time giving blood-curdling yells. After a + time I became used to this. + </p> + <p> + When Indians went upon the war-path, it was their custom to try the new + warriors thoroughly before coming to an engagement. For instance, when + they were near a hostile camp, they would select the novices to go after + the water and make them do all sorts of things to prove their courage. In + accordance with this idea, my uncle used to send me off after water when + we camped after dark in a strange place. Perhaps the country was full of + wild beasts, and, for aught I knew, there might be scouts from hostile + bands of Indians lurking in that very neighborhood. + </p> + <p> + Yet I never objected, for that would show cowardice. I picked my way + through the woods, dipped my pail in the water and hurried back, always + careful to make as little noise as a cat. Being only a boy, my heart would + leap at every crackling of a dry twig or distant hooting of an owl, until, + at last, I reached our teepee. Then my uncle would perhaps say: “Ah, + Hakadah, you are a thorough warrior,” empty out the precious contents of + the pail, and order me to go a second time. + </p> + <p> + Imagine how I felt! But I wished to be a brave man as much as a white boy + desires to be a great lawyer or even President of the United States. + Silently I would take the pail and endeavor to retrace my footsteps in the + dark. + </p> + <p> + With all this, our manners and morals were not neglected. I was made to + respect the adults and especially the aged. I was not allowed to join in + their discussions, nor even to speak in their presence, unless requested + to do so. Indian etiquette was very strict, and among the requirements was + that of avoiding the direct address. A term of relationship or some title + of courtesy was commonly used instead of the personal name by those who + wished to show respect. We were taught generosity to the poor and + reverence for the “Great Mystery.” Religion was the basis of all Indian + training. + </p> + <p> + I recall to the present day some of the kind warnings and reproofs that my + good grandmother was wont to give me. “Be strong of heart—be + patient!” she used to say. She told me of a young chief who was noted for + his uncontrollable temper. While in one of his rages he attempted to kill + a woman, for which he was slain by his own band and left unburied as a + mark of disgrace—his body was simply covered with green grass. If I + ever lost my temper, she would say: + </p> + <p> + “Hakadah, control yourself, or you will be like that young man I told you + of, and lie under a green blanket!” + </p> + <p> + In the old days, no young man was allowed to use tobacco in any form until + he had become an acknowledged warrior and had achieved a record. If a + youth should seek a wife before he had reached the age of twenty-two or + twenty-three, and been recognized as a brave man, he was sneered at and + considered an ill-bred Indian. He must also be a skillful hunter. An + Indian cannot be a good husband unless he brings home plenty of game. + </p> + <p> + These precepts were in the line of our training for the wild life. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0008" id="link2H_4_0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + III. MY PLAYS AND PLAYMATES + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0009" id="link2H_4_0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + I. Games and Sports + </h2> + <p> + THE Indian boy was a prince of the wilderness. He had but very little work + to do during the period of his boyhood. His principal occupation was the + practice of a few simple arts in warfare and the chase. Aside from this, + he was master of his time. + </p> + <p> + Whatever was required of us boys was quickly performed: then the field was + clear for our games and plays. There was always keen competition among us. + We felt very much as our fathers did in hunting and war—each one + strove to excel all the others. + </p> + <p> + It is true that our savage life was a precarious one, and full of dreadful + catastrophes; however, this never prevented us from enjoying our sports to + the fullest extent. As we left our teepees in the morning, we were never + sure that our scalps would not dangle from a pole in the afternoon! It was + an uncertain life, to be sure. Yet we observed that the fawns skipped and + played happily while the gray wolves might be peeping forth from behind + the hills, ready to tear them limb from limb. + </p> + <p> + Our sports were molded by the life and customs of our people; indeed, we + practiced only what we expected to do when grown. Our games were feats + with the bow and arrow, foot and pony races, wrestling, swimming and + imitation of the customs and habits of our fathers. We had sham fights + with mud balls and willow wands; we played lacrosse, made war upon bees, + shot winter arrows (which were used only in that season), and coasted upon + the ribs of animals and buffalo robes. + </p> + <p> + No sooner did the boys get together than, as a usual thing, they divided + into squads and chose sides; then a leading arrow was shot at random into + the air. Before it fell to the ground a volley from the bows of the + participants followed. Each player was quick to note the direction and + speed of the leading arrow and he tried to send his own at the same speed + and at an equal height, so that when it fell it would be closer to the + first than any of the others. + </p> + <p> + It was considered out of place to shoot by first sighting the object aimed + at. This was usually impracticable in actual life, because the object was + almost always in motion, while the hunter himself was often upon the back + of a pony at full gallop. Therefore, it was the off-hand shot that the + Indian boy sought to master. There was another game with arrows that was + characterized by gambling, and was generally confined to the men. + </p> + <p> + The races were an every-day occurrence. At noon the boys were usually + gathered by some pleasant sheet of water and as soon as the ponies were + watered, they were allowed to graze for an hour or two, while the boys + stripped for their noonday sports. A boy might say to some other whom he + considered his equal: + </p> + <p> + “I can’t run; but I will challenge you to fifty paces.” + </p> + <p> + A former hero, when beaten, would often explain his defeat by saying: “I + drank too much water.” + </p> + <p> + Boys of all ages were paired for a “spin,” and the little red men cheered + on their favorites with spirit. + </p> + <p> + As soon as this was ended, the pony races followed. All the speedy ponies + were picked out and riders chosen. If a boy declined to ride, there would + be shouts of derision. + </p> + <p> + Last of all came the swimming. A little urchin would hang to his pony’s + long tail, while the latter, with only his head above water, glided + sportively along. Finally the animals were driven into a fine field of + grass and we turned our attention to other games. + </p> + <p> + Lacrosse was an older game and was confined entirely to the Sisseton and + Santee Sioux. Shinny, such as is enjoyed by white boys on the ice, is + still played on the open prairie by the western Sioux. The “moccasin + game,” although sometimes played by the boys, was intended mainly for + adults. + </p> + <p> + The “mud-and-willow” fight was rather a severe and dangerous sport. A lump + of soft clay was stuck on the end of a limber and springy willow wand and + thrown as boys throw apples from sticks, with considerable force. When + there were fifty or a hundred players on each side, the battle became + warm; but anything to arouse the bravery of Indian boys seemed to them a + good and wholesome diversion. + </p> + <p> + Wrestling was largely indulged in by us all. It may seem odd,, but + wrestling was done by a great many boys at once—from ten to any + number on a side. It was really a battle, in which each one chose his + opponent. The rule was that if a boy sat down, he was let alone, but as + long as he remained standing within the field, he was open to an attack. + No one struck with the hand, but all manner of tripping with legs and feet + and butting with the knees was allowed. Altogether it was an exhausting + pastime—fully equal to the American game of football and only the + young athlete could really enjoy it. + </p> + <p> + One of our most curious sports was a war upon the nests of wild bees. We + imagined ourselves about to make an attack upon the Ojibways or some + tribal foe. We all painted and stole cautiously upon the nest; then, with + a rush and warwhoop, sprang upon the object of our attack and endeavored + to destroy it. But it seemed that the bees were always on the alert and + never entirely surprised, for they always raised quite as many scalps as + did their bold assailants! After the onslaught upon the nest was ended, we + usually followed it by a pretended scalp dance. + </p> + <p> + On the occasion of my first experience in this mode of warfare, there were + two other little boys who were also novices. One of them particularly was + really too young to indulge in an exploit of that kind. As it was the + custom of our people, when they killed or wounded an enemy on the battle + field, to announce the act in a loud voice, we did the same. My friend, + Little Wound (as I will call him, for I do not remember his name), being + quite small, was unable to reach the nest until it had been well trampled + upon and broken and the insects had made a counter charge with such vigor + as to repulse and scatter our numbers in every direction. However, he + evidently did not want to retreat without any honors; so he bravely jumped + upon the nest and yelled: + </p> + <p> + “I, the brave Little Wound, to-day kill the only fierce enemy!” + </p> + <p> + Scarcely were the last words uttered when he screamed as if stabbed to the + heart. One of his older companions shouted: + </p> + <p> + “Dive into the water! Run! Dive into the water!” for there was a lake near + by. This advice he obeyed. + </p> + <p> + When we had reassembled and were indulging in our mimic dance, Little + Wound was not allowed to dance. He was considered not to be in existence—he + had been killed by our enemies, the Bee tribe. Poor little fellow! His + swollen face was sad and ashamed as he sat on a fallen log and watched the + dance. Although he might well have styled himself one of the noble dead + who had died for their country, yet he was not unmindful that he had + screamed, and this weakness would be apt to recur to him many times in the + future. + </p> + <p> + We had some quiet plays which we alternated with the more severe and + warlike ones. Among them were throwing wands and snow-arrows. In the + winter we coasted much. We had no “double-rippers” or toboggans, but six + or seven of the long ribs of a buffalo, fastened together at the larger + end, answered all practical purposes. Sometimes a strip of bass-wood bark, + four feet long and about six inches wide, was used with considerable + skill. We stood on one end and held the other, using the slippery inside + of the bark for the outside, and thus coasting down long hills with + remarkable speed. + </p> + <p> + The spinning of tops was one of the all-absorbing winter sports. We made + our tops heartshaped of wood, horn or bone. We whipped them with a long + thong of buckskin. The handle was a stick about a foot long and sometimes + we whittled the stick to make it spoon-shaped at one end. + </p> + <p> + We played games with these tops—two to fifty boys at one time. Each + whips his top until it hums; then one takes the lead and the rest follow + in a sort of obstacle race. The top must spin all the way through. There + were bars of snow over which we must pilot our top in the spoon end of our + whip; then again we would toss it in the air on to another open spot of + ice or smooth snowcrust from twenty to fifty paces away. The top that + holds out the longest is the winner. + </p> + <p> + Sometimes we played “medicine dance.” This, to us, was almost what + “playing church” is among white children, but our people seemed to think + it an act of irreverence to imitate these dances, therefore performances + of this kind were always enjoyed in secret. We used to observe all the + important ceremonies and it required something of an actor to reproduce + the dramatic features of the dance. The real dances occupied a day and a + night, and the program was long and varied, so that it was not easy to + execute all the details perfectly; but the Indian children are born + imitators. + </p> + <p> + The boys built an arbor of pine boughs in some out-of-the-way place and at + one end of it was a rude lodge. This was the medicine lodge or + headquarters. All the initiates were there. At the further end or entrance + were the door-keepers or soldiers, as we called them. The members of each + lodge entered in a body, standing in single file and facing the + headquarters. Each stretched out his right hand and a prayer was offered + by the leader, after which they took the places assigned to them. + </p> + <p> + When the preliminaries had been completed, our leader sounded the big drum + and we all said “A-ho-ho-ho!” as a sort of amen. Then the choir began + their song and whenever they ended a verse, we all said again + “A-ho-ho-ho!” At last they struck up the chorus and we all got upon our + feet and began to dance, by simply lifting up one foot and then the other, + with a slight swing to the body. + </p> + <p> + Each boy was representing or imitating some one of the medicine men. We + painted and decorated ourselves just as they did and carried bird or + squirrel skins, or occasionally live birds and chipmunks as our medicine + bags and small white shells or pebbles for medicine charms. + </p> + <p> + Then the persons to be initiated were brought in and seated, with much + ceremony, upon a blanket or buffalo robe. Directly in front of them the + ground was levelled smooth and here we laid an old pipe filled with dried + leaves for tobacco. Around it we placed the variously colored feathers of + the birds we had killed, and cedar and sweetgrass we burned for incense. + </p> + <p> + Finally those of us who had been selected to perform this ceremony + stretched out our arms at full length, holding the sacred medicine bags + and aiming them at the new members. After swinging them four times, we + shot them suddenly forward, but did not let go. The novices then fell + forward on their faces as if dead. Quickly a chorus was struck up and we + all joined in a lively dance around the supposed bodies. The girls covered + them up with their blankets, thus burying the dead. At last we resurrected + them with our charms and led them to their places among the audience. Then + came the last general dance and the final feast. + </p> + <p> + I was often selected as choir-master on these occasions, for I had + happened to learn many of the medicine songs and was quite an apt mimic. + My grandmother, who was a noted medicine woman of the Turtle lodge, on + hearing of these sacrilegious acts (as she called them) warned me that if + any of the medicine men should discover them, they would punish me + terribly by shriveling my limbs with slow disease. + </p> + <p> + Occasionally, we also played “white man.” Our knowledge of the pale-face + was limited, but we had learned that he brought goods whenever he came and + that our people exchanged furs for his merchandise. We also knew that his + complexion was pale, that he had short hair on his head and long hair on + his face and that he wore coat, trousers, and hat, and did not patronize + blankets in the daytime. This was the picture we had formed of the white + man. + </p> + <p> + So we painted two or three of our number with white clay and put on them + birchen hats which we sewed up for the occasion; fastened a piece of fur + to their chins for a beard and altered their costumes as much as lay + within our power. The white of the birch-bark was made to answer for their + white shirts. Their merchandise consisted of sand for sugar, wild beans + for coffee, dried leaves for tea, pulverized earth for gun-powder, pebbles + for bullets and clear water for the dangerous “spirit water.” We traded + for these goods with skins of squirrels, rabbits and small birds. + </p> + <p> + When we played “hunting buffalo” we would send a few good runners off on + the open prairie with a supply of meat; then start a few equally swift + boys to chase them and capture the food. Once we were engaged in this + sport when a real hunt by the men was in progress; yet we did not realize + that it was so near until, in the midst of our play, we saw an immense + buffalo coming at full speed directly toward us. Our mimic buffalo hunt + turned into a very real buffalo scare. Fortunately, we were near the edge + of the woods and we soon disappeared among the leaves like a covey of + young prairie-chickens and some hid in the bushes while others took refuge + in tall trees. + </p> + <p> + We loved to play in the water. When we had no ponies, we often had + swimming matches of our own and sometimes made rafts with which we crossed + lakes and rivers. It was a common thing to “duck” a young or timid boy or + to carry him into deep water to struggle as best he might. + </p> + <p> + I remember a perilous ride with a companion on an unmanageable log, when + we were both less than seven years old. The older boys had put us on this + uncertain bark and pushed us out into the swift current of the river. I + cannot speak for my comrade in distress, but I can say now that I would + rather ride on a swift bronco any day than try to stay on and steady a + short log in a river. I never knew how we managed to prevent a shipwreck + on that voyage and to reach the shore. + </p> + <p> + We had many curious wild pets. There were young foxes, bears, wolves, + raccoons, fawns, buffalo calves and birds of all kinds, tamed by various + boys. My pets were different at different times, but I particularly + remember one. I once had a grizzly bear for a pet and so far as he and I + were concerned, our relations were charming and very close. But I hardly + know whether he made more enemies for me or I for him. It was his habit to + treat every boy unmercifully who injured me. He was despised for his + conduct in my interest and I was hated on account of his interference. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0010" id="link2H_4_0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + II. My Playmates + </h2> + <p> + CHATANNA was the brother with whom I passed much of my early childhood. + From the time that I was old enough to play with boys, this brother was my + close companion. He was a handsome boy, and an affectionate comrade. We + played together, slept together and ate together; and as Chatanna was + three years the older, I naturally looked up to him as to a superior. + </p> + <p> + Oesedah was a beautiful little character. She was my cousin, and four + years younger than myself. Perhaps none of my early playmates are more + vividly remembered than is this little maiden. + </p> + <p> + The name given her by a noted medicine-man was Makah-oesetopah-win. It + means The-four-corners-of-the-earth. As she was rather small, the + abbreviation with a diminutive termination was considered more + appropriate, hence Oesedah became her common name. + </p> + <p> + Although she had a very good mother, Uncheedah was her efficient teacher + and chaperon Such knowledge as my grandmother deemed suitable to a maiden + was duly impressed upon her susceptible mind. When I was not in the woods + with Chatanna, Oesedah was my companion at home; and when I returned from + my play at evening, she would have a hundred questions ready for me to + answer. Some of these were questions concerning our every-day life, and + others were more difficult problems which had suddenly dawned upon her + active little mind. Whatever had occurred to interest her during the day + was immediately repeated for my benefit. + </p> + <p> + There were certain questions upon which Oesedah held me to be authority, + and asked with the hope of increasing her little store of knowledge. I + have often heard her declare to her girl companions: “I know it is true; + Ohiyesa said so!” Uncheedah was partly responsible for this, for when any + questions came up which lay within the sphere of man’s observation, she + would say: + </p> + <p> + “Ohiyesa ought to know that: he is a man-I am not! You had better ask + him.” + </p> + <p> + The truth was that she had herself explained to me many of the subjects + under discussion. + </p> + <p> + I was occasionally referred to little Oesedah in the same manner, and I + always accepted her childish elucidations of any matter upon which I had + been advised to consult her, because I knew the source of her wisdom. In + this simple way we were made to be teachers of one another. + </p> + <p> + Very often we discussed some topic before our common instructor, or + answered her questions together, in order to show which had the readier + mind. + </p> + <p> + “To what tribe does the lizard belong?” inquired Uncheedah, upon one of + these occasions. + </p> + <p> + “To the four-legged tribe,” I shouted. + </p> + <p> + Oesedah, with her usual quickness, flashed out the answer: + </p> + <p> + “It belongs to the creeping tribe.” + </p> + <p> + The Indians divided all animals into four general classes: 1st, those that + walk upon four legs; 2nd, those that fly; 3rd, those that swim with fins; + 4th, those that creep. + </p> + <p> + Of course I endeavored to support my assertion that the lizard belongs + where I had placed it, be-. cause he has four distinct legs which propel + him everywhere, on the ground or in the water. But my opponent claimed + that the creature under dispute does not walk, but creeps. My strongest + argument was that it had legs; but Oesedah insisted that its body touches + the ground as it moves. As a last resort, I volunteered to go find one, + and demonstrate the point in question. + </p> + <p> + The lizard having been brought, we smoothed off the ground and strewed + ashes on it so that we could see the track. Then I raised the question: + “What constitutes creeping, and what constitutes walking?” + </p> + <p> + Uncheedah was the judge, and she stated, without any hesitation, that an + animal must stand clear of the ground on the support of its legs, and walk + with the body above the legs, and not in contact with the ground, in order + to be termed a walker; while a creeper is one that, regardless of its + legs, if it has them, drags its body upon the ground. Upon hearing the + judge’s decision, I yielded at once to my opponent. + </p> + <p> + At another time, when I was engaged in a similar discussion with my + brother Chatanna, Oesedah came to my rescue. Our grandmother had asked us: + </p> + <p> + “What bird shows most judgment in caring for its young?” + </p> + <p> + Chatanna at once exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “The eagle!” but I held my peace for a moment, because I was confused—so + many birds came into my mind at once. I finally declared: + </p> + <p> + “It is the oriole!” + </p> + <p> + Chatanna was asked to state all the evidence that he had in support of the + eagle’s good sense in rearing its young. He proceeded with an air of + confidence: + </p> + <p> + “The eagle is the wisest of all birds. Its nest is made in the safest + possible place, upon a high and inaccessible cliff. It provides its young + with an abundance of fresh meat. They have the freshest of air. They are + brought up under the spell of the grandest scenes, and inspired with lofty + feelings and bravery. They see that all other beings live beneath them, + and that they are the children of the King of Birds. A young eagle shows + the spirit of a warrior while still in the nest. + </p> + <p> + “Being exposed to the inclemency of the weather the young eaglets are + hardy. They are accustomed to hear the mutterings of the Thunder Bird and + the sighings of the Great Mystery. Why, the little eagles cannot help + being as noble as they are, because their parents selected for them so + lofty and inspiring a home! How happy they must be when they find + themselves above the clouds, and behold the zigzag flashes of lightning + all about them! It must be nice to taste a piece of fresh meat up in their + cool home, in the burning summer-time! Then when they drop down the bones + of the game they feed upon, wolves and vultures gather beneath them, + feeding upon their refuse. That alone would show them their chieftainship + over all the other birds. Isn’t that so, grandmother?” Thus triumphantly + he concluded his argument. + </p> + <p> + I was staggered at first by the noble speech of Chatannna, but I soon + recovered from its effects. The little Oesedah came to my aid by saying: + “Wait until Ohiyesa tells of the loveliness of the beautiful Oriole’s + home!” This timely remark gave me courage and I began: + </p> + <p> + “My grandmother, who was it said that a mother who has a gentle and sweet + voice will have children of a good disposition? I think the oriole is that + kind of a parent. It provides both sunshine and shadow for its young. Its + nest is suspended from the prettiest bough of the most graceful tree, + where it is rocked by the gentle winds; and the one we found yesterday was + beautifully lined with soft things, both deep and warm, so that the little + featherless birdies cannot suffer from the cold and wet.” + </p> + <p> + Here Chatanna interrupted me to exclaim: “That is just like the white + people—who cares for them? The eagle teaches its young to be + accustomed to hardships, like young warriors!” + </p> + <p> + Ohiyesa was provoked; he reproached his brother and appealed to the judge, + saying that he had not finished yet. + </p> + <p> + “But you would not have lived, Chatanna, if you had been exposed like that + when you were a baby! The oriole shows wisdom in providing for its + children a good, comfortable home! A home upon a high rock would not be + pleasant-it would be cold! We climbed a mountain once, and it was cold + there; and who would care to stay in such a place when it storms? What + wisdom is there in having a pile of rough sticks upon a bare rock, + surrounded with ill-smelling bones of animals, for a home? Also, my uncle + says that the eaglets seem always to be on the point of starvation. You + have heard that whoever lives on game killed by some one else is compared + to an eagle. Isn’t that so, grandmother? + </p> + <p> + “The oriole suspends its nest from the lower side of a horizontal bough so + that no enemy can approach it. It enjoys peace and beauty and safety.” + </p> + <p> + Oesedah was at Ohiyesa’s side during the discussion, and occasionally + whispered into his ear. Uncheedah decided this time in favor of Ohiyesa. + </p> + <p> + We were once very short of provisions in the winter time. My uncle, our + only means of support, was sick; and besides, we were separated from the + rest of the tribe and in a region where there was little game of any kind. + Oesedah had a pet squirrel, and as soon as we began to economize our food + had given portions of her allowance to her pet. + </p> + <p> + At last we were reduced very much, and the prospect of obtaining anything + soon being gloomy, my grandmother reluctantly suggested that the squirrel + should be killed for food. Thereupon my little cousin cried, and said: + </p> + <p> + “Why cannot we all die alike wanting? The squirrel’s life is as dear to + him as ours to us,” and clung to it. Fortunately, relief came in time to + save her pet. + </p> + <p> + Oesedah lived with us for a portion of the year, and as there were no + other girls in the family she played much alone, and had many imaginary + companions. At one time there was a small willow tree which she visited + regularly, holding long conversations, a part of which she would afterward + repeat to me. She said the willow tree was her husband, whom some magic + had compelled to take that form; but no grown person was ever allowed to + share her secret. + </p> + <p> + When I was about eight years old I had for a playmate the adopted son of a + Sioux, who was a white captive. This boy was quite a noted personage, + although he was then only about ten or eleven years of age. When I first + became acquainted with him we were on the upper Missouri river. I learned + from him that he had been taken on the plains, and that both of his + parents were killed. + </p> + <p> + He was at first sad and lonely, but soon found plenty of consolation in + his new home. The name of his adopted father was + “Keeps-the-Spotted-Ponies.” He was known to have an unusual number of the + pretty calico ponies; indeed, he had a passion for accumulating property + in the shape of ponies, painted tents, decorated saddles and all sorts of + finery. He had lost his only son; but the little pale-face became the + adopted brother of two handsome young women, his daughters. This made him + quite popular among the young warriors. He was not slow to adopt the + Indian customs, and he acquired the Sioux language in a short time. + </p> + <p> + I well remember hearing of his first experience of war. He was not more + than sixteen when he joined a war-party against the Gros-Ventres and + Mandans. My uncle reported that he was very brave until he was wounded in + the ankle; then he begged with tears to be taken back to a safe place. + Fortunately for him, his adopted father came to the rescue, and saved him + at the risk of his own life. He was called the “pale-face Indian.” His + hair grew very long and he lavished paint on his face and hair so that no + one might suspect that he was a white man. + </p> + <p> + One day this boy was playing a gambling game with one of the Sioux + warriors. He was an expert gambler, and won everything from the Indian. At + a certain point a dispute arose. The Indian was very angry, for he + discovered that his fellow-player had deliberately cheated him. The + Indians were strictly honest in those days, even in their gambling. + </p> + <p> + The boy declared that he had merely performed a trick for the benefit of + his friend, but it nearly cost him his life. The indignant warrior had + already drawn his bow-string with the intention of shooting the captive, + but a third person intervened and saved the boy’s life. He at once + explained his trick; and in order to show himself an honorable gambler, + gave back all the articles that he had won from his opponent. In the midst + of the confusion, old “Keeps-the-Spotted-Ponies” came rushing through the + crowd in a state of great excitement. He thought his pale-face son had + been killed. When he saw how matters stood, he gave the aggrieved warrior + a pony, “in order,” as he said, “that there may be no shadow between him + and my son.” + </p> + <p> + One spring my uncle took Chatanna to the Canadian trading-post on the + Assiniboine river, where he went to trade off his furs for ammunition and + other commodities. When he came back, my brother was not with him! + </p> + <p> + At first my fears were even worse than the reality. The facts were these: + A Canadian with whom my uncle had traded much had six daughters and no + son; and when he saw this handsome and intelligent little fellow, he at + once offered to adopt him. + </p> + <p> + “I have no boy in my family,” said he, “and I will deal with him as with a + son. I am always in these regions trading; so you can see him two or three + times in a year.” + </p> + <p> + He further assured my uncle that the possession of the boy would greatly + strengthen their friendship. The matter was finally agreed upon. At first + Chatanna was unwilling, but as we were taught to follow the advice of our + parents and guardians, he was obliged to yield. + </p> + <p> + This was a severe blow to me, and for a long time I could not be consoled. + Uncheedah was fully in sympathy with my distress. She argued that the + white man’s education was not desirable for her boys; in fact, she urged + her son so strongly to go back after Chatanna that he promised on his next + visit to the post to bring him home again. + </p> + <p> + But the trader was a shrewd man. He immediately moved to another part of + the country; and I never saw my Chatanna, the companion of my childhood, + again! We learned afterward that he grew up and was married; but one day + he lost his way in a blizzard and was frozen to death. + </p> + <p> + My little cousin and I went to school together in later years; but she + could not endure the confinement of the school-room. Although apparently + very happy, she suffered greatly from the change to an indoor life, as + have many of our people, and died six months after our return to the + United States. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0011" id="link2H_4_0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + III: The Boy Hunter + </h2> + <p> + IT will be no exaggeration to say that the life of the Indian hunter was a + life of fascination. From the moment that he lost sight of his rude home + in the midst of the forest, his untutored mind lost itself in the myriad + beauties and forces of nature. Yet he never forgot his personal danger + from some lurking foe or savage beast, however absorbing was his passion + for the chase. + </p> + <p> + The Indian youth was a born hunter. Every motion, every step expressed an + inborn dignity and, at the same time, a depth of native caution. His + moccasined foot fell like the velvet paw of a cat—noiselessly; his + glittering black eyes scanned every object that appeared within their + view. Not a bird, not even a chipmunk, escaped their piercing glance. + </p> + <p> + I was scarcely over three years old when I stood one morning just outside + our buffalo-skin teepee, with my little bow and arrows in my hand, and + gazed up among the trees. Suddenly the instinct to chase and kill seized + me powerfully. Just then a bird flew over my head and then another caught + my eye, as it balanced itself upon a swaying bough. Everything else was + forgotten and in that moment I had taken my first step as a hunter. + </p> + <p> + There was almost as much difference between the Indian boys who were + brought up on the open prairies and those of the woods, as between city + and country boys. The hunting of the prairie boys was limited and their + knowledge of natural history imperfect. They were, as a rule, good riders, + but in all-round physical development much inferior to the red men of the + forest. + </p> + <p> + Our hunting varied with the season of the year, and the nature of the + country which was for the time our home. Our chief weapon was the bow and + arrows, and perhaps, if we were lucky, a knife was possessed by some one + in the crowd. In the olden times, knives and hatchets were made from bone + and sharp stones. + </p> + <p> + For fire we used a flint with a spongy piece of dry wood and a stone to + strike with. Another way of starting fire was for several of the boys to + sit down in a circle and rub two pieces of dry, spongy wood together, one + after another, until the wood took fire. + </p> + <p> + We hunted in company a great deal, though it was a common thing for a boy + to set out for the woods quite alone, and he usually enjoyed himself fully + as much. Our game consisted mainly of small birds, rabbits, squirrels and + grouse. Fishing, too, occupied much of our time. We hardly ever passed a + creek or a pond without searching for some signs of fish. When fish were + present, we always managed to get some. Fish-lines were made of wild hemp, + sinew or horse-hair. We either caught fish with lines, snared or speared + them, or shot them with bow and arrows. In the fall we charmed them up to + the surface by gently tickling them with a stick and quickly threw them + out. We have sometimes dammed the brooks and driven the larger fish into a + willow basket made for that purpose. + </p> + <p> + It was part of our hunting to find new and strange things in the woods. We + examined the slightest sign of life; and if a bird had scratched the + leaves off the ground, or a bear dragged up a root for his morning meal, + we stopped to speculate on the time it was done. If we saw a large old + tree with some scratches on its bark, we concluded that a bear or some + raccoons must be living there. In that case we did not go any nearer than + was necessary, but later reported the incident at home. An old deer-track + would at once bring on a warm discussion as to whether it was the track of + a buck or a doe. Generally, at noon, we met and compared our game, noting + at the same time the peculiar characteristics of everything we had killed. + It was not merely a hunt, for we combined with it the study of animal + life. We also kept strict account of our game, and thus learned who were + the best shots among the boys. + </p> + <p> + I am sorry to say that we were merciless toward the birds. We often took + their eggs and their young ones. My brother Chatanna and I once had a + disagreeable adventure while bird-hunting. We were accustomed to catch in + our hands young ducks and geese during the summer, and while doing this we + happened to find a crane’s nest. Of course, we were delighted with our + good luck. But, as it was already midsummer, the young cranes—two in + number—were rather large and they were a little way from the nest; + we also observed that the two old cranes were in a swampy place near by; + but, as it was moulting-time, we did not suppose that they would venture + on dry land. So we proceeded to chase the young birds; but they were fleet + runners and it took us some time to come up with them. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, the parent birds had heard the cries of their little ones and + come to their rescue. They were chasing us, while we followed the birds. + It was really a perilous encounter! Our strong bows finally gained the + victory in a hand-to-hand struggle with the angry cranes; but after that + we hardly ever hunted a crane’s nest. Almost all birds make some + resistance when their eggs or young are taken, but they will seldom attack + man fearlessly. + </p> + <p> + We used to climb large trees for birds of all kinds; but we never + undertook to get young owls unless they were on the ground. The hooting + owl especially is a dangerous bird to attack under these circumstances. I + was once trying to catch a yellow-winged woodpecker in its nest when my + arm became twisted and lodged in the deep hole so that I could not get it + out without the aid of a knife; but we were a long way from home and my + only companion was a deaf mute cousin of mine. I was about fifty feet up + in the tree, in a very uncomfortable position, but I had to wait there for + more than an hour before he brought me the knife with which I finally + released myself. + </p> + <p> + Our devices for trapping small animals were rude, but they were often + successful. For instance, we used to gather up a peck or so of large, + sharp-pointed burrs and scatter them in the rabbit’s furrow-like path. In + the morning, we would find the little fellow sitting quietly in his + tracks, unable to move, for the burrs stuck to his feet. + </p> + <p> + Another way of snaring rabbits and grouse was the following: We made + nooses of twisted horsehair, which we tied very firmly to the top of a + limber young tree, then bent the latter down to the track and fastened the + whole with a slip-knot, after adjusting the noose. When the rabbit runs + his head through the noose, he pulls the slip-knot and is quickly carried + up by the spring of the young tree. This is a good plan, for the rabbit is + out of harm’s way as he swings high in the air. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps the most enjoyable of all was the chipmunk hunt. We killed these + animals at any time of year, but the special time to hunt them was in + March. After the first thaw, the chipmunks burrow a hole through the snow + crust and make their first appearance for the season. Sometimes as many as + fifty will come together and hold a social reunion. These gatherings occur + early in the morning, from daybreak to about nine o’clock. + </p> + <p> + We boys learned this, among other secrets of nature, and got our + blunt-headed arrows together in good season for the chipmunk expedition. + </p> + <p> + We generally went in groups of six to a dozen or fifteen, to see which + would get the most. On the evening before, we selected several boys who + could imitate the chipmunk’s call with wild oatstraws and each of these + provided himself with a supply of straws. + </p> + <p> + The crust will hold the boys nicely at this time of the year. Bright and + early, they all come together at the appointed place, from which each + group starts out in a different direction, agreeing to meet somewhere at a + given position of the sun. + </p> + <p> + My first experience of this kind is still well remembered. It was a fine + crisp March morning, and the sun had not yet shown himself among the + distant tree-tops as we hurried along through the ghostly wood. Presently + we arrived at a place where there were many signs of the animals. Then + each of us selected a tree and took up his position behind it. The + chipmunk caller sat upon a log as motionless as he could, and began to + call. + </p> + <p> + Soon we heard the patter of little feet on the hard snow; then we saw the + chipmunks approaching from all directions. Some stopped and ran + experimentally up a tree or a log, as if uncertain of the exact direction + of the call; others chased one another about. + </p> + <p> + In a few minutes, the chipmunk-caller was besieged with them. Some ran all + over his person, others under him and still others ran up the tree against + which he was sitting. Each boy remained immovable until their leader gave + the signal; then a great shout arose, and the chipmunks in their flight + all ran up the different trees. + </p> + <p> + Now the shooting-match began. The little creatures seemed to realize their + hopeless position; they would try again and again to come down the trees + and flee away from the deadly aim of the youthful hunters. But they were + shot down very fast; and whenever several of them rushed toward the + ground, the little red-skin hugged the tree and yelled frantically to + scare them up again. + </p> + <p> + Each boy shoots always against the trunk of the tree, so that the arrow + may bound back to him every time; otherwise, when he had shot away all of + them, he would be helpless, and another, who had cleared his own tree, + would come and take away his game, so there was warm competition. + Sometimes a desperate chipmunk would jump from the top of the tree in + order to escape, which was considered a joke on the boy who lost it and a + triumph for the brave little animal. At last all were killed or gone, and + then we went on to another place, keeping up the sport until the sun came + out and the chipmunks refused to answer the call. + </p> + <p> + When we went out on the prairies we had a different and less lively kind + of sport. We used to snare with horse-hair and bow-strings all the small + ground animals, including the prairie-dog. We both snared and shot them. + Once a little boy set a snare for one, and lay flat on the ground a little + way from the hole, holding the end of the string. Presently he felt + something move and pulled in a huge rattlesnake; and to this day, his name + is “Caught-the-Rattlesnake.” Very often a boy got a new name in some such + manner. At another time, we were playing in the woods and found a fawn’s + track. We followed and caught it while asleep; but in the struggle to get + away, it kicked one boy, who is still called “Kicked-by-the-Fawn.” + </p> + <p> + It became a necessary part of our education to learn to prepare a meal + while out hunting. It is a fact that most Indians will eat the liver and + some other portions of large animals raw, but they do not eat fish or + birds uncooked. Neither will they eat a frog, or an eel. On our boyish + hunts, we often went on until we found ourselves a long way from our camp, + when we would kindle a fire and roast a part of our game. + </p> + <p> + Generally we broiled our meat over the coals on a stick. We roasted some + of it over the open fire. But the best way to cook fish and birds is in + the ashes, under a big fire. We take the fish fresh from the creek or + lake, have a good fire on the sand, dig in the sandy ashes and bury it + deep. The same thing is done in case of a bird, only we wet the feathers + first. When it is done, the scales or feathers and skin are stripped off + whole, and the delicious meat retains all its juices and flavor. We pulled + it off as we ate, leaving the bones undisturbed. + </p> + <p> + Our people had also a method of boiling without pots or kettles. A large + piece of tripe was thoroughly washed and the ends tied, then suspended + between four stakes driven into the ground and filled with cold water. The + meat was then placed in this novel receptacle and boiled by means of the + addition of red-hot stones. + </p> + <p> + Chatanna was a good hunter. He called the doe and fawn beautifully by + using a thin leaf of birchbark between two flattened sticks. One morning + we found the tracks of a doe and fawn who had passed within the hour, for + the light dew was brushed from the grass. + </p> + <p> + “What shall we do?” I asked. “Shall we go back to the teepee and tell + uncle to bring his gun?” + </p> + <p> + “No, no!” exclaimed Chatanna. “Did not our people kill deer and buffalo + long ago without guns? We will entice her into this open space, and, while + she stands bewildered, I can throw my lasso line over her head.” + </p> + <p> + He had called only a few seconds when the fawn emerged from the thick + woods and stood before us, prettier than a picture. Then I uttered the + call, and she threw her tobacco-leaf-like ears toward me, while Chatanna + threw his lasso. She gave one scream and launched forth into the air, + almost throwing the boy hunter to the ground. Again and again she flung + herself desperately into the air, but at last we led her to the nearest + tree and tied her securely. + </p> + <p> + “Now,” said he, “go and get our pets and see what they will do.” + </p> + <p> + At that time he had a good-sized black bear partly tamed, while I had a + young red fox and my faithful Ohitika or Brave. I untied Chagoo, the bear, + and Wanahon, the fox, while Ohitika got up and welcomed me by wagging his + tail in a dignified way. + </p> + <p> + “Come,” I said, “all three of you. I think we have something you would all + like to see.” + </p> + <p> + They seemed to understand me, for Chagoo began to pull his rope with both + paws, while Wanahon undertook the task of digging up by the roots the + sapling to which I had tied him. + </p> + <p> + Before we got to the open spot, we already heard Ohitika’s joyous bark, + and the two wild pets began to run, and pulled me along through the + underbrush. Chagoo soon assumed the utmost precaution and walked as if he + had splinters in his soles, while Wanahon kept his nose down low and + sneaked through the trees. + </p> + <p> + Out into the open glade we came, and there, before the three rogues, stood + the little innocent fawn. She visibly trembled at the sight of the motley + group. The two human rogues looked to her, I presume, just as bad as the + other three. Chagoo regarded her with a mixture of curiosity and defiance, + while Wanahon stood as if rooted to the ground, evidently planning how to + get at her. But Ohitika (Brave), generous Ohitika, his occasional barking + was only in jest. He did not care to touch the helpless thing. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly the fawn sprang high into the air and then dropped her pretty + head on the ground. + </p> + <p> + “Ohiyesa, the fawn is dead,” cried Chatanna. “I wanted to keep her.” + </p> + <p> + “It is a shame;” I chimed in. + </p> + <p> + We five guilty ones came and stood around her helpless form. We all looked + very sorry; even Chagoo’s eyes showed repentance and regret. As for + Ohitika, he gave two great sighs and then betook himself to a respectful + distance. Chatanna had two big tears gradually swamping his long, black + eye-lashes; and I thought it was time to hide my face, for I did not want + him to look at me. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0012" id="link2H_4_0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + IV. Hakadah’s First Offering + </h2> + <p> + “HAKADAH, coowah!” was the sonorous call that came from a large teepee in + the midst of the Indian encampment. In answer to the summons there emerged + from the woods, which were only a few steps away, a boy, accompanied by a + splendid black dog. There was little in the appearance of the little + fellow to distinguish him from the other Sioux boys. + </p> + <p> + He hastened to the tent from which he had been summoned, carrying in his + hands a bow and arrows gorgeously painted, while the small birds and + squirrels that he had killed with these weapons dangled from his belt. + </p> + <p> + Within the tent sat two old women, one on each side of the fire. Uncheedah + was the boy’s grandmother, who had brought up the motherless child. + Wahchewin was only a caller, but she had been invited to remain and assist + in the first personal offering of Hakadah to the “Great Mystery.” + </p> + <p> + This was a matter which had, for several days, pretty much monopolized + Uncheedah’s mind. It was her custom to see to this when each of her + children attained the age of eight summers. They had all been celebrated + as warriors and hunters among their tribe, and she had not hesitated to + claim for herself a good share of the honors they had achieved, because + she had brought them early to the notice of the “Great Mystery.” + </p> + <p> + She believed that her influence had helped to regulate and develop the + characters of her sons to the height of savage nobility and strength of + manhood. + </p> + <p> + It had been whispered through the teepee village that Uncheedah intended + to give a feast in honor of her grandchild’s first sacrificial offering. + This was mere speculation, however, for the clearsighted old woman had + determined to keep this part of the matter secret until the offering + should be completed, believing that the “Great Mystery” should be met in + silence and dignity. + </p> + <p> + The boy came rushing into the lodge, followed by his dog Ohitika who was + wagging his tail promiscuously, as if to say: “Master and I are really + hunters!” + </p> + <p> + Hakadah breathlessly gave a descriptive narrative of the killing of each + bird and squirrel as he pulled them off his belt and threw them before his + grandmother. + </p> + <p> + “This blunt-headed arrow,” said he, “actually had eyes this morning. + Before the squirrel can dodge around the tree it strikes him in the head, + and, as he falls to the ground, my Ohitika is upon him.” + </p> + <p> + He knelt upon one knee as he talked, his black eyes shining like evening + stars. + </p> + <p> + “Sit down here,” said Uncheedah to the boy; “I have something to say to + you. You see that you are now almost a man. Observe the game you have + brought me! It will not be long before you will leave me, for a warrior + must seek opportunities to make him great among his people. + </p> + <p> + “You must endeavor to equal your father and grandfather,” she went on. + “They were warriors and feast-makers. But it is not the poor hunter who + makes many feasts. Do you not remember the ‘Legend of the Feast-Maker,’ + who gave forty feasts in twelve moons? And have you forgotten the story of + the warrior who sought the will of the Great Mystery? To-day you will make + your first offering to him.” + </p> + <p> + The concluding sentence fairly dilated the eyes of the young hunter, for + he felt that a great event was about to occur, in which he would be the + principal actor. But Uncheedah resumed her speech. + </p> + <p> + “You must give up one of your belongings-whichever is dearest to you—for + this is to be a sacrificial offering.” + </p> + <p> + This somewhat confused the boy; not that he was selfish, but rather + uncertain as to what would be the most appropriate thing to give. Then, + too, he supposed that his grandmother referred to his ornaments and + playthings only. So he volunteered: + </p> + <p> + “I can give up my best bow and arrows, and all the paints I have, and—and + my bear’s claws necklace, grandmother!” + </p> + <p> + “Are these the things dearest to you?” she demanded. + </p> + <p> + “Not the bow and arrows, but the paints will be very hard to get, for + there are no white people near; and the necklace—it is not easy to + get one like it again. I will also give up my otterskin head-dress, if you + think that is not enough.” + </p> + <p> + “But think, my boy, you have not yet mentioned the thing that will be a + pleasant offering to the Great Mystery.” + </p> + <p> + The boy looked into the woman’s face with a puzzled expression. + </p> + <p> + “I have nothing else as good as those things I have named, grandmother, + unless it is my spotted pony; and I am sure that the Great Mystery will + not require a little boy to make him so large a gift. Besides, my uncle + gave three otter-skins and five eagle-feathers for him and I promised to + keep him a long while, if the Blackfeet or the Crows do not steal him.” + </p> + <p> + Uncheedah was not fully satisfied with the boy’s free offerings. Perhaps + it had not occurred to him what she really wanted. But Uncheedah knew + where his affection was vested. His faithful dog, his pet and companion—Hakadah + was almost inseparable from the loving beast. + </p> + <p> + She was sure that it would be difficult to obtain his consent to sacrifice + the animal, but she ventured upon a final appeal. + </p> + <p> + “You must remember,” she said, “that in this offering you will call upon + him who looks at you from every creation. In the wind you hear him whisper + to you. He gives his war-whoop in the thunder. He watches you by day with + his eye, the sun; at night, he gazes upon your sleeping countenance + through the moon. In short, it is the Mystery of Mysteries, who controls + all things to whom you will make your first offering. By this act, you + will ask him to grant to you what he has granted to few men. I know you + wish to be a great warrior and hunter. I am not prepared to see my Hakadah + show any cowardice, for the love of possessions is a woman’s trait and not + a brave’s.” + </p> + <p> + During this speech, the boy had been completely aroused to the spirit of + manliness, and in his excitement was willing to give up anything he had—even + his pony! But he was unmindful of his friend and companion, Ohitika, the + dog! So, scarcely had Uncheedah finished speaking, when he almost shouted: + </p> + <p> + “Grandmother, I will give up any of my possessions for the offering to the + Great Mystery! You may select what you think will be most pleasing to + him.” + </p> + <p> + There were two silent spectators of this little dialogue. One was + Wahchewin; the other was Ohitika. The woman had been invited to stay, + although only a neighbor. The dog, by force of habit, had taken up his + usual position by the side of his master when they entered the teepee. + Without moving a muscle, save those of his eyes, he had been a very close + observer of what passed. + </p> + <p> + Had the dog but moved once to attract the attention of his little friend, + he might have been dissuaded from that impetuous exclamation: + “Grandmother, I will give up any of my possessions!” + </p> + <p> + It was hard for Uncheedah to tell the boy that he must part with his dog, + but she was equal to the situation. + </p> + <p> + “Hakadah,” she proceeded cautiously, “you are a young brave. I know, + though young, your heart is strong and your courage is great. You will be + pleased to give up the dearest thing you have for your first offering. You + must give up Ohitika. He is brave; and you, too, are brave. He will not + fear death; you will bear his loss bravely. Come—here are four + bundles of paints and a filled pipe—let us go to the place.” + </p> + <p> + When the last words were uttered, Hakadah did not seem to hear them. He + was simply unable to speak. To a civilized eye, he would have appeared at + that moment like a little copper statue. His bright black eyes were fast + melting in floods of tears, when he caught his grandmother’s eye and + recollected her oft-repeated adage: “Tears for woman and the war-whoop for + man to drown sorrow!” + </p> + <p> + He swallowed two or three big mouthfuls of heart-ache and the little + warrior was master of the situation. + </p> + <p> + “Grandmother, my Brave will have to die! Let me tie together two of the + prettiest tails of the squirrels that he and I killed this morning, to + show to the Great Mystery what a hunter he has been. Let me paint him + myself.” + </p> + <p> + This request Uncheedah could not refuse and she left the pair alone for a + few minutes, while she went to ask Wacoota to execute Ohitika. + </p> + <p> + Every Indian boy knows that, when a warrior is about to meet death, he + must sing a death dirge. Hakadah thought of his Ohitika as a person who + would meet his death without a struggle, so he began to sing a dirge for + him, at the same time hugging him tight to himself. As if he were a human + being, he whispered in his ear: + </p> + <p> + “Be brave, my Ohitika! I shall remember you the first time I am upon the + war-path in the Ojibway country.” + </p> + <p> + At last he heard Uncheedah talking with a man outside the teepee, so he + quickly took up his paints. Ohitika was a jet-black dog, with a silver tip + on the end of his tail and on his nose, beside one white paw and a white + star upon a protuberance between his ears. Hakadah knew that a man who + prepares for death usually paints with red and black. Nature had partially + provided Ohitika in this respect, so that only red was required and this + Hakadah supplied generously. + </p> + <p> + Then he took off a piece of red cloth and tied it around the dog’s neck; + to this he fastened two of the squirrels’ tails and a wing from the oriole + they had killed that morning. + </p> + <p> + Just then it occurred to him that good warriors always mourn for their + departed friends and the usual mourning was black paint. He loosened his + black braided locks, ground a dead coal, mixed it with bear’s oil and + rubbed it on his entire face. + </p> + <p> + During this time every hole in the tent was occupied with an eye. Among + the lookers-on was his grandmother. She was very near relenting. Had she + not feared the wrath of the Great Mystery, she would have been happy to + call out to the boy: “Keep your dear dog, my child!” + </p> + <p> + As it was, Hakadah came out of the teepee with his face looking like an + eclipsed moon, leading his beautiful dog, who was even handsomer than ever + with the red touches on his specks of white. + </p> + <p> + It was now Uncheedah’s turn to struggle with the storm and burden in her + soul. But the boy was emboldened by the people’s admiration of his + bravery, and did not shed a tear. As soon as she was able to speak, the + loving grandmother said: + </p> + <p> + “No, my young brave, not so! You must not mourn for your first offering. + Wash your face and then we will go.” + </p> + <p> + The boy obeyed, submitted Ohitika to Wacoota with a smile, and walked off + with his grandmother and Wahchewin. + </p> + <p> + They followed a well-beaten foot-path leading along the bank of the + Assiniboine river, through a beautiful grove of oak, and finally around + and under a very high cliff. The murmuring of the river came up from just + below. On the opposite side was a perpendicular white cliff, from which + extended back a gradual slope of land, clothed with the majestic mountain + oak. The scene was impressive and wild. + </p> + <p> + Wahchewin had paused without a word when the little party reached the edge + of the cliff. It had been arranged between her and Uncheedah that she + should wait there for Wacoota, who was to bring as far as that the portion + of the offering with which he had been entrusted. + </p> + <p> + The boy and his grandmother descended the bank, following a tortuous + foot-path until they reached the water’s edge. Then they proceeded to the + mouth of an immense cave, some fifty feet above the river, under the + cliff. A little stream of limpid water trickled down from a spring within + the cave. The little watercourse served as a sort of natural staircase for + the visitors. A cool, pleasant atmosphere exhaled from the mouth of the + cavern. Really it was a shrine of nature and it is not strange that it was + so regarded by the tribe. + </p> + <p> + A feeling of awe and reverence came to the boy. “It is the home of the + Great Mystery,” he thought to himself; and the impressiveness of his + surroundings made him forget his sorrow. + </p> + <p> + Very soon Wahchewin came with some difficulty to the steps. She placed the + body of Ohitika upon the ground in a life-like position and again left the + two alone. + </p> + <p> + As soon as she disappeared from view, Uncheedah, with all solemnity and + reverence, unfastened the leather strings that held the four small bundles + of paints and one of tobacco, while the filled pipe was laid beside the + dead Ohitika. + </p> + <p> + She scattered paints and tobacco all about. Again they stood a few moments + silently; then she drew a deep breath and began her prayer to the Great + Mystery: + </p> + <p> + “O, Great Mystery, we hear thy voice in the rushing waters below us! We + hear thy whisper in the great oaks above! Our spirits are refreshed with + thy breath from within this cave. O, hear our prayer! Behold this little + boy and bless him! Make him a warrior and a hunter as great as thou didst + make his father and grandfather.” + </p> + <p> + And with this prayer the little warrior had completed his first offering. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0013" id="link2H_4_0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + V. FAMILY TRADITIONS + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0014" id="link2H_4_0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + I: A Visit to Smoky Day + </h2> + <p> + SMOKY DAY was widely known among us as a preserver of history and legend. + He was a living book of the traditions and history of his people. Among + his effects were bundles of small sticks, notched and painted. One bundle + contained the number of his own years. Another was composed of sticks + representing the important events of history, each of which was marked + with the number of years since that particular event occurred. For + instance, there was the year when so many stars fell from the sky, with + the number of years since it happened cut into the wood. Another recorded + the appearance of a comet; and from these heavenly wonders the great + national catastrophes and victories were reckoned. + </p> + <p> + But I will try to repeat some of his favorite narratives as I heard them + from his own lips. I went to him one day with a piece of tobacco and an + eagle-feather; not to buy his MSS., but hoping for the privilege of + hearing him tell of some of the brave deeds of our people in remote times. + </p> + <p> + The tall and large old man greeted me with his usual courtesy and thanked + me for my present. As I recall the meeting, I well remember his unusual + stature, his slow speech and gracious manner. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, Ohiyesa!” said he, “my young warrior—for such you will be some + day! I know this by your seeking to hear of the great deeds of your + ancestors. That is a good sign, and I love to repeat these stories to one + who is destined to be a brave man. I do not wish to lull you to sleep with + sweet words; but I know the conduct of your paternal ancestors. They have + been and are still among the bravest of our tribe. To prove this, I will + relate what happened in your paternal grandfather’s family, twenty years + ago. + </p> + <p> + “Two of his brothers were murdered by a jealous young man of their own + band. The deed was committed without just cause; therefore all the braves + were agreed to punish the murderer with death. When your grandfather was + approached with this suggestion, he replied that he and the remaining + brothers could not condescend to spill the blood of such a wretch, but + that the others might do whatever they thought just with the young man. + These men were foremost among the warriors of the Sioux, and no one + questioned their courage; yet when this calamity was brought upon them by + a villain, they refused to touch him! This, my boy, is a test of true + bravery. Self-possession and self-control at such a moment is proof of a + strong heart. + </p> + <p> + “You have heard of Jingling Thunder the elder, whose brave deeds are well + known to the Villagers of the Lakes. He sought honor ‘in the gates of the + enemy,’ as we often say. The Great Mystery was especially kind to him, + because he was obedient. + </p> + <p> + “Many winters ago there was a great battle, in which Jingling Thunder won + his first honors. It was forty winters before the falling of many stars, + which event occurred twenty winters after the coming of the black-robed + white priest; and that was fourteen winters before the annihilation by our + people of thirty lodges of the Sac and Fox Indians. I well remember the + latter event—it was just fifty winters ago. However, I will count my + sticks again.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, Smoky Day produced his bundle of variously colored sticks, + about five inches long. He counted and gave them to me to verify his + calculation. + </p> + <p> + “But you,” he resumed, “do not care to remember the winters that have + passed. You are young, and care only for the event and the deed. It was + very many years ago that this thing happened that I am about to tell you, + and yet our people speak of it with as much enthusiasm as if it were only + yesterday. Our heroes are always kept alive in the minds of the nation. + </p> + <p> + “Our people lived then on the east bank of the Mississippi, a little south + of where Imnejah-skah, or White Cliff (St. Paul, Minnesota), now stands. + After they left Mille Lacs they founded several villages, but finally + settled in this spot, whence the tribes have gradually dispersed. Here a + battle occurred which surpassed all others in history. It lasted one whole + day—the Sacs and Foxes and the Dakotas against the Ojibways. + </p> + <p> + “An invitation in the usual form of a filled pipe was brought to the Sioux + by a brave of the Sac and Fox tribe, to make a general attack upon their + common enemy. The Dakota braves quickly signified their willingness in the + same manner, and it having been agreed to meet upon the St. Croix river, + preparations were immediately begun to despatch a large war-party. + </p> + <p> + “Among our people there were many tried warriors whose names were known, + and every youth of a suitable age was desirous of emulating them. As these + young novices issued from every camp and almost every teepee, their + mothers, sisters, grandfathers and grandmothers were singing for them the + ‘strong-heart’ songs. An old woman, living with her only grandchild, the + remnant of a once large band who had all been killed at three different + times by different parties of the Ojibways, was conspicuous among the + singers. + </p> + <p> + “Everyone who heard, cast toward her a sympathetic glance, for it was well + known that she and her grandson constituted the remnant of a band of + Sioux, and that her song indicated that her precious child had attained + the age of a warrior, and was now about to join the war-party, and to seek + a just revenge for the annihilation of his family. This was Jingling + Thunder, also familiarly known as ‘The Little Last.’ He was seen to carry + with him some family relics in the shape of war-clubs and lances. + </p> + <p> + “The aged woman’s song was something like this: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Go, my brave Jingling Thunder! + Upon the silvery path + Behold that glittering track— + + “And yet, my child, remember + How pitiful to live + Survivor of the young! + ‘Stablish our name and kin!” + </pre> + <p> + “The Sacs and Foxes were very daring and confident upon this occasion. + They proposed to the Sioux that they should engage alone with the enemy at + first, and let us see how their braves can fight! To this our people + assented, and they assembled upon the hills to watch the struggle between + their allies and the Ojibways. It seemed to be an equal fight, and for a + time no one could tell how the contest would end. Young Jingling Thunder + was an impatient spectator, and it was The Milky Way—believed by the + Dakotas to be the road travelled by the spirits of departed braves hard to + keep him from rushing forward to meet his foes. + </p> + <p> + “At last a great shout went up, and the Sacs and Foxes were seen to be + retreating with heavy loss. Then the Sioux took the field, and were fast + winning the day, when fresh reinforcements came from the north for the + Ojibways. Up to this time Jingling Thunder had been among the foremost in + the battle, and had engaged in several close encounters. But this fresh + attack of the Ojibways was unexpected, and the Sioux were somewhat tired. + Besides, they had told the Sacs and Foxes to sit upon the hills and rest + their weary limbs and take lessons from their friends the Sioux; therefore + no aid was looked for from any quarter. + </p> + <p> + “A great Ojibway chief made a fierce onslaught on the Dakotas. This man + Jingling Thunder now rushed forward to meet. The Ojibway boastfully + shouted to his warriors that he had met a tender fawn and would reserve to + himself the honor of destroying it. Jingling Thunder, on his side, + exclaimed that he had met the aged bear of whom he had heard so much, but + that he would need no assistance to overcome him. + </p> + <p> + “The powerful man flashed his tomahawk in the air over the youthful + warrior’s head, but the brave sprang aside as quick as lightning, and in + the same instant speared his enemy to the heart. As the Ojibway chief gave + a gasping yell and fell in death, his people lost courage; while the + success of the brave Jingling Thunder strengthened the hearts of the + Sioux, for they immediately followed up their advantage and drove the + enemy out of their territory. + </p> + <p> + “This was the beginning of Jingling Thunder’s career as a warrior. He + afterwards performed even greater acts of valor. He became the ancestor of + a famous band of the Sioux, of whom your own father, Ohiyesa, was a + member. You have doubtless heard his name in connection with many great + events. Yet he was a patient man, and was never known to quarrel with one + of his own nation.” + </p> + <p> + That night I lay awake a long time committing to memory the tradition I + had heard, and the next day I boasted to my playmate, Little Rainbow, + about my first lesson from the old storyteller. To this he replied: + </p> + <p> + “I would rather have Weyuhah for my teacher. I think he remembers more + than any of the others. When Weyuhah tells about a battle you can see it + yourself; you can even hear the war-whoop,” he went on with much + enthusiasm. + </p> + <p> + “That is what his friends say of him; but those who are not his friends + say that he brings many warriors into the battle who were not there,” I + answered indignantly, for I could not admit that old Smoky Day could have + a rival. + </p> + <p> + Before I went to him again Uncheedah had thoughtfully prepared a nice + venison roast for the teacher, and I was proud to take him something good + to eat before beginning his story. + </p> + <p> + “How,” was his greeting, “so you have begun already, Ohiyesa? Your family + were ever feastmakers as well as warriors.” + </p> + <p> + Having done justice to the tender meat, he wiped his knife by sticking it + into the ground several times, and put it away in its sheath, after which + he cheerfully recommenced: + </p> + <p> + “It came to pass not many winters ago that Wakinyan-tonka, the great + medicine man, had a vision; whereupon a war-party set out for the Ojibway + country. There were three brothers of your family among them, all of whom + were noted for valor and the chase. + </p> + <p> + “Seven battles were fought in succession before they turned to come back. + They had secured a number of the enemy’s birch canoes, and the whole party + came floating down the Mississippi, joyous and happy because of their + success. + </p> + <p> + “But one night the war-chief announced that there was misfortune at hand. + The next day no one was willing to lead the fleet. The youngest of the + three brothers finally declared that he did not fear death, for it comes + when least expected and he volunteered to take the lead. + </p> + <p> + “It happened that this young man had left a pretty maiden behind him, + whose choice needlework adorned his quiver. He was very handsome as well + as brave. + </p> + <p> + “At daybreak the canoes were again launched upon the bosom of the great + river. All was quiet—a few birds beginning to sing. Just as the sun + peeped through the eastern tree-tops a great warcry came forth from the + near shores, and there was a rain of arrows. The birchen canoes were + pierced, and in the excitement many were capsized. + </p> + <p> + “The Sioux were at a disadvantage. There was no shelter. Their bow-strings + and the feathers on their arrows were wet. The bold Ojibways saw their + advantage and pressed closer and closer; but our men fought desperately, + half in and half out of the water, until the enemy was forced at last to + retreat. Nevertheless that was a sad day for the Wahpeton Sioux; but + saddest of all was Winona’s fate! + </p> + <p> + “Morning Star, her lover, who led the canoe fleet that morning, was among + the slain. For two days the Sioux braves searched in the water for their + dead, but his body was not recovered. + </p> + <p> + “At home, meanwhile, the people had been alarmed by ill omens. Winona, + eldest daughter of the great chief, one day entered her birch canoe alone + and paddled up the Mississippi, gazing now into the water around her, now + into the blue sky above. She thought she heard some young men giving + courtship calls in the distance, just as they do at night when approaching + the teepee of the beloved; and she knew the voice of Morning Star well! + Surely she could distinguish his call among the others! Therefore she + listened yet more intently, and looked skyward as her light canoe glided + gently up stream. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, poor Winona! She saw only six sandhill cranes, looking no larger than + mosquitoes, as they flew in circles high up in the sky, going east where + all spirits go. Something said to her: ‘Those are the spirits of some of + the Sioux braves, and Morning Star is among them!’ Her eye followed the + birds as they traveled in a chain of circles. + </p> + <p> + “Suddenly she glanced downward. ‘What is this?’ she screamed in despair. + It was Morning Star’s body, floating down the river; his quiver, worked by + her own hands and now dyed with his blood, lay upon the surface of the + water. + </p> + <p> + “‘Ah, Great Mystery! why do you punish a poor girl so? Let me go with the + spirit of Morning Star!’ + </p> + <p> + “It was evening. The pale moon arose in the east and the stars were + bright. At this very hour the news of the disaster was brought home by a + returning scout, and the village was plunged in grief, but Winona’s spirit + had flown away. No one ever saw her again. + </p> + <p> + “This is enough for to-day, my boy. You may come again to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0015" id="link2H_4_0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + II. The Stone Boy + </h2> + <p> + “Ho, mita koda!” (welcome, friend!) was Smoky Day’s greeting, as I entered + his lodge on the third day. “I hope you did not dream of a watery combat + with the Ojibways, after the history I repeated to you yesterday,” the old + sage continued, with a complaisant smile playing upon his face. + </p> + <p> + “No,” I said, meekly, “but, on the other hand, I have wished that the sun + might travel a little faster, so that I could come for another story.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, this time I will tell you one of the kind we call myths or fairy + stories. They are about men and women who do wonderful things—things + that ordinary people cannot do at all. Sometimes they are not exactly + human beings, for they partake of the nature of men and beasts, or of men + and gods. I tell you this beforehand, so that you may not ask any + questions, or be puzzled by the inconsistency of the actors in these old + stories. + </p> + <p> + “Once there were ten brothers who lived with their only sister, a young + maiden of sixteen summers. She was very skilful at her embroidery, and her + brothers all had beautifully worked quivers and bows embossed with + porcupine quills. They loved and were kind to her, and the maiden in her + turn loved her brothers dearly, and was content with her position as their + housekeeper. They were great hunters, and scarcely ever remained at home + during the day, but when they returned at evening they would relate to her + all their adventures. + </p> + <p> + “One night they came home one by one with their game, as usual, all but + the eldest, who did not return. It was supposed by the other brothers that + he had pursued a deer too far from the lodge, or perhaps shot more game + than he could well carry; but the sister had a presentiment that something + dreadful had befallen him. She was partially consoled by the second + brother, who offered to find the lost one in the morning. + </p> + <p> + “Accordingly, he went in search of him, while the rest set out on the hunt + as usual. Toward evening all had returned safely, save the brother who + went in search of the absent. Again, the next older brother went to look + for the others, and he too returned no more. All the young men disappeared + one by one in this manner, leaving their sister alone. + </p> + <p> + “The maiden’s sorrow was very great. She wandered everywhere, weeping and + looking for her brothers, but found no trace of them. One day she was + walking beside a beautiful little stream, whose clear waters went laughing + and singing on their way. She could see the gleaming pebbles at the + bottom, and one in particular seemed so lovely to her tear-bedimmed eyes, + that she stooped and picked it up, dropping it within her skin garment + into her bosom. For the first time since her misfortunes she had forgotten + herself and her sorrow. + </p> + <p> + “At last she went home, much happier than she had been, though she could + not have told the reason why. On the following day she sought again the + place where she had found the pebble, and this time she fell asleep on the + banks of the stream, When she awoke, there lay a beautiful babe in her + bosom. + </p> + <p> + “She took it up and kissed it many times. And the child was a boy, but it + was heavy like a stone, so she called him a ‘Little Stone Boy.’ The maiden + cried no more, for she was very happy with her baby. The child was + unusually knowing, and walked almost from its birth. + </p> + <p> + “One day Stone Boy discovered the bow and arrows of one of his uncles, and + desired to have them; but his mother cried, and said: + </p> + <p> + “‘Wait, my son, until you are a young man.’ She made him some little ones, + and with these he soon learned to hunt, and killed small game enough to + support them both. When he had grown to be a big boy, he insisted upon + knowing whose were the ten bows that still hung upon the walls of his + mother’s lodge. + </p> + <p> + “At last she was obliged to tell him the sad story of her loss. + </p> + <p> + “‘Mother, I shall go in search of my uncles,’ exclaimed the Stone Boy. + </p> + <p> + “‘But you will be lost like them,’ she replied, ‘and then I shall die of + grief.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘No, I shall not be lost. I shall bring your ten brothers back to you. + Look, I will give you a sign. I will take a pillow, and place it upon end. + Watch this, for as long as I am living the pillow will stay as I put it. + Mother, give me some food and some moccasins with which to travel!’ + </p> + <p> + “Taking the bow of one of his uncles, with its quiver full of arrows, the + Stone Boy departed. As he journeyed through the forest he spoke to every + animal he met, asking for news of his lost uncles. Sometimes he called to + them at the top of his voice. Once he thought he heard an answer, so he + walked in the direction of the sound. But it was only a great grizzly bear + who had wantonly mimicked the boy’s call. Then Stone Boy was greatly + provoked. + </p> + <p> + “‘Was it you who answered my call, you longface?’ he exclaimed. + </p> + <p> + “Upon this the latter growled and said: + </p> + <p> + “‘You had better be careful how you address me, or you may be sorry for + what you say!’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Who cares for you, you red-eyes, you ugly thing!’ the boy replied; + whereupon the grizzly immediately set upon him. + </p> + <p> + “But the boy’s flesh became as hard as stone, and the bear’s great teeth + and claws made no impression upon it. Then he was so dreadfully heavy; and + he kept laughing all the time as if he were being tickled, which greatly + aggravated the bear. Finally Stone Boy pushed him aside and sent an arrow + to his heart. + </p> + <p> + “He walked on for some distance until he came to a huge fallen pine tree, + which had evidently been killed by lightning. The ground near by bore + marks of a struggle, and Stone Boy picked up several arrows exactly like + those of his uncles, which he himself carried. + </p> + <p> + “While he was examining these things, he heard a sound like that of a + whirlwind, far up in the heavens. He looked up and saw a black speck which + grew rapidly larger until it became a dense cloud. Out of it came a flash + and then a thunderbolt. The boy was obliged to wink; and when he opened + his eyes, behold! a stately man stood before him and challenged him to + single combat. + </p> + <p> + “Stone Boy accepted the challenge and they grappled with one another. The + man from the clouds was gigantic in stature and very powerful. But Stone + Boy was both strong and unnaturally heavy and hard to hold. The great + warrior from the sky sweated from his exertions, and there came a heavy + shower. Again and again the lightnings flashed about them as the two + struggled there. At last Stone Boy threw his opponent, who lay motionless. + There was a murmuring sound throughout the heavens and the clouds rolled + swiftly away. + </p> + <p> + “‘Now,’ thought the hero, ‘this man must have slain all my uncles. I shall + go to his home and find out what has become of them.’ With this he + unfastened from the dead man’s scalp-lock a beautiful bit of scarlet down. + He breathed gently upon it, and as it floated upward he followed into the + blue heavens. + </p> + <p> + “Away went Stone Boy to the country of the Thunder Birds. It was a + beautiful land, with lakes, rivers, plains and mountains. The young + adventurer found himself looking down from the top of a high mountain, and + the country appeared to be very populous, for he saw lodges all about him + as far as the eye could reach. He particularly noticed a majestic tree + which towered above all the others, and in its bushy top bore an enormous + nest. Stone Boy descended from the mountain and soon arrived at the foot + of the tree; but there were no limbs except those at the top and it was so + tall that he did not attempt to climb it. He simply took out his bit of + down, breathed upon it and floated gently upward. + </p> + <p> + “When he was able to look into the nest he saw there innumerable eggs of + various sizes, and all of a remarkable red color. He was nothing but a boy + after all, and had all a boy’s curiosity and recklessness. As he was + handling the eggs carelessly, his notice was attracted to a sudden + confusion in the little village below. All of the people seemed to be + running toward the tree. He mischievously threw an egg at them, and in the + instant that it broke he saw one of the men drop dead. Then all began to + cry out pitifully, ‘Give me my heart!’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Ah,’ exclaimed Stone Boy, exulting,’ so these are the hearts of the + people who destroyed my uncles! I shall break them all!’ + </p> + <p> + “And he really did break all of the eggs but four small ones which he took + in his hand. Then he descended the tree, and wandered among the silent and + deserted lodges in search of some trace of his lost uncles. He found four + little boys, the sole survivors of their race, and these he commanded to + tell him where their bones were laid. + </p> + <p> + “They showed him the spot where a heap of bones was bleaching on the + ground. Then he bade one of the boys bring wood, a second water, a third + stones, and the fourth he sent to cut willow wands for the sweat lodge. + They obeyed, and Stone Boy built the lodge, made a fire, heated the stones + and collected within the lodge all the bones of his ten uncles. + </p> + <p> + “As he poured the water upon the hot stones faint sounds could be heard + from within the magic bath. These changed to the murmuring of voices, and + finally to the singing of medicine songs. Stone Boy opened the door and + his ten uncles came forth in the flesh, thanking him and blessing him for + restoring them to life. Only the little finger of the youngest uncle was + missing. Stone Boy now heartlessly broke the four remaining eggs, and took + the little finger of the largest boy to supply the missing bone. + </p> + <p> + “They all returned to earth again and Stone Boy conducted his uncles to + his mother’s lodge. She had never slept during his entire absence, but + watched incessantly the pillow upon which her boy was wont to rest his + head, and by which she was to know of his safety. Going a little in + advance of the others, he suddenly rushed forward into her teepee, + exclaiming: ‘Mother, your ten brothers are coming—prepare a feast!’ + </p> + <p> + “For some time after this they all lived happily together. Stone Boy + occupied himself with solitary hunting. He was particularly fond of + hunting the fiercer wild animals. He killed them wantonly and brought home + only the ears, teeth and claws as his spoil, and with these he played as + he laughingly recounted his exploits. His mother and uncles protested, and + begged him at least to spare the lives of those animals held sacred by the + Dakotas, but Stone Boy relied upon his supernatural powers to protect him + from harm. + </p> + <p> + “One evening, however, he was noticeably silent and upon being pressed to + give the reason, replied as follows: + </p> + <p> + “‘For some days past I have heard the animals talking of a conspiracy + against us. I was going west the other morning when I heard a crier + announcing a general war upon Stone Boy and his people. The crier was a + Buffalo, going at full speed from west to east. Again, I heard the Beaver + conversing with the Musk-rat, and both said that their services were + already promised to overflow the lakes and rivers and cause a destructive + flood. I heard, also, the little Swallow holding a secret council with all + the birds of the air. He said that he had been appointed a messenger to + the Thunder Birds, and that at a certain signal the doors of the sky would + be opened and rains descend to drown Stone Boy. Old Badger and the Grizzly + Bear are appointed to burrow underneath our fortifications. + </p> + <p> + “‘However, I am not at all afraid for myself, but I am anxious for you, + Mother, and for my uncles.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Ugh!’ grunted all the uncles, ‘we told you that you would get into + trouble by killing so many of our sacred animals for your own amusement. + </p> + <p> + “‘But,’ continued Stone Boy, ‘I shall make a good resistance, and I expect + you all to help me.’ + </p> + <p> + “Accordingly they all worked under his direction in preparing for the + defence. First of all, he threw a pebble into the air, and behold a great + rocky wall around their teepee. A second, third, fourth and fifth pebble + became other walls without the first. From the sixth and seventh were + formed two stone lodges, one upon the other. The uncles meantime, made + numbers of bows and quivers full of arrows, which were ranged at + convenient distances along the tops of the walls. His mother prepared + great quantities of food and made many moccasins for her boy, who declared + that he would defend the fortress alone. + </p> + <p> + “At last they saw the army of beasts advancing, each tribe by itself and + commanded by a leader of extraordinary size. The onset was terrific. They + flung themselves against the high walls with savage cries, while the + badgers and other burrowing animals ceaselessly worked to undermine them. + Stone Boy aimed his sharp arrows with such deadly effect that his enemies + fell by thousands. So great was their loss that the dead bodies of the + animals formed a barrier higher than the first, and the armies retired in + confusion. + </p> + <p> + “But reinforcements were at hand. The rain fell in torrents; the beavers + had dammed all the rivers and there was a great flood. The besieged all + retreated into the innermost lodge, but the water poured in through the + burrows made by the badgers and gophers, and rose until Stone Boy’s mother + and his ten uncles were all drowned. Stone Boy himself could not be + entirely destroyed, but he was overcome by his enemies and left half + buried in the earth, condemned never to walk again, and there we find him + to this day. + </p> + <p> + “This was because he abused his strength, and destroyed for mere amusement + the lives of the creatures given him for use only.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0016" id="link2H_4_0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + VI. EVENING IN THE LODGE + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0017" id="link2H_4_0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + I: Evening in the Lodge + </h2> + <p> + I HAD been skating on that part of the lake where there was an overflow, + and came home somewhat cold. I cannot say just how cold it was, but it + must have been intensely so, for the trees were cracking all about me like + pistol shots. I did not mind, because I was wrapped up in my buffalo robe + with the hair inside, and a wide leather belt held it about my loins. My + skates were nothing more than strips of basswood bark bound upon my feet. + </p> + <p> + I had taken off my frozen moccasins and put on dry ones in their places. + </p> + <p> + “Where have you been and what have you been doing?” Uncheedah asked as she + placed before me some roast venison in a wooden bowl. “Did you see any + tracks of moose or bear?” + </p> + <p> + “No, grandmother, I have only been playing at the lower end of the lake. I + have something to ask you,” I said, eating my dinner and supper together + with all the relish of a hungry boy who has been skating in the cold for + half a day. + </p> + <p> + “I found this feather, grandmother, and I could not make out what tribe + wear feathers in that shape.” + </p> + <p> + “Ugh, I am not a man; you had better ask your uncle. Besides, you should + know it yourself by this time. You are now old enough to think about eagle + feathers.” + </p> + <p> + I felt mortified by this reminder of my ignorance. It seemed a reflection + on me that I was not ambitious enough to have found all such matters out + before. + </p> + <p> + “Uncle, you will tell me, won’t you?” I said, in an appealing tone. + </p> + <p> + “I am surprised, my boy, that you should fail to recognize this feather. + It is a Cree medicine feather, and not a warrior’s.” + </p> + <p> + “Then,” I said, with much embarrassment, “you had better tell me again, + uncle, the language of the feathers. I have really forgotten it all.” + </p> + <p> + The day was now gone; the moon had risen; but the cold had not lessened, + for the trunks of the trees were still snapping all around our teepee, + which was lighted and warmed by the immense logs which Uncheedah’s + industry had provided. My uncle, White Foot-print, now undertook to + explain to me the significance of the eagle’s feather. + </p> + <p> + “The eagle is the most war-like bird,” he began, “and the most kingly of + all birds; besides, his feathers are unlike any others, and these are the + reasons why they are used by our people to signify deeds of bravery. + </p> + <p> + “It is not true that when a man wears a feather bonnet, each one of the + feathers represents the killing of a foe or even a coup. When a man wears + an eagle feather upright upon his head, he is supposed to have counted one + of four coups upon his enemy.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, a coup does not mean the killing of an enemy?” + </p> + <p> + “No, it is the after-stroke or touching of the body after he falls. It is + so ordered, because oftentimes the touching of an enemy is much more + difficult to accomplish than the shooting of one from a distance. It + requires a strong heart to face the whole body of the enemy, in order to + count the coup on the fallen one, who lies under cover of his kinsmen’s + fire. Many a brave man has been lost in the attempt. + </p> + <p> + “When a warrior approaches his foe, dead or alive, he calls upon the other + warriors to witness by saying: ‘I, Fearless Bear, your brave, again + perform the brave deed of counting the first (or second or third or + fourth) coup upon the body of the bravest of your enemies.’ Naturally, + those who are present will see the act and be able to testify to it. When + they return, the heralds, as you know, announce publicly all such deeds of + valor, which then become a part of the man’s war record. Any brave who + would wear the eagle’s feather must give proof of his right to do so. + </p> + <p> + “When a brave is wounded in the same battle where he counted his coup, he + wears the feather hanging downward. When he is wounded, but makes no + count, he trims his feather and in that case, it need not be an eagle + feather. All other feathers are merely ornaments. When a warrior wears a + feather with a round mark, it means that he slew his enemy. When the mark + is cut into the feather and painted red, it means that he took the scalp. + </p> + <p> + “A brave who has been successful in ten battles is entitled to a + war-bonnet; and if he is a recognized leader, he is permitted to wear one + with long, trailing plumes. Also those who have counted many coups may tip + the ends of the feathers with bits of white or colored down. Sometimes the + eagle feather is tipped with a strip of weasel skin; that means the wearer + had the honor of killing, scalping and counting the first coup upon the + enemy all at the same time. + </p> + <p> + “This feather you have found was worn by a Cree—it is + indiscriminately painted. All other feathers worn by the common Indians + mean nothing,” he added. + </p> + <p> + “Tell me, uncle, whether it would be proper for me to wear any feathers at + all if I have never gone upon the war-path.” + </p> + <p> + “You could wear any other kind of feathers, but not an eagle’s,” replied + my uncle, “although sometimes one is worn on great occasions by the child + of a noted man, to indicate the father’s dignity and position.” + </p> + <p> + The fire had gone down somewhat, so I pushed the embers together and + wrapped my robe more closely about me. Now and then the ice on the lake + would burst with a loud report like thunder. Uncheedah was busy + re-stringing one of uncle’s old snow-shoes. There were two different kinds + that he wore; one with a straight toe and long; the other shorter and with + an upturned toe. She had one of the shoes fastened toe down, between + sticks driven into the ground, while she put in some new strings and + tightened the others. Aunt Four Stars was beading a new pair of moccasins. + </p> + <p> + Wabeda, the dog, the companion of my boyhood days, was in trouble because + he insisted upon bringing his extra bone into the teepee, while Uncheedah + was determined that he should not. I sympathized with him, because I saw + the matter as he did. If he should bury it in the snow outside, I knew + Shunktokecha (the coyote) would surely steal it. I knew just how anxious + Wabeda was about his bone. It was a fat bone—I mean a bone of a fat + deer; and all Indians know how much better they are than the other kind. + </p> + <p> + Wabeda always hated to see a good thing go to waste. His eyes spoke words + to me, for he and I had been friends for a long time. When I was afraid of + anything in the woods, he would get in front of me at once and gently wag + his tail. He always made it a point to look directly in my face. His kind, + large eyes gave me a thousand assurances. When I was perplexed, he would + hang about me until he understood the situation. Many times I believed he + saved my life by uttering the dog word in time. + </p> + <p> + Most animals, even the dangerous grizzly, do not care to be seen when the + two-legged kind and his dog are about. When I feared a surprise by a bear + or a grey wolf, I would say to Wabeda: “Now, my dog, give your war-whoop:” + and immediately he would sit up on his haunches and bark “to beat the + band” as you white boys say. When a bear or wolf heard the noise, he would + be apt to retreat. + </p> + <p> + Sometimes I helped Wabeda and gave a warwhoop of my own. This drove the + deer away as well, but it relieved my mind. + </p> + <p> + When he appealed to me on this occasion, therefore, I said: “Come, my dog, + let us bury your bone so that no Shunktokecha will take it.” + </p> + <p> + He appeared satisfied with my suggestion, so we went out together. + </p> + <p> + We dug in the snow and buried our bone wrapped up in a piece of old + blanket, partly burned; then we covered it up again with snow. We knew + that the coyote would not touch anything burnt. I did not put it up a tree + because Wabeda always objected to that, and I made it a point to consult + his wishes whenever I could. + </p> + <p> + I came in and Wabeda followed me with two short rib bones in his mouth. + Apparently he did not care to risk those delicacies. + </p> + <p> + “There,” exclaimed Uncheedah, “you still insist upon bringing in some sort + of bone!” but I begged her to let him gnaw them inside because it was so + cold. Having been granted this privilege, he settled himself at my back + and I became absorbed in some specially nice arrows that uncle was making. + </p> + <p> + “O, uncle, you must put on three feathers to all of them so that they can + fly straight,” I suggested. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but if there are only two feathers, they will fly faster,” he + answered. + </p> + <p> + “Woow!” Wabeda uttered his suspicions. + </p> + <p> + “Woow!” he said again, and rushed for the entrance of the teepee. He + kicked me over as he went and scattered the burning embers. + </p> + <p> + “En na he na!” Uncheedah exclaimed, but he was already outside. + </p> + <p> + “Wow, wow, wow! Wow, Wow, wow!” + </p> + <p> + A deep guttural voice answered him. + </p> + <p> + Out I rushed with my bow and arrows in my hand. + </p> + <p> + “Come, uncle, come! A big cinnamon bear!” I shouted as I emerged from the + teepee. + </p> + <p> + Uncle sprang out and in a moment he had sent a swift arrow through the + bear’s heart. The animal fell dead. He had just begun to dig up Wabeda’s + bone, when the dog’s quick ear had heard the sound. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, uncle, Wabeda and I ought to have at least a little eaglet’s feather + for this. I too sent my small arrow into the bear before he fell,” I + exclaimed. “But I thought all bears ought to be in their lodges in the + winter time. What was this one doing at this time of the year and night?” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said my uncle, “I will tell you. Among the tribes, some are + naturally lazy. The cinnamon bear is the lazy one of his tribe. He alone + sleeps out of doors in the winter and because he has not a warm bed, he is + soon hungry. Sometimes he lives in the hollow trunk of a tree, where he + has made a bed of dry grass; but when the night is very cold, like + to-night, he has to move about to keep himself from freezing and as he + prowls around, he gets hungry.” + </p> + <p> + We dragged the huge carcass within our lodge. “O, what nice claws he has, + uncle!” I exclaimed eagerly. “Can I have them for my necklace?” + </p> + <p> + “It is only the old medicine men who wear them regularly. The son of a + great warrior who has killed a grizzly may wear them upon a public + occasion,” he explained. + </p> + <p> + “And you are just like my father and are considered the best hunter among + the Santees and Sissetons. You have killed many grizzlies so that no one + can object to my bear’s-claws necklace,” I said appealingly. + </p> + <p> + White Foot-print smiled. “My boy, you shall have them,” he said, “but it + is always better to earn them yourself.” He cut the claws off carefully + for my use. + </p> + <p> + “Tell me, uncle, whether you could wear these claws all the time?” I + asked. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I am entitled to wear them, but they are so heavy and + uncomfortable,” he replied, with a superior air. + </p> + <p> + At last the bear had been skinned and dressed and we all resumed our usual + places. Uncheedah was particularly pleased to have some more fat for her + cooking. + </p> + <p> + “Now, grandmother, tell me the story of the bear’s fat. I shall be so + happy if you will,” I begged. + </p> + <p> + “It is a good story and it is true. You should know it by heart and gain a + lesson from it,” she replied. “It was in the forests of Minnesota, in the + country that now belongs to the Ojibways. From the Bedawakanton Sioux + village a young married couple went into the woods to get fresh venison. + The snow was deep; the ice was thick. Far away in the woods they pitched + their lonely teepee. The young man was a well-known hunter and his wife a + good maiden of the village. + </p> + <p> + “He hunted entirely on snow-shoes, because the snow was very deep. His + wife had to wear snow-shoes too, to get to the spot where they pitched + their tent. It was thawing the day they went out, so their path was + distinct after the freeze came again. + </p> + <p> + “The young man killed many deer and bears. His wife was very busy curing + the meat and trying out the fat while he was away hunting each day. In the + evenings she kept on trying the fat. He sat on one side of the teepee and + she on the other. + </p> + <p> + “One evening, she had just lowered a kettle of fat to cool, and as she + looked into the hot fat she saw the face of an Ojibway scout looking down + at them through the smoke-hole. She said nothing, nor did she betray + herself in any way. + </p> + <p> + “After a little she said to her husband in a natural voice: ‘Marpeetopah, + some one is looking at us through the smoke hole, and I think it is an + enemy’s scout.’ + </p> + <p> + “Then Marpeetopah (Four-skies) took up his bow and arrows and began to + straighten and dry them for the next day’s hunt, talking and laughing + meanwhile. Suddenly he turned and sent an arrow upward, killing the + Ojibway, who fell dead at their door. + </p> + <p> + “‘Quick, Wadutah!’ he exclaimed; ‘you must hurry home upon our trail. I + will stay here. When this scout does not return, the warparty may come in + a body or send another scout. If only one comes, I can soon dispatch him + and then I will follow you. If I do not do that, they will overtake us in + our flight.’ + </p> + <p> + “Wadutah (Scarlet) protested and begged to be allowed to stay with her + husband, but at last she came away to get reinforcements. + </p> + <p> + “Then Marpeetopah (Four-skies) put more sticks on the fire so that the + teepee might be brightly lit and show him the way. He then took the scalp + of the enemy and proceeded on his track, until he came to the upturned + root of a great tree. There he spread out his arrows and laid out his + tomahawk. + </p> + <p> + “Soon two more scouts were sent by the Ojibway war-party to see what was + the trouble and why the first one failed to come back. He heard them as + they approached. They were on snowshoes. When they came close to him, he + shot an arrow into the foremost. As for the other, in his effort to turn + quickly his snow-shoes stuck in the deep snow and detained him, so + Marpeetopah killed them both. + </p> + <p> + “Quickly he took the scalps and followed Wadutah. He ran hard. But the + Ojibways suspected something wrong and came to the lonely teepee, to find + all their scouts had been killed. They followed the path of Marpeetopah + and Wadutah to the main village, and there a great battle was fought on + the ice. Many were killed on both sides. It was after this that the Sioux + moved to the Mississippi river.” + </p> + <p> + I was sleepy by this time and I rolled myself up in my buffalo robe and + fell asleep. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0018" id="link2H_4_0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + II. Adventures of My Uncle + </h2> + <p> + IT was a beautiful fall day—‘a gopher’s last look back,’ as we used + to say of the last warm days of the late autumn. We were encamped beside a + wild rice lake, where two months before we had harvested our watery fields + of grain, and where we had now returned for the duck-hunting. All was well + with us. Ducks were killed in countless numbers, and in the evenings the + men hunted deer in canoes by torchlight along the shores of the lake. But + alas! life is made up of good times and bad times, and it is when we are + perfectly happy that we should expect some overwhelming misfortune. + </p> + <p> + “So it was that upon this peaceful and still morning, all of a sudden a + harsh and terrible war-cry was heard! Your father was then quite a young + man, and a very ambitious warrior, so that I was always frightened on his + account whenever there was a chance of fighting. But I did not think of + your uncle, Mysterious Medicine, for he was not over fifteen at the time; + besides, he had never shown any taste for the field. + </p> + <p> + “Our camp was thrown into great excitement; and as the warriors advanced + to meet the enemy, I was almost overcome by the sight of your uncle among + them! It was of no use for me to call him back—I think I prayed in + that moment to the Great Mystery to bring my boy safely home. + </p> + <p> + “I shall never forget, as long as I live, the events of that day. Many + brave men were killed; among them two of your uncle’s intimate friends. + But when the battle was over, my boy came back; only his face was + blackened in mourning for his friends, and he bore several wounds in his + body. I knew that he had proved himself a true warrior. + </p> + <p> + “This was the beginning of your uncle’s career, He has surpassed your + father and your grandfather; yes, all his ancestors except Jingling + Thunder, in daring and skill.” + </p> + <p> + Such was my grandmother’s account of the maiden battle of her third son, + Mysterious Medicine. He achieved many other names; among them Big Hunter, + Long Rifle and White Footprint. He had a favorite Kentucky rifle which he + carried for many years. The stock was several times broken, but he always + made another. With this gun he excelled most of his contemporaries in + accuracy of aim. He used to call the weapon Ishtahbopopa—a literal + translation would be “Pops-the-eye.” + </p> + <p> + My uncle, who was a father to me for ten years of my life, was almost a + giant in his proportions, very symmetrical and “straight as an arrow.” His + face was not at all handsome. He had very quiet and reserved manners and + was a man of action rather than of unnecessary words. Behind the veil of + Indian reticence he had an inexhaustible fund of wit and humor; but this + part of his character only appeared before his family and very intimate + friends. Few men know nature more thoroughly than he. Nothing irritated + him more than to hear some natural fact misrepresented. I have often + thought that with education he might have made a Darwin or an Agassiz. + </p> + <p> + He was always modest and unconscious of self in relating his adventures. + “I have often been forced to realize my danger,” he used to say, “but not + in such a way as to overwhelm me. Only twice in my life have I been really + frightened, and for an instant lost my presence of mind. + </p> + <p> + “Once I was in full pursuit of a large buck deer that I had wounded. It + was winter, and there was a very heavy fall of fresh snow upon the ground. + All at once I came upon the body of the deer lying dead on the snow. I + began to make a hasty examination, but before I had made any discoveries, + I spied the tips of two ears peeping just above the surface of the snow + about twenty feet from me. I made a feint of not seeing anything at all, + but moved quickly in the direction of my gun, which was leaning against a + tree. Feeling, somehow, that I was about to be taken advantage of, I + snatched at the same moment my knife from my belt. + </p> + <p> + “The panther (for such it was) made a sudden and desperate spring. I tried + to dodge, but he was too quick for me. He caught me by the shoulder with + his great paw, and threw me down. Somehow, he did not retain his hold, but + made another leap and again concealed himself in the snow. Evidently he + was preparing to make a fresh attack. + </p> + <p> + “I was partially stunned and greatly confused by the blow; therefore I + should have been an easy prey for him at the moment. But when he left me, + I came to my senses; and I had been thrown near my gun! I arose and aimed + between the tips of his ears—all that was visible of him—and + fired. I saw the fresh snow fly from the spot. The panther leaped about + six feet straight up into the air, and fell motionless. I gave two good + warwhoops, because I had conquered a very formidable enemy. I sat down on + the dead body to rest, and my heart beat as if it would knock out all my + ribs. I had not been expecting any danger, and that was why I was so taken + by surprise. + </p> + <p> + “The other time was on the plains, in summer. I was accustomed to hunting + in the woods, and never before had hunted buffalo on horseback. Being a + young man, of course I was eager to do whatever other men did. Therefore I + saddled my pony for the hunt. I had a swift pony and a good gun, but on + this occasion I preferred a bow and arrows. + </p> + <p> + “It was the time of year when the buffalo go in large herds and the bulls + are vicious. But this did not trouble me at all; indeed, I thought of + nothing but the excitement and honor of the chase. + </p> + <p> + “A vast plain near the Souris river was literally covered with an immense + herd. The day was fair, and we came up with them very easily. I had a + quiver full of arrows, with a sinew-backed bow. + </p> + <p> + “My pony carried me in far ahead of all the others. I found myself in the + midst of the bulls first, for they are slow. They threw toward me vicious + glances, so I hastened my pony on to the cows. Soon I was enveloped in a + thick cloud of dust, and completely surrounded by the herd, who were by + this time in the act of fleeing, their hoofs making a noise like thunder. + </p> + <p> + “I could not think of anything but my own situation, which confused me for + the moment. It seemed to me to be a desperate one. If my pony, which was + going at full speed, should step into a badger hole, I should be thrown to + the ground and trampled under foot in an instant. If I were to stop, they + would knock me over, pony and all. Again, it seemed as if my horse must + fall from sheer exhaustion; and then what would become of me? + </p> + <p> + “At last I awoke to a calm realization of my own power. I uttered a yell + and began to shoot right and left. Very soon there were only a few old + bulls who remained near me. The herd had scattered, and I was miles away + from my companions. + </p> + <p> + “It is when we think of our personal danger that we are apt to be at a + loss to do the best thing under the circumstances. One should be + unconscious of self in order to do his duty. We are very apt to think + ourselves brave, when we are most timid. I have discovered that half our + young men give the war-whoop when they are frightened, because they fear + lest their silence may betray their state of mind. I think we are really + bravest when most calm and slow to action.” + </p> + <p> + I urged my uncle to tell me more of his adventures. + </p> + <p> + “Once,” said he, “I had a somewhat peculiar experience, which I think I + never related to you before. It was at the time of the fall hunt. One + afternoon when I was alone I discovered that I was too far away to reach + the camp before dark, so I looked about for a good place to spend the + night. This was on the Upper Missouri, before there were any white people + there, and when we were in constant danger from wild beasts as well as + from hostile Indians. It was necessary to use every precaution and the + utmost vigilance. + </p> + <p> + “I selected a spot which appeared to be well adapted to defense. I had + killed two deer, and I hung up pieces of the meat at certain distances in + various directions. I knew that any wolf would stop for the meat, A + grizzly bear would sometimes stop, but not a mountain lion or a panther. + Therefore I made a fire. Such an animal would be apt to attack a solitary + fire. There was a full moon that night, which was much in my favor. + </p> + <p> + “Having cooked and eaten some of the venison, I rolled myself in my + blanket and lay down by the fire, taking my Ishtahbopopa for a bed fellow. + I hugged it very closely, for I felt that I should need it during the + night. I had scarcely settled myself when I heard what seemed to be ten or + twelve coyotes set up such a howling that I was quite sure of a visit from + them. Immediately after-. ward I heard another sound, which was like the + screaming of a small child. This was a porcupine, which had doubtless + smelled the meat. + </p> + <p> + “I watched until a coyote appeared upon a flat rock fifty yards away. He + sniffed the air in every direction; then, sitting partly upon his + haunches, swung round in a circle with his hind legs sawing the air, and + howled and barked in many different keys. It was a great feat! I could not + help wondering whether I should be able to imitate him. What had seemed to + be the voices of many coyotes was in reality only one animal. His mate + soon appeared and then they both seemed satisfied, and showed no signs of + a wish to invite another to join them. Presently they both suddenly and + quietly disappeared. + </p> + <p> + “At this moment a slight noise attracted my attention, and I saw that the + porcupine had arrived. He had climbed up to the piece of meat nearest me, + and was helping himself without any ceremony. I thought it was fortunate + that he came, for he would make a good watch dog for me. Very soon, in + fact, he interrupted his meal, and caused all his quills to stand out in + defiance. I glanced about me and saw the two coyotes slyly approaching my + open camp from two different directions. + </p> + <p> + “I took the part of the porcupine! I rose in a sitting posture, and sent a + swift arrow to each of my unwelcome visitors. They both ran away with + howls of surprise and pain. + </p> + <p> + “The porcupine saw the whole from his perch, but his meal was not at all + disturbed, for he began eating again with apparent relish. Indeed, I was + soon furnished with another of these unconscious protectors. This one came + from the opposite direction to a point where I had hung a splendid ham of + venison. He cared to go no further, but seated himself at once on a + convenient branch and began his supper. + </p> + <p> + “The canon above me was full of rocks and trees. From this direction came + a startling noise, which caused me more concern than anything I had thus + far heard. It sounded much like a huge animal stretching himself, and + giving a great yawn which ended in a scream. I knew this for the voice of + a mountain lion, and it decided me to perch upon a limb for the rest of + the night. + </p> + <p> + “I got up and climbed into the nearest large tree, taking my weapons with + me; but first I rolled a short log of wood in my blanket and laid it in my + place by the fire. + </p> + <p> + “As I got up, the two porcupines began to descend, but I paid no attention + to them, and they soon returned to their former positions. Very soon I + heard a hissing sound from one of them, and knew that an intruder was + near. Two grey wolves appeared. + </p> + <p> + “I had hung the hams by the ham strings, and they were fully eight feet + from the ground. At first the wolves came boldly forward, but the warning + of the porcupines caused them to stop, and hesitate to jump for the meat. + However, they were hungry, and began to leap savagely for the hams, + although evidently they proved good targets for the quills of the prickly + ones, for occasionally one of them would squeal and rub his nose + desperately against the tree. + </p> + <p> + “At last one of the wolves buried his teeth too deeply in a tough portion + of the flesh, and having jumped to reach it, his own weight made it + impossible for him to loosen his upper jaw. There the grey wolf dangled, + kicking and yelping, until the tendon of the ham gave way, and both fell + heavily to the ground. From my hiding-place I sent two arrows into his + body, which ended his life. The other one ran away to a little distance + and remained there a long time, as if waiting for her mate. + </p> + <p> + “I was now very weary, but I had seen many grizzly bears’ tracks in the + vicinity, and besides, I had not forgotten the dreadful scream of the + mountain lion. I determined to continue my watch. + </p> + <p> + “As I had half expected, there came presently a sudden heavy fall, and at + the same time the burning embers were scattered about and the fire almost + extinguished. My blanket with the log in it was rolled over several times, + amid snarls and growls. Then the assailant of my camp—a panther—leaped + back into the thick underbrush, but not before my arrow had penetrated his + side. He snarled and tried to bite off the shaft, but after a time became + exhausted and lay still. + </p> + <p> + “I could now distinguish the grey dawn in the east. I was exceedingly + drowsy, so I fastened myself by a rope of raw-hide to the trunk of the + tree against which I leaned. I was seated on a large limb, and soon fell + asleep. + </p> + <p> + “I was rudely awakened by the report of a gun directly under me. At the + same time, I thought some one was trying to shake me off the tree, + Instantly I reached for my gun. Alas! it was gone! At the first shake of + the tree by my visitor, a grizzly bear, the gun had fallen, and as it was + cocked, it went off. + </p> + <p> + “The bear picked up the weapon and threw it violently away; then he again + shook the tree with all his strength. I shouted: + </p> + <p> + “‘I have still a bow and a quiver full of arrows; you had better let me + alone.’ + </p> + <p> + “He replied to this with a rough growl. I sent an arrow into his side, and + he groaned like a man as he tried hard to pull it out. I had to give him + several more before he went a short distance away, and died. It was now + daylight, so I came down from my perch. I was stiff, and scarcely able to + walk. I found that the bear had killed both of my little friends, the + porcupines, and eaten most of the meat. + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps you wonder, Ohiyesa, why I did not use my gun in the beginning; + but I had learned that if I once missed my aim with it, I had no second + chance. I have told of this particular adventure, because it was an + unusual experience to see so many different animals in one night. I have + often been in similar places, and killed one or two. Once a common black + bear stole a whole deer from me without waking me. But all this life is + fast disappearing, and the world is becoming different.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0019" id="link2H_4_0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + VII. THE END OF THE BEAR DANCE + </h2> + <p> + IT was one of the superstitions of the Santee Sioux to treat disease from + the standpoint of some animal or inanimate thing. That person who, + according to their belief, had been commissioned to become a medicine man + or a war chief, must not disobey the bear or other creature or thing which + gave him his commission. If he ever ventured to do so, the offender must + pay for his insubordination with his life, or that of his own child or + dearest friend. It was supposed to be necessary that the supernatural + orders be carried into effect at a particular age and a certain season of + the year. Occasionally a very young man, who excused himself on the ground + of youth and modesty, might be forgiven. + </p> + <p> + One of my intimate friends had been a sufferer from what, I suppose, must + have been consumption. He, like myself, had a grandmother in whom he had + unlimited faith. But she was a very ambitious and pretentious woman. Among + her many claims was that of being a great “medicine woman,” and many were + deceived by it; but really she was a fraud, for she did not give any + medicine, but “conjured” the sick exclusively. + </p> + <p> + At this time my little friend was fast losing ground, in spite of his + grandmother’s great pretensions. At last I hinted to him that my + grandmother was a herbalist, and a skilful one. But he hinted back to me + that ‘most any old woman who could dig roots could be a herbalist, and + that without a supernatural commission there was no power that could cope + with disease. I defended my ideal on the ground that there are + supernatural powers in the herbs themselves; hence those who understand + them have these powers at their command. + </p> + <p> + “But,” insisted my friend, “one must get his knowledge from the Great + Mystery!” + </p> + <p> + This completely silenced my argument, but did not shake my faith in my + grandmother’s ability. + </p> + <p> + Redhorn was a good boy, and I loved him. I visited him often, and found + him growing weaker day by day. + </p> + <p> + “Ohiyesa,” he said to me one day, “my grandmother has discovered the cause + of my sickness.” + </p> + <p> + I eagerly interrupted him by shouting: “And can she cure you now, + Redhorn?” + </p> + <p> + “Of course,” he replied, “she cannot until I have fulfilled the + commandment. I have confessed to her that two years ago I received my + commission, and I should have made a Bear Dance and proclaimed myself a + medicine man last spring, when I had seen thirteen winters. You see, I was + ashamed to proclaim myself a medicine man, being so young; and for this I + am punished. However, my grandmother says it is not yet too late. But, + Ohiyesa, I am as weak now as a rheumatic old man. I can scarcely stand up. + They say that I can appoint some one else to act for me. He will be the + active bear—I shall have to remain in the hole. Would you, Ohiyesa, + be willing to act the bear for me? You know he has to chase the dancers + away from his den.” + </p> + <p> + “Redhorn,” I replied with much embarrassment, “I should be happy to do + anything that I could for you, but I cannot be a bear. I feel that I am + not fit. I am not large enough; I am not strong enough; and I don’t + understand the habits of the animal well enough. I do not think you would + be pleased with me as your substitute.” + </p> + <p> + Redhorn finally decided that he would engage a larger boy to perform for + him. A few days later, it was announced by the herald that my friend would + give a Bear Dance, at which he was to be publicly proclaimed a medicine + man. It would be the great event of his short existence, for the disease + had already exhausted his strength and vitality. Of course, we all + understood that there would be an active youth to exhibit the ferocious + nature of the beast after which the dance is named. + </p> + <p> + The Bear Dance was an entertainment, a religious rite, a method of + treating disease—all in one. A strange thing about it was that no + woman was allowed to participate in the orgies, unless she was herself the + bear. + </p> + <p> + The den was usually dug about two hundred yards from the camp, on some + conspicuous plain. It was about two feet deep and six feet square and over + it was constructed an arbor of boughs with four openings. When the bear + man sang, all the men and boys would gather and dance about the den; and + when he came out and pursued them there was a hasty retreat. It was + supposed that whoever touched the bear without being touched by him would + overcome a foe in the field. If one was touched, the reverse was to be + expected. The thing which caused most anxiety among the dancers was the + superstition that if one of them should accidentally trip and fall while + pursued by the bear, a sudden death would visit him or his nearest + relative. + </p> + <p> + Boys of my age were disposed to run some risk in this dance; they would + take every opportunity to strike at the bear man with a short switch, + while the older men shot him with powder. It may as well be admitted that + one reason for my declining the honor offered me by my friend Redhorn was + that I was afraid of powder, and I much preferred to be one of the dancers + and take my chances of touching the bear man without being touched. + </p> + <p> + It was a beautiful summer’s day. The forest behind our camp was sweet with + the breath of blossoming flowers. The teepees faced a large lake, which we + called Bedatanka. Its gentle waves cooled the atmosphere. The water-fowl + disported themselves over its surface, and the birds of passage overhead + noisily expressed their surprise at the excitement and confusion in our + midst. + </p> + <p> + The herald, with his brassy voice, again went the rounds, announcing the + day’s event and the tardy fulfillment of the boy’s commission. Then came + the bustle of preparation. The out-door toilet of the people was performed + with care. I cannot describe just how I was attired or painted, but I am + under the impression that there was but little of my brown skin that was + not uncovered. The others were similarly dressed in feathers, paint and + tinkling ornaments. + </p> + <p> + I soon heard the tom-tom’s doleful sound from the direction of the bear’s + den, and a few warwhoops from the throats of the youthful warriors. As I + joined the motley assembly, I noticed that the bear man’s drum was going + in earnest, and soon after he began to sing. This was the invitation to + the dance. + </p> + <p> + An old warrior gave the signal and we all started for the den, very much + like a group of dogs attacking a stranger. Frantically we yelled and + whooped, running around the sheltering arbor in a hop, skip and jump + fashion. In spite of the apparent confusion, however, every participant + was on the alert for the slightest movement of the bear man. + </p> + <p> + All of a sudden, a brave gave the warning, and we scattered in an instant + over the little plain between the den and our village. Everybody seemed to + be running for dear life, and I soon found myself some yards behind the + rest. I had gone in boldly, partly because of conversations with certain + boys who proposed to participate, and whom I usually outdistanced in foot + races. But it seemed that they had not carried out their intentions and I + was left alone. I looked back once or twice, although I was pretty busy + with my legs, and I imagined that my pursuer, the bear man, looked twice + as fearful as a real bear. He was dressed and painted up with a view to + terrify the crowd. I did not want the others to guess that I was at all + dismayed, so I tried to give the war-whoop; but my throat was so dry at + the moment that I am sure I must have given it very poorly. + </p> + <p> + Just as it seemed that I was about to be overtaken, the dancers who had + deserted me suddenly slackened their speed, and entered upon the amusement + of tormenting the bear man with gunpowder and switches, with which they + touched him far from gently upon his naked body. They now chased him in + turn, and he again retreated to his den. + </p> + <p> + We rested until we heard the tom-tom and the song once more, and then we + rushed forth with fresh eagerness to the mimic attack. This time I + observed all necessary precautions for my own safety. I started in my + flight even before the warning was given, for I saw the bear man gathering + himself up to spring upon the dancers. Thus I had plenty of leeway to + observe what occurred. The bear man again pursued the yelling and + retreating mob, and was dealt with unmercifully by the swift-footed. He + became much excited as he desperately chased a middle-aged man, who + occasionally turned and fired off his gun, but was suddenly tripped by an + ant-hill and fell to the ground, with the other on top of him. The + excitement was intense. The bear man returned to his companion, and the + dancers gathered in little knots to exchange whispers. + </p> + <p> + “Is it not a misfortune?” “The most surefooted of us all!” “Will he die?” + “Must his beautiful daughter be sacrificed?” + </p> + <p> + The man who was the subject of all this comment did not speak a word. His + head hung down. Finally he raised it and said in a resolute voice: + </p> + <p> + “We all have our time to go, and when the Great Mystery calls us we must + answer as cheerfully as at the call of one of our own war-chiefs here on + earth. I am not sad for myself, but my heart is not willing that my Winona + (first-born daughter) should be called.” + </p> + <p> + No one replied. Presently the last tom-tom was heard and the dancers + rallied once more. The man who had fallen did not join them, but turned to + the council lodge, where the wise old men were leisurely enjoying the + calumet. They beheld him enter with some surprise; but he threw himself + upon a buffalo robe, and resting his head upon his right hand, related + what had happened to him. Thereupon the aged men exclaimed as with one + voice: “It never fails!” After this, he spoke no more. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, we were hilariously engaged in our last dance, and when the + bear man finally retired, we gathered about the arbor to congratulate the + sick bear man. But, to our surprise, his companion did not re-enter the + den. “He is dead! Redhorn, the bear man, is dead!” We all rushed to the + spot. My poor friend, Redhorn, lay dead in the den. + </p> + <p> + At this instant there was another commotion in the camp. Everybody was + running toward the council lodge. A well-known medicine man was loudly + summoned thither. But, alas! the man who fell in the dance had suddenly + dropped dead. + </p> + <p> + To the people, another Indian superstition had been verified. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0020" id="link2H_4_0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + VIII. THE MAIDENS’ FEAST + </h2> + <p> + THERE were many peculiar customs among the Indians of an earlier period, + some of which tended to strengthen the character of the people and + preserve their purity. Perhaps the most unique of these was the annual + “feast of maidens.” The casual observer would scarcely understand the full + force and meaning of this ceremony. + </p> + <p> + The last one that I ever witnessed was given at Fort Ellis, Manitoba, + about the year 1871. Upon the table land just back of the old trading post + and fully a thousand feet above the Assiniboine river, surrounded by + groves, there was a natural amphitheatre. At one end stood the old fort + where since 1830 the northern tribes had come to replenish their powder + horns and lead sacks and to dispose of their pelts. + </p> + <p> + In this spot there was a reunion of all the renegade Sioux on the one hand + and of the Assiniboines and Crees, the Canadian tribes, on the other. They + were friendly. The matter was not formally arranged, but it was usual for + all the tribes to meet here in the month of July. + </p> + <p> + The Hudson Bay Company always had a good supply of red, blue, green and + white blankets, also cloth of brilliant dye, so that when their summer + festival occurred the Indians did not lack gayly colored garments. Paints + were bought by them at pleasure. Short sleeves were the fashion in their + buckskin dresses, and beads and porcupine quills were the principal + decorations. + </p> + <p> + When circumstances are favorable, the Indians are the happiest people in + the world. There were entertainments every single day, which everybody had + the fullest opportunity to see and enjoy. If anything, the poorest + profited the most by these occasions, because a feature in each case was + the giving away of savage wealth to the needy in honor of the event. At + any public affair, involving the pride and honor of a prominent family, + there must always be a distribution of valuable presents. + </p> + <p> + One bright summer morning, while we were still at our meal of jerked + buffalo meat, we heard the herald of the Wahpeton band upon his calico + pony as he rode around our circle. + </p> + <p> + “White Eagle’s daughter, the maiden Red Star, invites all the maidens of + all the tribes to come and partake of her feast. It will be in the + Wahpeton camp, before the sun reaches the middle of the sky. All pure + maidens are invited. Red Star also invites the young men to be present, to + see that no unworthy maiden should join in the feast.” + </p> + <p> + The herald soon completed the rounds of the different camps, and it was + not long before the girls began to gather in great numbers. The fort was + fully alive to the interest of these savage entertainments. This + particular feast was looked upon as a semi-sacred affair. It would be + desecration for any to attend who was not perfectly virtuous. Hence it was + regarded as an opportune time for the young men to satisfy themselves as + to who were the virtuous maids of the tribe. + </p> + <p> + There were apt to be surprises before the end of the day. Any young man + was permitted to challenge any maiden whom he knew to be unworthy. But woe + to him who could not prove his case. It meant little short of death to the + man who endeavored to disgrace a woman without cause. + </p> + <p> + The youths had a similar feast of their own, in which the eligibles were + those who had never spoken to a girl in the way of courtship. It was + considered ridiculous so to do before attaining some honor as a warrior, + and the novices prided themselves greatly upon their self control. + </p> + <p> + From the various camps the girls came singly or in groups, dressed in + bright-colored calicoes or in heavily fringed and beaded buckskin. Their + smooth cheeks and the central part of their glossy hair was touched with + vermilion. All brought with them wooden basins to eat from. Some who came + from a considerable distance were mounted upon ponies; a few, for company + or novelty’s sake, rode double. + </p> + <p> + The maidens’ circle was formed about a coneshaped rock which stood upon + its base. This was painted red. Beside it two new arrows were lightly + stuck into the ground. This is a sort of altar, to which each maiden comes + before taking her assigned place in the circle, and lightly touches first + the stone and then the arrows. By this oath she declares her purity. + Whenever a girl approaches the altar there is a stir among the spectators, + and sometimes a rude youth would call out: + </p> + <p> + “Take care! You will overturn the rock, or pull out the arrows!” + </p> + <p> + Such a remark makes the girls nervous, and especially one who is not sure + of her composure. + </p> + <p> + Immediately behind the maidens’ circle is the old women’s or chaperons’ + circle. This second circle is almost as interesting to look at as the + inner one. The old women watched every movement of their respective + charges with the utmost concern, having previously instructed them how + they should conduct themselves in any event. + </p> + <p> + There was never a more gorgeous assembly of the kind than this one. The + day was perfect. The Crees, displaying their characteristic horsemanship, + came in groups; the Assiniboines, with their curious pompadour well + covered with red paint. The various bands of Sioux all carefully observed + the traditional peculiarities of dress and behavior. The attaches of the + fort were fully represented at the entertainment, and it was not unusual + to see a pale-face maiden take part in the feast. + </p> + <p> + The whole population of the region had assembled, and the maidens came + shyly into the circle. The simple ceremonies observed prior to the serving + of the food were in progress, when among a group of Wahpeton Sioux young + men there was a stir of excitement. All the maidens glanced nervously + toward the scene of the disturbance. Soon a tall youth emerged from the + throng of spectators and advanced toward the circle. Every one of the + chaperons glared at him as if to deter him from his purpose. But with a + steady step he passed them by and approached the maidens’ circle. + </p> + <p> + At last he stopped behind a pretty Assiniboine maiden of good family and + said: + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry, but, according to custom, you should not be here.” + </p> + <p> + The girl arose in confusion, but she soon recovered her self-control. + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean?” she demanded, indignantly. “Three times you have come + to court me, but each time I have refused to listen to you. I turned my + back upon you. Twice I was with Mashtinna. She can tell the people that + this is true. The third time I had gone for water when you intercepted me + and begged me to stop and listen. I refused because I did not know you. My + chaperon, Makatopawee, knows that I was gone but a few minutes. I never + saw you anywhere else.” + </p> + <p> + The young man was unable to answer this unmistakable statement of facts, + and it became apparent that he had sought to revenge himself for her + repulse. + </p> + <p> + “Woo! woo! Carry him out!” was the order of the chief of the Indian + police, and the audacious youth was hurried away into the nearest ravine + to be chastised. + </p> + <p> + The young woman who had thus established her good name returned to the + circle, and the feast was served. The “maidens’ song” was sung, and four + times they danced in a ring around the altar. Each maid as she departed + once more took her oath to remain pure until she should meet her husband. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0021" id="link2H_4_0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + IX. MORE LEGENDS + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0022" id="link2H_4_0022"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + I: A Legend of Devil’s Lake + </h2> + <p> + AFTER the death of Smoky Day, old Weyuha was regarded as the greatest + story-teller among the Wahpeton Sioux. + </p> + <p> + “Tell me, good Weyuha, a legend of your father’s country,” I said to him + one evening, for I knew the country which is now known as North Dakota and + Southern Manitoba was their ancient hunting-ground. I was prompted by + Uncheedah to make this request, after the old man had eaten in our lodge. + </p> + <p> + “Many years ago,” he began, as he passed the pipe to uncle, “we traveled + from the Otter-tail to Minnewakan (Devil’s Lake). At that time the mound + was very distinct where Chotanka lies buried. The people of his immediate + band had taken care to preserve it. + </p> + <p> + “This mound under which lies the great medicine man is upon the summit of + Minnewakan Chantay, the highest hill in all that region. It is shaped like + an animal’s heart placed on its base, with the apex upward. + </p> + <p> + “The reason why this hill is called Minnewakan Chantay, or the Heart of + the Mysterious Land, I will now tell you. It has been handed down from + generation to generation, far beyond the memory of our great-grandparents. + It was in Chotanka’s line of descent that these legends were originally + kept, but when he died the stories became everybody’s, and then no one + believed in them. It was told in this way.” + </p> + <p> + I sat facing him, wholly wrapped in the words of the story-teller, and now + I took a deep breath and settled myself so that I might not disturb him by + the slightest movement while he was reciting his tale. We were taught this + courtesy to our elders, but I was impulsive and sometimes forgot. + </p> + <p> + “A long time ago,” resumed Weyuha, “the red people were many in number, + and they inhabited all the land from the coldest place to the region of + perpetual summer time. It seemed that they were all of one tongue, and all + were friends. + </p> + <p> + “All the animals were considered people in those days. The buffalo, the + elk, the antelope, were tribes of considerable importance. The bears were + a smaller band, but they obeyed the mandates of the Great Mystery and were + his favorites, and for this reason they have always known more about the + secrets of medicine. So they were held in much honor. The wolves, too, + were highly regarded at one time. But the buffalo, elk, moose, deer and + antelope were the ruling people. + </p> + <p> + “These soon became conceited and considered themselves very important, and + thought no one could withstand them. The buffalo made war upon the smaller + tribes, and destroyed many. So one day the Great Mystery thought it best + to change the people in form and in language. + </p> + <p> + “He made a great tent and kept it dark for ten days. Into this tent he + invited the different bands, and when they came out they were greatly + changed, and some could not talk at all after that. However, there is a + sign language given to all the animals that no man knows except some + medicine men, and they are under a heavy penalty if they should tell it. + </p> + <p> + “The buffalo came out of the darkened tent the clumsiest of all the + animals. The elk and moose were burdened with their heavy and + many-branched horns, while the antelope and deer were made the most + defenseless of animals, only that they are fleet of foot. The bear and the + wolf were made to prey upon all the others. + </p> + <p> + “Man was alone then. When the change came, the Great Mystery allowed him + to keep his own shape and language. He was king over all the animals, but + they did not obey him. From that day, man’s spirit may live with the + beasts before he is born a man. He will then know the animal language but + he cannot tell it in human speech. He always retains his sympathy with + them, and can converse with them in dreams. + </p> + <p> + “I must not forget to tell you that the Great Mystery pitched his tent in + this very region. Some legends say that the Minnewakan Chantay was the + tent itself, which afterward became earth and stones. Many of the animals + were washed and changed in this lake, the Minnewakan, or Mysterious Water. + It is the only inland water we know that is salt. No animal has ever swum + in this lake and lived.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell me,” I eagerly asked, “is it dangerous to man also?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” he replied, “we think so; and no Indian has ever ventured in that + lake to my knowledge. That is why the lake is called Mysterious,” he + repeated. + </p> + <p> + “I shall now tell you of Chotanka. He was the greatest of medicine men. He + declared that he was a grizzly bear before he was born in human form.” + Weyuha seemed to become very earnest when he reached this point in his + story. “Listen to Chotanka’s life as a grizzly bear.” + </p> + <p> + “‘As a bear,’ he used to say, ‘my home was in sight of the Minnewakan + Chantay. I lived with my mother only one winter, and I only saw my father + when I was a baby. Then we lived a little way from the Chantay to the + north, among scattered oak upon a hillside overlooking the Minnewakan. + </p> + <p> + “‘When I first remember anything, I was playing outside of our home with a + buffalo skull that I had found near by. I saw something that looked + strange. It walked upon two legs, and it carried a crooked stick, and some + red willows with feathers tied to them. It threw one of the willows at me, + and I showed my teeth and retreated within our den. + </p> + <p> + “‘Just then my father and mother came home with a buffalo calf. They threw + down the dead calf, and ran after the queer thing. He had long hair upon a + round head. His face was round, too. He ran and climbed up into a small + oak tree. + </p> + <p> + “‘My father and mother shook him down, but not before he had shot some of + his red willows into their sides. Mother was very sick, but she dug some + roots and ate them and she was well again.’ It was thus that Chotanka was + first taught the use of certain roots for curing wounds and sickness,” + Weyuha added. + </p> + <p> + “‘One day’”—he resumed the grizzly’s story—“‘when I was out + hunting with my mother-my father had gone away and never came back—we + found a buffalo cow with her calf in a ravine. She advised me to follow + her closely, and we crawled along on our knees. All at once mother + crouched down under the grass, and I did the same. We saw some of those + queer beings that we called “two legs,” riding upon big-tail deer + (ponies). They yelled as they rode toward us. Mother growled terribly and + rushed upon them. She caught one, but many more came with their dogs and + drove us into a thicket. They sent the red willows singing after us, and + two of them stuck in mother’s side. When we got away at last she tried to + pull them out, but they hurt her terribly. She pulled them both out at + last, but soon after she lay down and died. + </p> + <p> + “‘I stayed in the woods alone for two days then I went around the + Minnewakan Chantay on the south side and there made my lonely den. There I + found plenty of hazel nuts, acorns and wild plums. Upon the plains the + teepsinna were abundant, and I saw nothing of my enemies. + </p> + <p> + “‘One day I found a footprint not unlike my own. I followed it to see who + the stranger might be. Upon the bluffs among the oak groves I discovered a + beautiful young female gathering acorns. She was of a different band from + mine, for she wore a jet black dress. + </p> + <p> + “‘At first she was disposed to resent my intrusion; but when I told her of + my lonely life she agreed to share it with me. We came back to my home on + the south side of the hill. There we lived happy for a whole year. When + the autumn came again Woshepee, for this was her name, said that she must + make a warm nest for the winter, and I was left alone again.’ + </p> + <p> + “Now,” said Weyuha, “I have come to a part of my story that few people + understand. All the long winter Chotanka slept in his den, and with the + early spring there came a great thunder storm. He was aroused by a + frightful crash that seemed to shake the hills; and lo! a handsome young + man stood at his door. He looked, but was not afraid, for he saw that the + stranger carried none of those red willows with feathered tips. He was + unarmed and smiling. + </p> + <p> + “‘I come,’ said he, ‘with a challenge to run a race. Whoever wins will be + the hero of his kind, and the defeated must do as the winner says + thereafter. This is a rare honor that I have brought you. The whole world + will see the race. The animal world will shout for you, and the spirits + will cheer me on. You are not a coward, and therefore you will not refuse + my challenge.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘No,’ replied Chotanka, after a short hesitation. The young man was + fine-looking, but lightly built. + </p> + <p> + “‘We shall start from the Chantay, and that will be our goal. Come, let us + go, for the universe is waiting!’ impatiently exclaimed the stranger. + </p> + <p> + “He passed on in advance, and just then an old, old wrinkled man came to + Chotanka’s door. He leaned forward upon his staff. + </p> + <p> + “‘My son,’ he said to him, ‘I don’t want to make you a coward, but this + young man is the greatest gambler of the universe. He has powerful + medicine. He gambles for life; be careful! My brothers and I are the only + ones who have ever beaten him. But he is safe, for if he is killed he can + resurrect himself—I tell you he is great medicine. + </p> + <p> + “‘However, I think that I can save you—listen! He will run behind + you all the way until you are within a short distance of the goal. Then he + will pass you by in a flash, for his name is ZigZag Fire! (lightning). + Here is my medicine.’ So speaking, he gave me a rabbit skin and the gum of + a certain plant. ‘When you come near the goal, rub yourself with the gum, + and throw the rabbit skin between you. He cannot pass you.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘And who are you, grandfather?’ Chotanka inquired. + </p> + <p> + “‘I am the medicine turtle,’ the old man replied. ‘The gambler is a spirit + from heaven, and those whom he outruns must shortly die. You have heard, + no doubt, that all animals know beforehand when they are to be killed; and + any man who understands these mysteries may also know when he is to die.’ + </p> + <p> + “The race was announced to the world. The buffalo, elk, wolves and all the + animals came to look on. All the spirits of the air came also to cheer for + their comrade. In the sky the trumpet was sounded—the great medicine + drum was struck. It was the signal for a start. The course was around the + Minnewakan. (That means around the earth or the ocean.) Everywhere the + multitude cheered as the two sped by. + </p> + <p> + “The young man kept behind Chotanka all the time until they came once more + in sight of the Chantay. Then he felt a slight shock and he threw his + rabbit skin back. The stranger tripped and fell. Chotanka rubbed himself + with the gum, and ran on until he reached the goal. There was a great + shout that echoed over the earth, but in the heavens there was muttering + and grumbling. The referee declared that the winner would live to a good + old age, and Zig-Zag Fire promised to come at his call. He was indeed + great medicine,” Weyuha concluded. + </p> + <p> + “But you have not told me how Chotanka became a man,” I said. + </p> + <p> + “One night a beautiful woman came to him in his sleep. She enticed him + into her white teepee to see what she had there. Then she shut the door of + the teepee and Chotanka could not get out. But the woman was kind and + petted him so that he loved to stay in the white teepee. Then it was that + he became a human born. This is a long story, but I think, Ohiyesa, that + you will remember it,” said Weyuha, and so I did. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0023" id="link2H_4_0023"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + II. Manitoshaw’s Hunting + </h2> + <p> + IT was in the winter, in the Moon of Difficulty (January). We had eaten + our venison roast for supper, and the embers were burning brightly. Our + teepee was especially cheerful. Uncheedah sat near the entrance, my uncle + and his wife upon the opposite side, while I with my pets occupied the + remaining space. + </p> + <p> + Wabeda, the dog, lay near the fire in a half doze, watching out of the + corners of his eyes the tame raccoon, which snuggled back against the + walls of the teepee, his shrewd brain, doubtless, concocting some mischief + for the hours of darkness. I had already recited a legend of our people. + All agreed that I had done well. Having been generously praised, I was + eager to earn some more compliments by learning a new one, so I begged my + uncle to tell me a story. Musingly he replied: + </p> + <p> + “I can give you a Sioux-Cree tradition,” and immediately began: + </p> + <p> + “Many winters ago, there were six teepees standing on the southern slope + of Moose mountain in the Moon of Wild Cherries (September). The men to + whom these teepees belonged had been attacked by the Sioux while hunting + buffalo, and nearly all killed. Two or three who managed to get home to + tell their sad story were mortally wounded, and died soon afterward. There + was only one old man and several small boys left to hunt and provide for + this unfortunate little band of women and children. + </p> + <p> + “They lived upon teepsinna (wild turnips) and berries for many days. They + were almost famished for meat. The old man was too feeble to hunt + successfully. One day in this desolate camp a young Cree maiden—for + such they were—declared that she could no longer sit still and see + her people suffer. She took down her dead father’s second bow and quiver + full of arrows, and begged her old grandmother to accompany her to Lake + Wanagiska, where she knew that moose had oftentimes been found. I forgot + to tell you that her name was Manitoshaw. + </p> + <p> + “This Manitoshaw and her old grandmother, Nawakewee, took each a pony and + went far up into the woods on the side of the mountain. They pitched their + wigwam just out of sight of the lake, and hobbled their ponies. Then the + old woman said to Manitoshaw: + </p> + <p> + “‘Go, my granddaughter, to the outlet of the Wanagiska, and see if there + are any moose tracks there. When I was a young woman, I came here with + your father’s father, and we pitched our tent near this spot. In the night + there came three different moose. Bring me leaves of the birch and cedar + twigs; I will make medicine for moose,’ she added. + </p> + <p> + “Manitoshaw obediently disappeared in the woods. It was a grove of birch + and willow, with two good springs. Down below was a marshy place. + Nawakewee had bidden the maiden look for nibbled birch and willow twigs, + for the moose loves to eat them, and to have her arrow ready upon the + bow-string. ‘I have seen this very place many a time,’ added my uncle, and + this simple remark gave to the story an air of reality. + </p> + <p> + “The Cree maiden went first to the spring, and there found fresh tracks of + the animal she sought. She gathered some cedar berries and chewed them, + and rubbed some of them on her garments so that the moose might not scent + her. The sun was already set, and she felt she must return to Nawakewee. + </p> + <p> + “Just then Hinhankaga, the hooting owl, gave his doleful night call. The + girl stopped and listened attentively. + </p> + <p> + “‘I thought it was a lover’s call,’ she whispered to herself. A singular + challenge pealed across the lake. She recognized the alarm call of the + loon, and fancied that the bird might have caught a glimpse of her game. + </p> + <p> + “Soon she was within a few paces of the temporary lodge of pine boughs and + ferns which the grandmother had constructed. The old woman met her on the + trail. + </p> + <p> + “‘Ah, my child, you have returned none too soon. I feared you had ventured + too far away; for the Sioux often come to this place to hunt. You must not + expose yourself carelessly on the shore.’ + </p> + <p> + “As the two women lay down to sleep they could hear the ponies munch the + rich grass in an open spot near by. Through the smoke hole of the + pine-bough wigwam Manitoshaw gazed up into the starry sky, and dreamed of + what she would do on the morrow when she should surprise the wily moose. + Her grandmother was already sleeping so noisily that it was enough to + scare away the game. At last the maiden, too, lost herself in sleep. + </p> + <p> + “Old Nawakewee awoke early. First of all she made a fire and burned cedar + and birch so that the moose might not detect the human smell. Then she + quickly prepared a meal of wild turnips and berries, and awoke the maiden, + who was surprised to see that the sun was already up. She ran down to the + spring and hastily splashed handsful of the cold water in her face; then + she looked for a moment in its mirror-like surface. There was the + reflection of two moose by the open shore and beyond them Manitoshaw + seemed to see a young man standing. In another moment all three had + disappeared. + </p> + <p> + “‘What is the matter with my eyes? I am not fully awake yet, and I imagine + things. Ugh, it is all in my eyes,’ the maiden repeated to herself. She + hastened back to Nawakewee. The vision was so unexpected and so startling + that she could not believe in its truth, and she said nothing to the old + woman. + </p> + <p> + “Breakfast eaten, Manitoshaw threw off her robe and appeared in her + scantily cut gown of buckskin with long fringes, and moccasins and + leggings trimmed with quills of the porcupine. Her father’s bow and quiver + were thrown over one shoulder, and the knife dangled from her belt in its + handsome sheath. She ran breathlessly along the shore toward the outlet. + </p> + <p> + “Way off near the island Medoza the loon swam with his mate, occasionally + uttering a cry of joy. Here and there the playful Hogan, the trout, sprang + gracefully out of the water, in a shower of falling dew. As the maiden + hastened along she scared up Wadawasee, the kingfisher, who screamed + loudly. + </p> + <p> + “‘Stop, Wadawasee, stop—you will frighten my game!’ + </p> + <p> + “At last she had reached the outlet. She saw at once that the moose had + been there during the night. They had torn up the ground and broken birch + and willow twigs in a most disorderly way.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” I exclaimed, “I wish I had been with Manitoshaw then!” + </p> + <p> + “Hush, my boy; never interrupt a storyteller.” + </p> + <p> + I took a stick and began to level off the ashes in front of me, and to + draw a map of the lake, the outlet, the moose and Manitoshaw. Away off to + one side was the solitary wigwam, Nawakewee and the ponies. + </p> + <p> + “Manitoshaw’s heart was beating so loud that she could not hear anything,” + resumed my uncle. “She took some leaves of the wintergreen and chewed them + to calm herself. She did not forget to throw in passing a pinch of + pulverized tobacco and paint into the spring for Manitou, the spirit. + </p> + <p> + “Among the twinkling leaves of the birch her eye was caught by a moving + form, and then another. She stood motionless, grasping her heavy bow. The + moose, not suspecting any danger, walked leisurely toward the spring. One + was a large female moose; the other a yearling. + </p> + <p> + “As they passed Manitoshaw, moving so naturally and looking so harmless, + she almost forgot to let fly an arrow. The mother moose seemed to look in + her direction, but did not see her. They had fairly passed her + hiding-place when she stepped forth and sent a swift arrow into the side + of the larger moose. Both dashed into the thick woods, but it was too + late. The Cree maiden had already loosened her second arrow. Both fell + dead before reaching the shore.” + </p> + <p> + “Uncle, she must have had a splendid aim, for in the woods the many little + twigs make an arrow bound off to one side,” I interrupted in great + excitement. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but you must remember she was very near the moose.” + </p> + <p> + “It seems to me, then, uncle, that they must have scented her, for you + have told me that they possess the keenest nose of any animal,” I + persisted. + </p> + <p> + “Doubtless the wind was blowing the other way. But, nephew, you must let + me finish my story. + </p> + <p> + “Overjoyed by her success, the maiden hastened back to Nawakawee, but she + was gone! The ponies were gone, too, and the wigwam of branches had been + demolished. While Manitoshaw stood there, frightened and undecided what to + do, a soft voice came from behind a neighboring thicket: + </p> + <p> + “‘Manitoshaw! Manitoshaw! I am here!’ + </p> + <p> + “She at once recognized, the voice and found it to be Nawakeewee, who told + a strange story. That morning a canoe had crossed the Wanagiska carrying + two men. They were Sioux. The old grandmother had seen them coming, and to + deceive them she at once pulled down her temporary wigwam, and drove the + ponies off toward home. Then she hid herself in the bushes near by, for + she knew that Manitoshaw must return there. + </p> + <p> + “‘Come, my granddaughter, we must hasten home by another way,’ cried the + old woman. + </p> + <p> + “But the maiden said, ‘No, let us go first to my two moose that I killed + this morning and take some meat with us.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘No, no, my child; the Sioux are cruel. They have killed many of our + people. If we stay here they will find us. I fear, I fear them, + Manitoshaw!’ + </p> + <p> + “At last the brave maid convinced her grandmother, and the more easily as + she too was hungry for meat. They went to where the big game lay among the + bushes, and began to dress the moose.” + </p> + <p> + “I think, if I were they, I would hide all day. I would wait until the + Sioux had gone; then I would go back to my moose,” I interrupted for the + third time. + </p> + <p> + “I will finish the story first; then you may tell us what you would do,” + said my uncle reprovingly. + </p> + <p> + “The two Sioux were father and son. They too had come to the lake for + moose; but as the game usually retreated to the island, Chatansapa had + landed his son Kangiska to hunt them on the shore while he returned in his + canoe to intercept their flight. The young man sped along the sandy beach + and soon discovered their tracks. He followed them up and found blood on + the trail. This astonished him. Cautiously he followed on until he found + them both lying dead. He examined them and found that in each moose there + was a single Cree arrow. Wishing to surprise the hunter if possible, + Kangiska lay hidden in the bushes. + </p> + <p> + “After a little while the two women returned to the spot. They passed him + as close as the moose had passed the maiden in the morning. He saw at once + that the maiden had arrows in her quiver like those that had slain the big + moose. He lay still. + </p> + <p> + “Kangiska looked upon the beautiful Cree maiden and loved her. Finally he + forgot himself and made a slight motion. Manitoshaw’s quick eye caught the + little stir among the bushes, but she immediately looked the other way and + Kangiska believed that she had not seen anything, At last her eyes met + his, and something told both that all was well. Then the maiden smiled, + and the young man could not remain still any longer. He arose suddenly and + the old woman nearly fainted from fright. But Manitoshaw said: + </p> + <p> + “‘Fear not, grandmother; we are two and he is only one.’ + </p> + <p> + “While the two women continued to cut up the meat, Kangiska made a fire by + rubbing cedar chips together, and they all ate of the moose meat. Then the + old woman finished her work, while the young people sat down upon a log in + the shade, and told each other all their minds. + </p> + <p> + “Kangiska declared by signs that he would go home with Manitoshaw to the + Cree camp, for he loved her. They went home, and the young man hunted for + the unfortunate Cree band during the rest of his life. + </p> + <p> + “His father waited a long time on the island and afterward searched the + shore, but never saw him again. He supposed that those footprints he saw + were made by Crees who had killed his son.” + </p> + <p> + “Is that story true, uncle?” I asked eagerly. + </p> + <p> + “‘Yes, the facts are well known. There are some Sioux mixed bloods among + the Crees to this day who are descendants of Kangiska.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0024" id="link2H_4_0024"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + X. INDIAN LIFE AND ADVENTURE + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0025" id="link2H_4_0025"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + I: Life in the Woods + </h2> + <p> + THE month of September recalls to every Indian’s mind the season of the + fall hunt. I remember one such expedition which is typical of many. Our + party appeared on the northwestern side of Turtle mountain; for we had + been hunting buffaloes all summer, in the region of the Mouse river, + between that mountain and the upper Missouri. + </p> + <p> + As our cone-shaped teepees rose in clusters along the outskirts of the + heavy forest that clothes the sloping side of the mountain, the scene + below was gratifying to a savage eye. The rolling yellow plains were + checkered with herds of buffaloes. Along the banks of the streams that ran + down from the mountains were also many elk, which usually appear at + morning and evening, and disappear into the forest during the warmer part + of the day. Deer, too, were plenty, and the brooks were alive with trout. + Here and there the streams were dammed by the industrious beaver. + </p> + <p> + In the interior of the forest there were lakes with many islands, where + moose, elk, deer and bears were abundant. The water-fowl were wont to + gather here in great numbers, among them the crane, the swan, the loon, + and many of the smaller kinds. The forest also was filled with a great + variety of birds. Here the partridge drummed his loudest, while the + whippoorwill sang with spirit, and the hooting owl reigned in the night. + </p> + <p> + To me, as a boy, this wilderness was a paradise. It was a land of plenty. + To be sure, we did not have any of the luxuries of civilization, but we + had every convenience and opportunity and luxury of Nature. We had also + the gift of enjoying our good fortune, whatever dangers might lurk about + us; and the truth is that we lived in blessed ignorance of any life that + was better than our own. + </p> + <p> + As soon as hunting in the woods began, the customs regulating it were + established. The council teepee no longer existed. A hunting bonfire was + kindled every morning at day-break, at which each brave must appear and + report. The man who failed to do this before the party set out on the + day’s hunt was harassed by ridicule. As a rule, the hunters started before + sunrise, and the brave who was announced throughout the camp as the first + one to return with a deer on his back, was a man to be envied. + </p> + <p> + The legend-teller, old Smoky Day, was chosen herald of the camp, and it + was he who made the announcements. After supper was ended, we heard his + powerful voice resound among the teepees in the forest. He would then name + a man to kindle the bonfire the next morning. His suit of fringed buckskin + set off his splendid physique to advantage. + </p> + <p> + Scarcely had the men disappeared in the woods each morning than all the + boys sallied forth, apparently engrossed in their games and sports, but in + reality competing actively with one another in quickness of observation. + As the day advanced, they all kept the sharpest possible lookout. Suddenly + there would come the shrill “Woo-coohoo!” at the top of a boy’s voice, + announcing the bringing in of a deer. Immediately all the other boys took + up the cry, each one bent on getting ahead of the rest. Now we all saw the + brave Wacoota fairly bent over by his burden, a large deer which he + carried on his shoulders. His fringed buckskin shirt was besprinkled with + blood. He threw down the deer at the door of his wife’s mother’s home, + according to custom, and then walked proudly to his own. At the door of + his father’s teepee he stood for a moment straight as a pine-tree, and + then entered. + </p> + <p> + When a bear was brought in, a hundred or more of these urchins were wont + to make the woods resound with their voices: “Wah! wah! wah! Wah! wah! + wah! The brave White Rabbit brings a bear! Wah! wah! wah!” + </p> + <p> + All day these sing-song cheers were kept up, as the game was brought in. + At last, toward the close of the afternoon, all the hunters had returned, + and happiness and contentment reigned absolute, in a fashion which I have + never observed among the white people, even in the best of circumstances. + The men were lounging and smoking; the women actively engaged in the + preparation of the evening meal, and the care of the meat. The choicest of + the game was cooked and offered to the Great Mystery, with all the + accompanying ceremonies. This we called the “medicine feast.” Even the + women, as they lowered the boiling pot, or the fragrant roast of venison + ready to serve, would first whisper: “Great Mystery, do thou partake of + this venison, and still be gracious!” This was the commonly said “grace.” + </p> + <p> + Everything went smoothly with us, on this occasion, when we first entered + the woods. Nothing was wanting to our old way of living. The killing of + deer and elk and moose had to be stopped for a time, since meat was so + abundant that we had no use for them any longer. Only the hunting for + pelts, such as those of the bear, beaver, marten, and otter was continued. + But whenever we lived in blessed abundance, our braves were wont to turn + their thoughts to other occupations—especially the hot-blooded + youths whose ambition it was to do something noteworthy. + </p> + <p> + At just such moments as this there are always a number of priests in + readiness, whose vocation it is to see into the future, and each of whom + consults his particular interpreter of the Great Mystery. (This ceremony + is called by the white people “making medicine.”) To the priests the + youthful braves hint their impatience for the war-path. Soon comes the + desired dream or prophecy or vision to favor their departure. + </p> + <p> + Our young men presently received their sign, and for a few days all was + hurry and excitement. On the appointed morning we heard the songs of the + warriors and the wailing of the women, by which they bade adieu to each + other, and the eligible braves, headed by an experienced man—old + Hotanka or Loud-Voiced Raven—set out for the Gros Ventre country. + </p> + <p> + Our older heads, to be sure, had expressed some disapproval of the + undertaking, for the country in which we were roaming was not our own, and + we were likely at any time to be taken to task by its rightful owners. The + plain truth of the matter was that we were intruders. Hence the more + thoughtful among us preferred to be at home, and to achieve what renown + they could get by defending their homes and families. The young men, + however, were so eager for action and excitement that they must needs go + off in search of it. + </p> + <p> + From the early morning when these braves left us, led by the old + war-priest, Loud-Voiced Raven, the anxious mothers, sisters and + sweethearts counted the days. Old Smoky Day would occasionally get up + early in the morning, and sing a “strong-heart” song for his absent + grandson. I still seem to hear the hoarse, cracked voice of the ancient + singer as it resounded among the woods. For a long time our roving + community enjoyed unbroken peace, and we were spared any trouble or + disturbance. Our hunters often brought in a deer or elk or bear for fresh + meat. The beautiful lakes furnished us with fish and wild-fowl for + variety. Their placid waters, as the autumn advanced, reflected the + variegated colors of the changing foliage. + </p> + <p> + It is my recollection that we were at this time encamped in the vicinity + of the “Turtle Mountain’s Heart.” It is to the highest cone-shaped peak + that the Indians aptly give this appellation. Our camping-ground for two + months was within a short distance of the peak, and the men made it a + point to often send one of their number to the top. It was understood + between them and the war party that we were to remain near this spot; and + on their return trip the latter were to give the “smoke sign,” which we + would answer from the top of the hill. + </p> + <p> + One day, as we were camping on the shore of a large lake with several + islands, signs of moose were discovered, and the men went off to them on + rafts, carrying their flint-lock guns in anticipation of finding two or + three of the animals. We little fellows, as usual, were playing down by + the sandy shore, when we spied what seemed like the root of a great tree + floating toward us. But on a closer scrutiny we discovered our error. It + was the head of a huge moose, swimming for his life! Fortunately for him, + none of the men had remained at home. + </p> + <p> + According to our habit, we little urchins disappeared in an instant, like + young prairie chickens, in the long grass. I was not more than eight years + old, yet I tested the strength of my bowstring and adjusted my sharpest + and best arrow for immediate service. My heart leaped violently as the + homely but imposing animal neared the shore. I was undecided for a moment + whether I would not leave my hiding-place and give a war-whoop as soon as + he touched the sand. Then I thought I would keep still and let him have my + boy weapon; and the only regret that I had was that he would, in all + probability, take it with him, and I should be minus one good arrow. + </p> + <p> + “Still,” I thought, “I shall claim to be the smallest boy whose arrow was + ever carried away by a moose.” That was enough. I gathered myself into a + bunch, all ready to spring. As the long-legged beast pulled himself + dripping out of the water, and shook off the drops from his long hair, I + sprang to my feet. I felt some of the water in my face! I gave him my + sharpest arrow with all the force I could master, right among the floating + ribs. Then I uttered my warwhoop. + </p> + <p> + The moose did not seem to mind the miniature weapon, but he was very much + frightened by our shrill yelling. He took to his long legs, and in a + minute was out of sight. + </p> + <p> + The leaves had now begun to fall, and the heavy frosts made the nights + very cold. We were forced to realize that the short summer of that region + had said adieu! Still we were gay and lighthearted, for we had plenty of + provisions, and no misfortune had yet overtaken us in our wanderings over + the country for nearly three months. + </p> + <p> + One day old Smoky Day returned from the daily hunt with an alarm. He had + seen a sign-a “smoke sign.” This had not appeared in the quarter that they + were anxiously watching—it came from the east. After a long + consultation among the men, it was concluded from the nature and duration + of the smoke that it proceeded from an accidental fire. It was further + surmised that the fire was not made by Sioux, since it was out of their + country, but by a war-party of Ojibways, who were accustomed to use + matches when lighting their pipes, and to throw them carelessly away. It + was thought that a little time had been spent in an attempt to put it out. + </p> + <p> + The council decreed that a strict look-out should be established in behalf + of our party. Every day a scout was appointed to reconnoitre in the + direction of the smoke. It was agreed that no gun should be fired for + twelve days. All our signals were freshly rehearsed among the men. The + women and old men went so far as to dig little convenient holes around + their lodges, for defense in case of a sudden attack. And yet an Ojibway + scout would not have suspected, from the ordinary appearance of the camp, + that the Sioux had become aware of their neighborhood! Scouts were + stationed just outside of the village at night. They had been so trained + as to rival an owl or a cat in their ability to see in the dark. + </p> + <p> + The twelve days passed by, however, without bringing any evidence of the + nearness of the supposed Ojibway war-party, and the “lookout” established + for purposes of protection was abandoned. Soon after this, one morning at + dawn, we were aroused by the sound of the unwelcome warwhoop. Although + only a child, I sprang up and was about to rush out, as I had been taught + to do; but my good grandmother pulled me down, and gave me a sign to lay + flat on the ground. I sharpened my ears and lay still. + </p> + <p> + All was quiet in camp, but at some little distance from us there was a + lively encounter. I could distinctly hear the old herald, shouting and + yelling in exasperation. “Whoo! whoo!” was the signal of distress, and I + could almost hear the pulse of my own blood-vessels. + </p> + <p> + Closer and closer the struggle came, and still the women appeared to grow + more and more calm. At last a tremendous charge by the Sioux put the enemy + to flight; there was a burst of yelling; alas! my friend and teacher, old + Smoky Day, was silent. He had been pierced to the heart by an arrow from + the Ojibways. + </p> + <p> + Although successful, we had lost two of our men, Smoky Day and White + Crane, and this incident, although hardly unexpected, darkened our + peaceful sky. The camp was filled with songs of victory, mingled with the + wailing of the relatives of the slain. The mothers of the youths who were + absent on the war-path could no longer conceal their anxiety. + </p> + <p> + One frosty morning—for it was then near the end of October—the + weird song of a solitary brave was heard. In an instant the camp was + thrown into indescribable confusion. The meaning of this was clear as day + to everybody—all of our war-party were killed, save the one whose + mournful song announced the fate of his companions. The lonely warrior was + Bald Eagle. + </p> + <p> + The village was convulsed with grief; for in sorrow, as in joy, every + Indian shares with all the others. The old women stood still, wherever + they might be, and wailed dismally, at intervals chanting the praises of + the departed warriors. The wives went a little way from their teepees and + there audibly mourned; but the young maidens wandered further away from + the camp, where no one could witness their grief. The old men joined in + the crying and singing. To all appearances the most unmoved of all were + the warriors, whose tears must be poured forth in the country of the enemy + to embitter their vengeance. These sat silently within their lodges, and + strove to conceal their feelings behind a stoical countenance; but they + would probably have failed had not the soothing weed come to their relief. + </p> + <p> + The first sad shock over, then came the change of habiliments. In savage + usage, the outward expression of mourning surpasses that of civilization. + The Indian mourner gives up all his good clothing, and contents himself + with scanty and miserable garments. Blankets are cut in two, and the hair + is cropped short. Often a devoted mother would scarify her arms or legs; a + sister or a young wife would cut off all her beautiful hair and disfigure + herself by undergoing hardships. Fathers and brothers blackened their + faces, and wore only the shabbiest garments. Such was the spectacle that + our people presented when the bright autumn was gone and the cold shadow + of winter and misfortune had fallen upon us. “We must suffer,” said they—“the + Great Mystery is offended.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0026" id="link2H_4_0026"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + II. A Winter Camp + </h2> + <p> + WHEN I was about twelve years old we wintered upon the Mouse river, west + of Turtle mountain. It was one of the coldest winters I ever knew, and was + so regarded by the old men of the tribe. The summer before there had been + plenty of buffalo upon that side of the Missouri, and our people had made + many packs of dried buffalo meat and cached them in different places, so + that they could get them in case of need. There were many black-tailed + deer and elk along the river, and grizzlies were to be found in the open + country. Apparently there was no danger of starvation, so our people + thought to winter there; but it proved to be a hard winter. + </p> + <p> + There was a great snow-fall, and the cold was intense. The snow was too + deep for hunting, and the main body of the buffalo had crossed the + Missouri, where it was too far to go after them. But there were some + smaller herds of the animals scattered about in our vicinity, therefore + there was still fresh meat to be had, but it was not secured without a + great deal of difficulty. + </p> + <p> + No ponies could be used. The men hunted on snow-shoes until after the Moon + of Sore Eyes (March), when after a heavy thaw a crust was formed on the + snow which would scarcely hold a man. It was then that our people hunted + buffalo with dogs—an unusual expedient. + </p> + <p> + Sleds were made of buffalo ribs and hickory saplings, the runners bound + with rawhide with the hair side down. These slipped smoothly over the icy + crust. Only small men rode on the sleds. When buffalo were reported by the + hunting-scouts, everybody had his dog team ready. All went under orders + from the police, and approached the herd under cover until they came + within charging distance. + </p> + <p> + The men had their bows and arrows, and a few had guns. The huge animals + could not run fast in the deep snow. They all followed a leader, trampling + out a narrow path. The dogs with their drivers soon caught up with them on + each side, and the hunters brought many of them down. + </p> + <p> + I remember when the party returned, late in the night. The men came in + single file, well loaded, and each dog following his master with an + equally heavy load. Both men and animals were white with frost. + </p> + <p> + We boys had waited impatiently for their arrival. As soon as we spied them + coming a buffalo hunting whistle was started, and every urchin in the + village added his voice to the weird sound, while the dogs who had been + left at home joined with us in the chorus. The men, wearing their buffalo + moccasins with the hair inside and robes of the same, came home hungry and + exhausted. + </p> + <p> + It is often supposed that the dog in the Indian camp is a useless member + of society, but it is not so in the wild life. We found him one of the + most useful of domestic animals, especially in an emergency. + </p> + <p> + While at this camp a ludicrous incident occurred that is still told about + the camp-fires of the Sioux. One day the men were hunting on snow-shoes, + and contrived to get within a short distance of the buffalo before they + made the attack. It was impossible to run fast, but the huge animals were + equally unable to get away. Many were killed. Just as the herd reached an + open plain one of the buffaloes stopped and finally lay down. Three of the + men who were pursuing him shortly came up. The animal was severely + wounded, but not dead. + </p> + <p> + “I shall crawl up to him from behind and stab him,” said Wamedee; “we + cannot wait here for him to die.” The others agreed. Wamedee was not + considered especially brave; but he took out his knife and held it between + his teeth. He then approached the buffalo from behind and suddenly jumped + astride his back. + </p> + <p> + The animal was dreadfully frightened and struggled to his feet. Wamedee’s + knife fell to the ground, but he held on by the long shaggy hair. He had a + bad seat, for he was upon the buffalo’s hump. There was no chance to jump + off; he had to stay on as well as he could. + </p> + <p> + “Hurry! hurry! shoot! shoot!” he screamed, as the creature plunged and + kicked madly in the deep snow. Wamedee’s face looked deathly, they said; + but his two friends could not help laughing. He was still calling upon + them to shoot, but when the others took aim he would cry: “Don’t shoot! + don’t shoot! you will kill me!” At last the animal fell down with him; but + Wamedee’s two friends also fell down exhausted with laughter. He was + ridiculed as a coward thereafter. + </p> + <p> + It was on this very hunt that the chief Mato was killed by a buffalo. It + happened in this way. He had wounded the animal, but not fatally; so he + shot two more arrows at him from a distance. Then the buffalo became + desperate and charged upon him. In his flight Mato was tripped by sticking + one of his snow-shoes into a snowdrift, from which he could not extricate + himself in time. The bull gored him to death. The creek upon which this + happened is now called Mato creek. + </p> + <p> + A little way from our camp there was a log village of French Canadian + half-breeds, but the two villages did not intermingle. About the Moon of + Difficulty (January) we were initiated into some of the peculiar customs + of our neighbors. In the middle of the night there was a firing of guns + throughout their village. Some of the people thought they had been + attacked, and went over to assist them, but to their surprise they were + told that this was the celebration of the birth of the new year! + </p> + <p> + Our men were treated to minnewakan or “spirit water,” and they came home + crazy and foolish. They talked loud and sang all the rest of the night. + Finally our head chief ordered his young men to tie these men up and put + them in a lodge by themselves. He gave orders to untie them “when the evil + spirit had gone away.” + </p> + <p> + During the next day all our people were invited to attend the half-breeds’ + dance. I never knew before that a new year begins in mid-winter. We had + always counted that the year ends when the winter ends, and a new year + begins with the new life in the springtime. + </p> + <p> + I was now taken for the first time to a white man’s dance in a log house. + I thought it was the dizziest thing I ever saw. One man sat in a corner, + sawing away at a stringed board, and all the while he was stamping the + floor with his foot and giving an occasional shout. When he called out, + the dancers seemed to move faster. + </p> + <p> + The men danced with women—something that we Indians never do—and + when the man in the corner shouted they would swing the women around. It + looked very rude to me, as I stood outside with the other boys and peeped + through the chinks in the logs. At one time a young man and woman facing + each other danced in the middle of the floor. I thought they would surely + wear their moccasins out against the rough boards; but after a few minutes + they were relieved by another couple. + </p> + <p> + Then an old man with long curly hair and a fox-skin cap danced alone in + the middle of the room, slapping the floor with his moccasined foot in a + lightning fashion that I have never seen equalled. He seemed to be a + leader among them. When he had finished, the old man invited our principal + chief into the middle of the floor, and after the Indian had given a great + whoop, the two drank in company. After this, there was so much drinking + and loud talking among the men, that it was thought best to send us + children back to the camp. + </p> + <p> + It was at this place that we found many sand boulders like a big “white + man’s house.” There were holes in them like rooms, and we played in these + cave-like holes. One day, in the midst of our game, we found the skeleton + of a great bear. Evidently he had been wounded and came there to die, for + there were several arrows on the floor of the cave. + </p> + <p> + The most exciting event of this year was the attack that the Gros Ventres + made upon us just as we moved our camp upon the table land back of the + river in the spring. We had plenty of meat then and everybody was happy. + The grass was beginning to appear and the ponies to grow fat. + </p> + <p> + One night there was a war dance. A few of our young men had planned to + invade the Gros Ventres country, but it seemed that they too had been + thinking of us. Everybody was interested in the proposed war party. + </p> + <p> + “Uncle, are you going too?” I eagerly asked him. + </p> + <p> + “No,” he replied, with a long sigh. “It is the worst time of year to go on + the war-path. We shall have plenty of fighting this summer, as we are + going to trench upon their territory in our hunts,” he added. + </p> + <p> + The night was clear and pleasant. The war drum was answered by the howls + of coyotes on the opposite side of the Mouse river. I was in the throng, + watching the braves who were about to go out in search of glory. “I wish I + were old enough; I would surely go with this party,” I thought. My friend + Tatanka was to go. He was several years older than I, and a hero in my + eyes. I watched him as he danced with the rest until nearly midnight. Then + I came back to our teepee and rolled myself in my buffalo robe and was + soon lost in sleep. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly I was aroused by loud war cries. “‘Woo! woo! hay-ay! hay-ay! U we + do! U we do!’” I jumped upon my feet, snatched my bow and arrows and + rushed out of the teepee, frantically yelling as I went. + </p> + <p> + “Stop! stop!” screamed Uncheedah, and caught me by my long hair. + </p> + <p> + By this time the Gros Ventres had encircled our camp, sending volleys of + arrows and bullets into our midst. The women were digging ditches in which + to put their children. + </p> + <p> + My uncle was foremost in the battle. The Sioux bravely withstood the + assault, although several of our men had already fallen. Many of the enemy + were killed in the field around our teepees. The Sioux at last got their + ponies and made a counter charge, led by Oyemakasan (my uncle). They cut + the Gros Ventre party in two, and drove them off. + </p> + <p> + My friend Tatanka was killed. I took one of his eagle feathers, thinking I + would wear it the first time that I ever went upon the war-path. I thought + I would give anything for the opportunity to go against the Gros Ventres, + because they killed my friend. The war songs, the wailing for the dead, + the howling of the dogs was intolerable to me. Soon after this we broke up + our camp and departed for new scenes. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0027" id="link2H_4_0027"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + III. Wild Harvests + </h2> + <p> + WHEN our people lived in Minnesota, a good part of their natural + subsistence was furnished by the wild rice, which grew abundantly in all + of that region. Around the shores and all over some of the innumerable + lakes of the “Land of Sky-blue Water” was this wild cereal found. Indeed, + some of the watery fields in those days might be compared in extent and + fruitfulness with the fields of wheat on Minnesota’s magnificent farms + to-day. + </p> + <p> + The wild rice harvesters came in groups of fifteen to twenty families to a + lake, depending upon the size of the harvest. Some of the Indians hunted + buffalo upon the prairie at this season, but there were more who preferred + to go to the lakes to gather wild rice, fish, gather berries and hunt the + deer. There was an abundance of water-fowls among the grain; and really no + season of the year was happier than this. + </p> + <p> + The camping-ground was usually an attractive spot, with shade and cool + breezes off the water. The people, while they pitched their teepees upon + the heights, if possible, for the sake of a good outlook, actually lived + in their canoes upon the placid waters. The happiest of all, perhaps, were + the young maidens, who were all day long in their canoes, in twos or + threes, and when tired of gathering the wild cereal, would sit in the + boats doing their needle-work. + </p> + <p> + These maidens learned to imitate the calls of the different water-fowls as + a sort of signal to the members of a group. Even the old women and the + boys adopted signals, so that while the population of the village was lost + to sight in a thick field of wild rice, a meeting could be arranged + without calling any one by his or her own name. It was a great convenience + for those young men who sought opportunity to meet certain maidens, for + there were many canoe paths through the rice. + </p> + <p> + August is the harvest month. There were many preliminary feasts of fish, + ducks and venison, and offerings in honor of the “Water Chief,” so that + there might not be any drowning accident during the harvest. The + preparation consisted of a series of feasts and offerings for many days, + while women and men were making birch canoes, for nearly every member of + the family must be provided with one for this occasion. The blueberry and + huckleberry-picking also preceded the rice-gathering. + </p> + <p> + There were social events which enlivened the camp of the harvesters; such + as maidens’ feasts, dances and a canoe regatta or two, in which not only + the men were participants, but women and young girls as well. + </p> + <p> + On the appointed day all the canoes were carried to the shore and placed + upon the water with prayer and propitiatory offerings. Each family took + possession of the allotted field, and tied all the grain in bundles of + convenient size, allowing it to stand for a few days. Then they again + entered the lake, assigning two persons to each canoe. One manipulated the + paddle, while the foremost one gently drew the heads of each bundle toward + him and gave it a few strokes with a light rod. This caused the rice to + fall into the bottom of the craft. The field was traversed in this manner + back and forth until finished. + </p> + <p> + This was the pleasantest and easiest part of the harvest toil. The real + work was when they prepared the rice for use. First of all, it must be + made perfectly dry. They would spread it upon buffalo robes and mats, and + sometimes upon layers of coarse swamp grass, and dry it in the sun. If the + time was short, they would make a scaffold and spread upon it a certain + thickness of the green grass and afterward the rice. Under this a fire was + made, taking care that the grass did not catch fire. + </p> + <p> + When all the rice is gathered and dried, the hulling begins. A round hole + is dug about two feet deep and the same in diameter. Then the rice is + heated over a fire-place, and emptied into the hole while it is hot. A + young man, having washed his feet and put on a new pair of moccasins, + treads upon it until all is hulled. The women then pour it upon a robe and + begin to shake it so that the chaff will be separated by the wind. Some of + the rice is browned before being hulled. + </p> + <p> + During the hulling time there were prizes offered to the young men who can + hull quickest and best. There were sometimes from twenty to fifty youths + dancing with their feet in these holes. + </p> + <p> + Pretty moccasins were brought by shy maidens to the youths of their + choice, asking them to hull rice. There were daily entertainments which + deserved some such name as “hulling bee”—at any rate, we all enjoyed + them hugely. The girls brought with them plenty of good things to eat. + </p> + <p> + When all the rice was prepared for the table, the matter of storing it + must be determined. Caches were dug by each family in a concealed spot, + and carefully lined with dry grass and bark. Here they left their surplus + stores for a time of need. Our people were very ingenious in covering up + all traces of the hidden food. A common trick was to build a fire on top + of the mound. As much of the rice as could be carried conveniently was + packed in par-fleches, or cases made of rawhide, and brought back with us + to our village. + </p> + <p> + After all, the wild Indians could not be justly termed improvident, when + their manner of life is taken into consideration. They let nothing go to + waste, and labored incessantly during the summer and fall to lay up + provision for the inclement season. Berries of all kinds were + industriously gathered, and dried in the sun. Even the wild cherries were + pounded up, stones and all, made into small cakes and dried for use in + soups and for mixing with the pounded jerked meat and fat to form a + much-prized Indian delicacy. + </p> + <p> + Out on the prairie in July and August the women were wont to dig teepsinna + with sharpened sticks, and many a bag full was dried and put away. This + teepsinna is the root of a certain plant growing mostly upon high sandy + soil. It is starchy but solid, with a sweetish taste, and is very + fattening. The fully grown teepsinna is two or three inches long, and has + a dark-brown bark not unlike the bark of a young tree. It can be eaten raw + or stewed, and is always kept in a dried state, except when it is first + dug. + </p> + <p> + There was another root that our people gathered in small quantities. It is + a wild sweet potato, found in bottom lands or river beds. + </p> + <p> + The primitive housekeeper exerted herself much to secure a variety of + appetizing dishes; she even robbed the field mouse and the muskrat to + accomplish her end. The tiny mouse gathers for her winter use several + excellent kinds of food. Among these is a wild bean which equals in flavor + any domestic bean that I have ever tasted. Her storehouse is usually under + a peculiar mound, which the untrained eye would be unable to distinguish + from an ant-hill. There are many pockets underneath, into which she + industriously gathers the harvest of the summer. + </p> + <p> + She is fortunate if the quick eye of a native woman does not detect her + hiding-place. About the month of September, while traveling over the + prairie, a woman is occasionally observed to halt suddenly and waltz + around a suspected mound. Finally the pressure of her heel causes a place + to give way, and she settles contentedly down to rob the poor mouse of the + fruits of her labor. + </p> + <p> + The different kinds of beans are put away in different pockets, but it is + the oomenechah she wants. The field mouse loves this savory vegetable, for + she always gathers it more than any other. There is also some of the white + star-like manakcahkcah, the root of the wild lily. This is a good medicine + and good to eat. + </p> + <p> + When our people were gathering the wild rice, they always watched for + another plant that grows in the muddy bottom of lakes and ponds. It is a + white bulb about the size of an ordinary onion. This is stored away by the + muskrats in their houses by the waterside, and there is often a bushel or + more of the psinchinchah to be found within. It seemed as if everybody was + good to the wild Indian; at least we thought so then. + </p> + <p> + I have referred to the opportunities for courting upon the wild rice + fields. Indian courtship is very peculiar in many respects; but when you + study their daily life you will see the philosophy of their etiquette of + love-making. There was no parlor courtship; the life was largely + out-of-doors, which was very favorable to the young men + </p> + <p> + In a nomadic life where the female members of the family have entire + control of domestic affairs, the work is divided among them all. Very + often the bringing of the wood and water devolves upon the young maids, + and the spring or the woods become the battle-ground of love’s warfare. + The nearest water may be some distance from the camp, which is all the + better. Sometimes, too, there is no wood to be had; and in that case, one + would see the young women scattered all over the prairie, gathering + buffalo chips for fuel. + </p> + <p> + This is the way the red men go about to induce the aboriginal maids to + listen to their suit. As soon as the youth has returned from the war-path + or the chase, he puts on his porcupine-quill embroidered moccasins and + leggings, and folds his best robe about him. He brushes his long, glossy + hair with a brush made from the tail of the porcupine, perfumes it with + scented grass or leaves, then arranges it in two plaits with an otter skin + or some other ornament. If he is a warrior, he adds an eagle feather or + two. + </p> + <p> + If he chooses to ride, he takes his best pony. He jumps upon its bare + back, simply throwing a part of his robe under him to serve as a saddle, + and holding the end of a lariat tied about the animal’s neck. He guides + him altogether by the motions of his body. These wily ponies seem to enter + into the spirit of the occasion, and very often capture the eyes of the + maid by their graceful movements, in perfect obedience to their master. + </p> + <p> + The general custom is for the young men to pull their robes over their + heads, leaving only a slit to look through. Sometimes the same is done by + the maiden—especially in public courtship. + </p> + <p> + He approaches the girl while she is coming from the spring. He takes up + his position directly in her path. If she is in a hurry or does not care + to stop, she goes around him; but if she is willing to stop and listen she + puts down on the ground the vessel of water she is carrying. + </p> + <p> + Very often at the first meeting the maiden does not know who her lover is. + He does not introduce himself immediately, but waits until a second + meeting. Sometimes she does not see his face at all; and then she will try + to find out who he is and what he looks like before they meet again. If he + is not a desirable suitor, she will go with her chaperon and end the + affair there. + </p> + <p> + There are times when maidens go in twos, and then there must be two young + men to meet them. + </p> + <p> + There is some courtship in the night time; either in the early part of the + evening, on the outskirts of dances and other public affairs, or after + everybody is supposed to be asleep. This is the secret courtship. The + youth may pull up the tentpins just back of his sweetheart and speak with + her during the night. He must be a smart young man to do that undetected, + for the grandmother, her chaperon, is usually “all ears.” + </p> + <p> + Elopements are common. There are many reasons for a girl or a youth to + defer their wedding. It may be from personal pride of one or both. The + well-born are married publicly, and many things are given away in their + honor. The maiden may desire to attend a certain number of maidens’ feasts + before marrying. The youth may be poor, or he may wish to achieve another + honor before surrendering to a woman. + </p> + <p> + Sometimes a youth is so infatuated with a maiden that he will follow her + to any part of the country, even after their respective bands have + separated for the season. I knew of one such case. Patah Tankah had + courted a distant relative of my uncle for a long time. There seemed to be + some objection to him on the part of the girl’s parents, although the girl + herself was willing. + </p> + <p> + The large camp had been broken up for the fall hunt, and my uncle’s band + went one way, while the young man’s family went in the other direction. + After three days’ travelling, we came to a good hunting-ground, and made + camp. One evening somebody saw the young man. He had been following his + sweetheart and sleeping out-of-doors all that time, although the nights + were already frosty and cold. He met her every day in secret and she + brought him food, but he would not come near the teepee. Finally her + people yielded, and she went back with him to his band. + </p> + <p> + When we lived our natural life, there was much singing of war songs, + medicine, hunting and love songs. Sometimes there were few words or none, + but everything was understood by the inflection. From this I have often + thought that there must be a language of dumb beasts. + </p> + <p> + The crude musical instrument of the Sioux, the flute, was made to appeal + to the susceptible ears of the maidens late into the night. There comes to + me now the picture of two young men with their robes over their heads, and + only a portion of the hand-made and carved chotanka, the flute, protruding + from its folds. I can see all the maidens slyly turn their heads to + listen. Now I hear one of the youths begin to sing a plaintive serenade as + in days gone by: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Hay-ay-ay! Hay-ay-ay! a-ahay-ay!” (This + “Listen! you will hear of him— + Maiden, you will hear of him— + Listen! he will shortly go +</pre> + <p> + Wasula feels that she must come out, but she has no good excuse, so she + stirs up the embers of the fire and causes an unnecessary smoke in the + teepee. Then she has an excuse to come out and fix up the tent flaps. She + takes a long time to adjust these pointed ears of the teepee, with their + long poles, for the wind seems to be unsettled. + </p> + <p> + Finally Chotanka ceases to be heard. In a moment a young man appears + ghost-like at the maiden’s side. + </p> + <p> + “So it is you, is it?” she asks. + </p> + <p> + “Is your grandmother in?” he inquires. + </p> + <p> + “What a brave man you are, to fear an old woman! We are free; the country + is wide. We can go away, and come back when the storm is over.” + </p> + <p> + “Ho,” he replies. “It is not that I fear her, or the consequences of an + elopement. I fear nothing except that we may be separated!” + </p> + <p> + The girl goes into the lodge for a moment, then slips out once more. + “Now,” she exclaims, “to the wood or the prairie! I am yours!” They + disappear in the darkness. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0028" id="link2H_4_0028"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + IV. A Meeting on the Plains + </h2> + <p> + WE were encamped at one time on the Souris or Mouse river, a tributary of + the Assiniboine. The buffaloes were still plenty; hence we were living on + the “fat of the land.” One afternoon a scout came in with the announcement + that a body of United States troops was approaching! This report, of + course, caused much uneasiness among our people. + </p> + <p> + A council was held immediately, in the course of which the scout was put + through a rigid examination. Before a decision had been reached, another + scout came in from the field. He declared that the moving train reported + as a body of troops was in reality a train of Canadian carts. + </p> + <p> + The two reports differed so widely that it was deemed wise to send out + more runners to observe this moving body closely, and ascertain definitely + its character. These soon returned with the positive information that the + Canadians were at hand, “for,” said they, “there are no bright metals in + the moving train to send forth flashes of light. The separate bodies are + short, like carts with ponies, and not like the long, four-wheeled wagon + drawn by four or six mules, that the soldiers use. They are not buffaloes, + and they cannot be mounted troops, with pack-mules, because the individual + bodies are too long for that. Besides, the soldiers usually have their + chief, with his guards, leading the train; and the little chiefs are also + separated from the main body and ride at one side!” + </p> + <p> + From these observations it was concluded that we were soon to meet with + the bois brules, as the French call their mixed-bloods, presumably from + the color of their complexions. Some say that they are named from the + “burned forests” which, as wood-cutters, they are accustomed to leave + behind them. Two or three hours later, at about sunset, our ears began to + distinguish the peculiar music that always accompanied a moving train of + their carts. It is like the grunting and squealing of many animals, and is + due to the fact that the wheels and all other parts of these vehicles are + made of wood. Our dogs gleefully augmented the volume of inharmonious + sound. + </p> + <p> + They stopped a little way from our camp, upon a grassy plain, and the + ponies were made to wheel their clumsy burdens into a perfect circle, the + shafts being turned inward. Thus was formed a sort of barricade—quite + a usual and necessary precaution in their nomadic and adventurous life. + Within this circle the tents were pitched, and many cheerful fires were + soon kindled. The garcons were hurriedly driving the ponies to water, with + much cracking of whips and outbursting of impatient oaths. + </p> + <p> + Our chief and his principal warriors briefly conferred with the strangers, + and it was understood by both parties that no thought of hostilities + lurked in the minds of either. + </p> + <p> + After having observed the exchange of presents that always follows a + “peace council,” there were friendly and hospitable feasts in both camps. + The bois brules had been long away from any fort or trading-post, and it + so happened that their inevitable whiskey keg was almost empty. They had + diluted the few gills remaining with several large kettles full of water. + In order to have any sort of offensive taste, it was necessary to add + cayenne pepper and a little gentian. + </p> + <p> + Our men were treated to this concoction; and seeing that two or three of + the half-breeds pretended to become intoxicated, our braves followed their + example. They made night intolerable with their shouts and singing until + past midnight, when gradually all disturbance ceased, and both camps + appeared to be wrapped in deep slumber. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly the loud report of a gun stirred the sleepers. Many more reports + were heard in quick succession, all coming from the camp of the bois + brules. Every man among the Sioux sprang to his feet, weapon in hand, and + many ran towards their ponies. But there was one significant point about + the untimely firing of the guns—they were all directed heavenward! + One of our old men, who understood better than any one else the manners of + the half-breeds, thus proclaimed at the top of his voice: + </p> + <p> + “Let the people sleep! This that we have heard is the announcement of a + boy’s advent into the world! It is their custom to introduce with + gunpowder a new-born boy!” + </p> + <p> + Again quiet was restored in the neighboring camps, and for a time the + night reigned undisturbed. But scarcely had we fallen into a sound sleep + when we were for the second time rudely aroused by the firing of guns and + the yelling of warriors. This time it was discovered that almost all the + ponies, including those of our neighbors, had been stealthily driven off + by horse-thieves of another tribe. + </p> + <p> + These miscreants were adepts in their profession, for they had + accomplished their purpose with much skill, almost under the very eyes of + the foe, and had it not been for the invincible superstition of Slow Dog, + they would have met with complete success. As it was, they caused us no + little trouble and anxiety, but after a hot pursuit of a whole day, with + the assistance of the halfbreeds our horses were recaptured. + </p> + <p> + Slow Dog was one of those Indians who are filled with conceit, and + boasting loudly their pretensions as medicine men, without any success, + only bring upon themselves an unnecessary amount of embarrassment and + ridicule. Yet there is one quality always possessed by such persons, among + a savage people as elsewhere—namely, great perseverance and tenacity + in their self-assertion. So the blessing of ignorance kept Slow Dog always + cheerful; and he seemed, if anything, to derive some pleasure from the + endless insinuations and ridicule of the people! + </p> + <p> + Now Slow Dog had loudly proclaimed, on the night before this event, that + he had received the warning of a bad dream, in which he had seen all the + ponies belonging to the tribe stampeded and driven westward. + </p> + <p> + “But who cares for Slow Dog’s dream?” said everybody; “none of the really + great medicine men have had any such visions!” + </p> + <p> + Therefore our little community, given as they were to superstition, + anticipated no special danger. It is true that when the first scout + reported the approach of troops some of the people had weakened, and said + to one another: + </p> + <p> + “After all, perhaps poor Slow Dog may be right; but we are always too + ready to laugh at him!” + </p> + <p> + However, this feeling quickly passed away when the jovial Canadians + arrived, and the old man was left alone to brood upon his warning. + </p> + <p> + He was faithful to his dream. During all the hilarity of the feast and the + drinking of the mock whiskey, be acted as self-constituted sentinel. + Finally, when everybody else had succumbed to sleep, he gathered together + several broken and discarded lariats of various materials—leather, + buffalo’s hair and horse’s hair. Having lengthened this variegated rope + with innumerable knots, he fastened one end of it around the neck of his + old war-horse, and tied the other to his wrist. Instead of sleeping inside + the tent as usual, he rolled himself in a buffalo robe and lay down in its + shadow. From this place he watched until the moon had disappeared behind + the western horizon; and just as the grey dawn began to appear in the east + his eyes were attracted to what seemed to be a dog moving among the + picketed ponies. Upon a closer scrutiny, he saw that its actions were + unnatural. + </p> + <p> + “Toka abe do! toka abe do!” (the enemy! the enemy!) exclaimed Slow Dog. + With a warwhoop he sprang toward the intruder, who rose up and leaped upon + the back of Slow Dog’s warsteed. He had cut the hobble, as well as the + device of the old medicine man. + </p> + <p> + The Sioux now bent his bow to shoot, but it was too late. The other + quickly dodged behind the animal, and from under its chest he sent a + deadly arrow to Slow Dog’s bosom. Then he remounted the pony and set off + at full speed after his comrades, who had already started. + </p> + <p> + As the Sioux braves responded to the alarm, and passed by the daring old + warrior in pursuit of their enemies, who had stampeded most of the loose + ponies, the old man cried out: + </p> + <p> + “I, brave Slow Dog, who have so often made a path for you on the field of + battle, am now about to make one to the land of spirits!” + </p> + <p> + So speaking, the old man died. The Sioux were joined in the chase by the + friendly mixedbloods, and in the end the Blackfeet were compelled to pay + dearly for the blood of the poor old man. + </p> + <p> + On that beautiful morning all Nature seemed brilliant and smiling, but the + Sioux were mourning and wailing for the death of one who had been an + object of ridicule during most of his life. They appreciated the part that + Slow Dog had played in this last event, and his memory was honored by all + the tribe. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0029" id="link2H_4_0029"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + V. An Adventurous Journey + </h2> + <p> + IT must now be about thirty years since our long journey in search of new + hunting-grounds, from the Assiniboine river to the Upper Missouri. The + buffalo, formerly so abundant between the two rivers, had begun to shun + their usual haunts, on account of the great numbers of Canadian halfbreeds + in that part of the country. There was also the first influx of English + sportsmen, whose wholesale methods of destruction wrought such havoc with + the herds. These seemingly intelligent animals correctly prophesied to the + natives the approach of the pale-face. + </p> + <p> + As we had anticipated, we found game very scarce as we travelled slowly + across the vast plains. There were only herds of antelope and sometimes + flocks of waterfowl, with here and there a lonely bull straggling + aimlessly along. At first our party was small, but as we proceeded on our + way we fell in with some of the western bands of Sioux and Assiniboines, + who are close connections. + </p> + <p> + Each day the camp was raised and marched from ten to twenty miles. One + might wonder how such a cavalcade would look in motion. The only vehicles + were the primitive travaux drawn by ponies and large Esquimaux dogs. These + are merely a pair of shafts fastened on either side of the animal, and + trailing on the ground behind. A large basket suspended between the poles, + just above the ground, supplied a place for goods and a safe nest for the + babies, or an occasional helpless old woman. Most of our effects were + carried by pack ponies; and an Indian packer excels all others in + quickness and dexterity. + </p> + <p> + The train was nearly a mile long, headed by a number of old warriors on + foot, who carried the filled pipe, and decided when and where to stop. A + very warm day made much trouble for the women who had charge of the moving + household. The pack dogs were especially unmanageable. They would become + very thirsty and run into the water with their loads. The scolding of the + women, the singing of the old men and the yelps of the Indian dudes made + our progress a noisy one, and like that of a town in motion rather than an + ordinary company of travelers. + </p> + <p> + This journey of ours was not without its exciting episodes. My uncle had + left the main body and gone off to the south with a small party, as he was + accustomed to do every summer, to seek revenge of some sort on the whites + for all the injuries that they had inflicted upon our family. This time he + met with a company of soldiers between Fort Totten and Fort Berthold, in + North Dakota. Somehow, these seven Indians surprised the troopers in broad + daylight, while eating their dinner, and captured the whole outfit, + including nearly all their mules and one white horse, with such of their + provisions as they cared to carry back with them. No doubt these soldiers + reported at the fort that they had been attacked by a large party of + Indians, and I dare say some promotions rewarded their tale of a brave + defense! However, the facts are just as I have stated them. My uncle + brought home the white horse, and the fine Spanish mules were taken by the + others. Among the things they brought back with them were several loaves + of raised bread, the first I had ever seen, and a great curiosity. We + called it aguyape tachangu, or lung bread, from its spongy consistency. + </p> + <p> + Although when a successful war-party returns with so many trophies, there + is usually much dancing and hilarity, there was almost nothing of the kind + on this occasion. The reason was that the enemy made little resistance; + and then there was our old tradition with regard to the whites that there + is no honor in conquering them, as they fight only under compulsion. Had + there really been a battle, and some of our men been killed, there would + have been some enthusiasm. + </p> + <p> + It was upon this journey that a hunter performed the feat of shooting an + arrow through three antelopes. This statement may perhaps be doubted, yet + I can vouch for its authenticity. He was not alone at the time, and those + who were with him are reliable witnesses. The animals were driven upon a + marshy peninsula, where they were crowded together and almost helpless. + Many were despatched with knives and arrows; and a man by the name of + Grey-foot, who was large and tall and an extraordinarily fine hunter, + actually sent his arrow through three of them. This feat was not + accomplished by mere strength, for it requires a great deal of skill as + well. + </p> + <p> + A misfortune occurred near the river which deprived us of one of our best + young men. There was no other man, except my own uncle, for whom I had at + that time so great an admiration. Very strangely, as it appeared to me, he + bore a Christian name. He was commonly called Jacob. I did not discover + how he came by such a curious and apparently meaningless name until after + I had returned to the United States. His father had been converted by one + of the early missionaries, before the Minnesota massacre in 1862, and the + boy had been baptized Jacob. He was an ideal woodsman and hunter and + really a hero in my eyes. He was one of the party of seven who had + attacked and put to rout the white soldiers. + </p> + <p> + The trouble arose thus. Jacob had taken from the soldiers two good mules, + and soon afterward we fell in with some Canadian half-breeds who were + desirous of trading for them. However, the young man would not trade; he + was not at all disposed to part with his fine mules. A certain one of the + mixed-bloods was intent upon getting possession of these animals by fair + or unfair means. He invited Jacob to dinner, and treated him to whiskey; + but the Indian youth declined the liquor. The half-breed pretended to take + this refusal to drink as an insult. He seized his gun and shot his guest + dead. + </p> + <p> + In a few minutes the scene was one of almost unprecedented excitement. + Every adult Indian, female as well as male, was bent upon invading the + camp of the bois brules, to destroy the murderer. The confusion was made + yet more intolerable by the wailing of the women and the singing of + death-songs. + </p> + <p> + Our number was now ten to one of the halfbreeds. Within the circle formed + by their carts they prepared for a desperate resistance. The hills about + their little encampment were covered with warriors, ready to pounce upon + them at the signal of their chief. + </p> + <p> + The older men, however, were discussing in council what should be demanded + of the halfbreeds. It was determined that the murderer must be given up to + us, to be punished according to the laws of the plains. If, however, they + should refuse to give him up, the mode of attack decided upon was to build + a fire around the offenders and thus stampede their horses, or at the + least divide their attention. Meanwhile, the braves were to make a sudden + onset. + </p> + <p> + Just then a piece of white, newly-tanned deerskin was hoisted up in the + center of the bois brule encampment. It was a flag of truce. One of their + number approached the council lodge, unarmed and making the sign for a + peaceful communication. He was admitted to the council, which was still in + session, and offered to give up the murderer. It was also proposed, as an + alternative, that he be compelled to give everything he had to the parents + of the murdered man. + </p> + <p> + The parents were allowed no voice whatever in the discussion which + followed, for they were regarded as incompetent judges, under the + circumstances. It was finally decreed by the council that the man’s life + should be spared, but that he must be exposed to the indignity of a public + whipping, and resign all his earthly possessions to the parents of his + victim. This sentence was carried into effect. + </p> + <p> + In our nomadic life there were a few unwritten laws by which our people + were governed. There was a council, a police force, and an executive + officer, who was not always the chief, but a member of the tribe appointed + to this position for a given number of days. There were also the wise old + men who were constantly in attendance at the council lodge, and acted as + judges in the rare event of the commission of a crime. + </p> + <p> + This simple government of ours was supported by the issue of little sticks + about five inches long. There were a hundred or so of these, and they were + distributed every few days by the police or soldiers, who kept account of + them. Whoever received one of these sticks must return it within five or + ten days, with a load of provisions. If one was held beyond the stipulated + time the police would call the delinquent warrior to account. In case he + did not respond, they could come and destroy his tent or take away his + weapons. When all the sticks had been returned, they were reissued to + other men; and so the council lodge was supported. + </p> + <p> + It was the custom that no man who had not distinguished himself upon the + war-path could destroy the home of another. This was a necessary + qualification for the office of an Indian policeman. These policemen must + also oversee the hunt, lest some individuals should be well provided with + food while others were in want. No man might hunt independently. The game + must be carefully watched by the game scouts, and the discovery of a herd + reported at once to the council, after which the time and manner of the + hunt were publicly announced. + </p> + <p> + I well recall how the herald announced the near approach of buffaloes. It + was supposed that if the little boys could trip up the old man while going + his rounds, the success of the hunt was assured. The oftener he was + tripped, the more successful it would be! The signal or call for buffaloes + was a peculiar whistle. As soon as the herald appeared, all the boys would + give the whistle and follow in crowds after the poor old man. Of course he + tried to avoid them, but they were generally too quick for him. + </p> + <p> + There were two kinds of scouts, for hunting and for war. In one sense + every Indian was a scout; but there were some especially appointed to + serve for a certain length of time. An Indian might hunt every day, + besides the regularly organized hunt; but he was liable to punishment at + any time. If he could kill a solitary buffalo or deer without disturbing + the herd, it was allowed. He might also hunt small game. + </p> + <p> + In the movable town under such a government as this, there was apt to be + inconvenience and actual suffering, since a great body of people were + supported only by the daily hunt. Hence there was a constant disposition + to break up into smaller parties, in order to obtain food more easily and + freely. Yet the wise men of the Dakotas would occasionally form large + bands of from two to five thousand people, who camped and moved about + together for a period of some months. It is apparent that so large a body + could not be easily supplied with the necessaries of life; but, on the + other hand, our enemies respected such a gathering! Of course the nomadic + government would do its utmost to hold together as long as possible. The + police did all they could to keep in check those parties who were intent + upon stealing away. + </p> + <p> + There were many times, however, when individual bands and even families + were justified in seeking to separate themselves from the rest, in order + to gain a better support. It was chiefly by reason of this food question + that the Indians never established permanent towns or organized themselves + into a more formidable nation. + </p> + <p> + There was a sad misfortune which, although it happened many generations + ago, was familiarly quoted among us. A certain band became very + independent and unruly; they went so far as to wilfully disobey the orders + of the general government. The police were directed to punish the leader + severely; whereupon the rest defended him and resisted the police. But the + latter were competent to enforce their authority, and as a result the + entire band was annihilated. + </p> + <p> + One day, as we were following along the bank of the Upper Missouri, there + appeared to be a great disturbance at the head of the cavalcade—so + much so that we thought our people had been attacked by a war-party of the + Crows or some of the hostile tribes of that region. In spite of the + danger, even the women and children hurried forward to join the men—that + is to say, as many as were not upon the hunt. Most of the warriors were + out, as usual, and only the large boys and the old men were travelling + with the women and their domestic effects and little ones. + </p> + <p> + As we approached the scene of action, we heard loud shouts and the report + of fire-arms; but our party was scattered along for a considerable + distance, and all was over before we could reach the spot. It was a great + grizzly bear who had been bold enough to oppose, single-handed, the + progress of several hundred Indians. The council-men, who usually walked a + little in advance of the train, were the first to meet the bear, and he + was probably deceived by the sight of this advance body, and thus + audaciously defied them. + </p> + <p> + Among these council-men—all retired chiefs and warriors whose ardent + zeal for the display of courage had long been cooled, and whose present + duties were those of calm deliberation for their people’s welfare—there + were two old, distinguished war-chiefs. Each of these men still carried + his war-lance, wrapped up in decorated buckskin. As the bear advanced + boldly toward them, the two old men promptly threw off their robes—an + evidence that there still lurked within their breasts the spirit of + chivalry and ready courage. Spear in hand, they both sprang forward to + combat with the ferocious animal, taking up their positions about ten feet + apart. + </p> + <p> + As they had expected, the fearful beast, after getting up on his haunches + and growling savagely, came forward with widely opened jaws. He fixed his + eyes upon the left-hand man, who was ready to meet him with uplifted + spear, but with one stroke of his powerful paw the weapon was sent to the + ground. At the same moment the right-hand man dealt him a stab that + penetrated the grizzly’s side. + </p> + <p> + The bear uttered a groan not unlike that of a man, and seized the spear so + violently that its owner was thrown to the ground. As the animal drew the + lance from its body, the first man, having recovered his own, stabbed him + with it on the other side. Upon this, he turned and knocked the old man + down, and again endeavored to extract the spear. + </p> + <p> + By this time all the dogs and men were at hand. Many arrows and balls were + sent into the tough hide of the bear. Yet he would probably have killed + both his assailants, had it not been for the active small dogs who were + constantly upon his heels and annoying him. A deadly rifle shot at last + brought him down. + </p> + <p> + The old men were badly bruised and torn, but both of them recovered, to + bear from that day the high-sounding titles of “Fought-the-Bear” and + “Conquered-the-Grizzly.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0030" id="link2H_4_0030"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XI. The Laughing Philosopher + </h2> + <p> + THERE is scarcely anything so exasperating to me as the idea that the + natives of this country have no sense of humor and no faculty for mirth. + This phase of their character is well understood by those whose fortune or + misfortune it has been to live among them day in and day out at their + homes. I don’t believe I ever heard a real hearty laugh away from the + Indians’ fireside. I have often spent an entire evening in laughing with + them until I could laugh no more. There are evenings when the recognized + wit or story-teller of the village gives a free entertainment which keeps + the rest of the community in a convulsive state until he leaves them. + However, Indian humor consists as much in the gestures and inflections of + the voice as in words, and is really untranslatable. + </p> + <p> + Matogee (Yellow Bear) was a natural humorous speaker, and a very diffident + man at other times. He usually said little, but when he was in the mood he + could keep a large company in a roar. This was especially the case + whenever he met his brother-in-law, Tamedokah. + </p> + <p> + It was a custom with us Indians to joke more particularly with our + brothers- and sisters-in-law. But no one ever complained, or resented any + of these jokes, however personal they might be. That would be an + unpardonable breach of etiquette. + </p> + <p> + “Tamedokah, I heard that you tried to capture a buck by holding on to his + tail,” said Matogee, laughing. “I believe that feat cannot be performed + any more; at least, it never has been since the pale-face brought us the + knife, the ‘mysterious iron,’ and the pulverized coal that makes bullets + fly. Since our ancestors hunted with stone knives and hatchets, I say, + that has never been done.” + </p> + <p> + The fact was that Tamedokah had stunned a buck that day while hunting, and + as he was about to dress him the animal got up and attempted to run, + whereupon the Indian launched forth to secure his game. He only succeeded + in grasping the tail of the deer, and was pulled about all over the + meadows and the adjacent woods until the tail came off in his hands. + Matogee thought this too good a joke to be lost. + </p> + <p> + I sat near the door of the tent, and thoroughly enjoyed the story of the + comical accident. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” Tamedokah quietly replied, “I thought I would do something to beat + the story of the man who rode a young elk, and yelled frantically for + help, crying like a woman.” + </p> + <p> + “Ugh! that was only a legend,” retorted Matogee, for it was he who was the + hero of this tale in his younger days. “But this is a fresh feat of + to-day. Chankpayuhah said he could not tell which was the most scared, the + buck or you,” he continued. “He said the deer’s eyes were bulging out of + their sockets, while Tamedokah’s mouth was constantly enlarging toward his + ears, and his hair floated on the wind, shaking among the branches of the + trees. That will go down with the traditions of our fathers,” he concluded + with an air of satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + “It was a singular mishap,” admitted Tamedokah. + </p> + <p> + The pipe had been filled by Matogee and passed to Tamedokah + good-naturedly, still with a broad smile on his face. “It must be + acknowledged,” he resumed, “that you have the strongest kind of a grip, + for no one else could hold on as long as you did, and secure such a trophy + besides. That tail will do for an eagle feather holder.” + </p> + <p> + By this time the teepee was packed to overflowing. Loud laughter had been + heard issuing from the lodge of Matogee, and everybody suspected that he + had something good, so many had come to listen. + </p> + <p> + “I think we should hear the whole matter,” said one of the late comers. + </p> + <p> + The teepee was brightly lit by the burning embers, and all the men were + sitting with their knees up against their chests, held in that position by + wrapping their robes tightly around loins and knees. This fixed them + something in the fashion of a rocking-chair. + </p> + <p> + “Well, no one saw him except Chankpayuhah,” Matogee remarked. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes, he must tell us about it,” exclaimed a chorus of voices. + </p> + <p> + “This is what I saw,” the witness began. “I was tracking a buck and a doe. + As I approached a small opening at the creek side ‘boom!’ came a report of + the mysterious iron. I remained in a stooping position, hoping to see a + deer cross the opening. In this I was not disappointed, for immediately + after the report a fine buck dashed forth with Tamedokah close behind him. + The latter was holding on to the deer’s tail with both hands and his knife + was in his mouth, but it soon dropped out. ‘Tamedokah,’ I shouted, + ‘haven’t you got hold of the wrong animal?’ but as I spoke they + disappeared into the woods. + </p> + <p> + “In a minute they both appeared again, and then it was that I began to + laugh. I could not stop. It almost killed me. The deer jumped the longest + jumps I ever saw. Tamedokah walked the longest paces and was very swift. + His hair was whipping the trees as they went by. Water poured down his + face. I stood bent forward because I could not straighten my back-bone, + and was ready to fall when they again disappeared. + </p> + <p> + “When they came out for the third time it seemed as if the woods and the + meadow were moving too. Tamedokah skipped across the opening as if he were + a grasshopper learning to hop. I fell down. + </p> + <p> + “When I came to he was putting water on my face and head, but when I + looked at him I fell again, and did not know anything until the sun had + passed the mid-sky. + </p> + <p> + “The company was kept roaring all the way through this account, while + Tamedokah himself heartily joined in the mirth. + </p> + <p> + “Ho, ho, ho!” they said; “he has made his name famous in our annals. This + will be told of him henceforth.” + </p> + <p> + “It reminds me of Chadozee’s bear story,” said one. + </p> + <p> + “His was more thrilling, because it was really dangerous,” interposed + another. + </p> + <p> + “You can tell it to us, Bobdoo,” remarked a third. + </p> + <p> + The man thus addressed made no immediate reply. He was smoking + contentedly. At last he silently returned the pipe to Matogee, with whom + it had begun its rounds. Deliberately he tightened his robe around him, + saying as he did so: + </p> + <p> + “Ho (Yes). I was with him. It was by a very little that he saved his life. + I will tell you how it happened. + </p> + <p> + “I was hunting with these two men, Nageedah and Chadozee. We came to some + wild cherry bushes. I began to eat of the fruit when I saw a large + silver-tip crawling toward us. ‘Look out! there is a grizzly here,’ I + shouted, and I ran my pony out on to the prairie; but the others had + already dismounted. + </p> + <p> + “Nageedah had just time to jump upon his pony and get out of the way, but + the bear seized hold of his robe and pulled it off. Chadozee stood upon + the verge of a steep bank, below which there ran a deep and swift-flowing + stream. The bear rushed upon him so suddenly that when he took a step + backward, they both fell into the creek together. It was a fall of about + twice the height of a man.” + </p> + <p> + “Did they go out of sight?” some one inquired. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, both fell headlong. In his excitement Chadozee laid hold of the bear + in the water, and I never saw a bear try so hard to get away from a man as + this one did.” + </p> + <p> + “Ha, ha, ha! ha, ha, ha!” they all laughed. + </p> + <p> + “When they came to the surface again they were both so eager to get to the + shore that each let go, and they swam as quickly as they could to opposite + sides. Chadozee could not get any further, so he clung to a stray root, + still keeping a close watch of the bear, who was forced to do the same. + There they both hung, regarding each other with looks of contempt and + defiance.” + </p> + <p> + “Ha, ha, ha! ha, ha, ha!” they all laughed again. + </p> + <p> + “At last the bear swam along the edge to a lower place, and we pulled + Chadozee up by means of our lariats. All this time he had been groaning so + loud that we supposed he was badly torn; but when I looked for his wounds + I found a mere scratch.” + </p> + <p> + Again the chorus of appreciation from his hearers. + </p> + <p> + “The strangest thing about this affair of mine,” spoke up Tamedokah, “is + that I dreamed the whole thing the night before.” + </p> + <p> + “There are some dreams come true, and I am a believer in dreams,” one + remarked. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, certainly, so are we all. You know Hachah almost lost his life by + believing in dreams,” commented Matogee. + </p> + <p> + “Let us hear that story,” was the general request. + </p> + <p> + “You have all heard of Hachah, the great medicine man, who did many + wonderful things. He once dreamed four nights in succession of flying from + a high cliff over the Minnesota river. He recollected every particular of + the scene, and it made a great impression upon his mind. + </p> + <p> + “The next day after he had dreamed it for the fourth time, he proposed to + his wife that they go down to the river to swim, but his real purpose was + to see the place of his dream. + </p> + <p> + “He did find the place, and it seemed to Hachah exactly like. A crooked + tree grew out of the top of the cliff, and the water below was very deep.” + </p> + <p> + “Did he really fly?” I called impatiently from the doorway, where I had + been listening and laughing with the rest. + </p> + <p> + “Ugh, that is what I shall tell you. He was swimming about with his wife, + who was a fine swimmer; but all at once Hachah disappeared. Presently he + stood upon the very tree that he had seen in his dream, and gazed out over + the water. The tree was very springy, and Hachah felt sure that he could + fly; so before long he launched bravely forth from the cliff. He kicked + out vigorously and swung both arms as he did so, but nevertheless he came + down to the bottom of the water like a crow that had been shot on the + wing.” + </p> + <p> + “Ho, ho, ho! Ho, ho, ho!” and the whole company laughed unreservedly. + </p> + <p> + “His wife screamed loudly as Hachah whirled downward and went out of sight + like a blue heron after a fish. Then she feared he might be stunned, so + she swam to him and dragged him to the shore. He could not speak, but the + woman overwhelmed him with reproaches. + </p> + <p> + “‘What are you trying to do, you old idiot? Do you want to kill yourself?’ + she screamed again and again. + </p> + <p> + “‘Woman, be silent,’ he replied, and he said nothing more. He did not tell + his dream for many years afterward. Not until he was a very old man and + about to die, did Hachah tell any one how he thought he could fly.” + </p> + <p> + And at this they all laughed louder than ever. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0031" id="link2H_4_0031"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XII. FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF CIVILIZATION + </h2> + <p> + I WAS scarcely old enough to know anything definite about the “Big + Knives,” as we called the white men, when the terrible Minnesota massacre + broke up our home and I was carried into exile. I have already told how I + was adopted into the family of my father’s younger brother, when my father + was betrayed and imprisoned. We all supposed that he had shared the fate + of those who were executed at Mankato, Minnesota. + </p> + <p> + Now the savage philosophers looked upon vengeance in the field of battle + as a lofty virtue. To avenge the death of a relative or of a dear friend + was considered a great deed. My uncle, accordingly, had spared no pains to + instill into my young mind the obligation to avenge the death of my father + and my older brothers. Already I looked eagerly forward to the day when I + should find an opportunity to carry out his teachings. Meanwhile, he + himself went upon the war-path and returned with scalps every summer. So + it may be imagined how I felt toward the Big Knives! + </p> + <p> + On the other hand, I had heard marvelous things of this people. In some + things we despised them; in others we regarded them as wakan (mysterious), + a race whose power bordered upon the supernatural. I learned that they had + made a “fireboat.” I could not understand how they could unite two + elements which cannot exist together. I thought the water would put out + the fire, and the fire would consume the boat if it had the shadow of a + chance. This was to me a preposterous thing! But when I was told that the + Big Knives had created a “fire-boat-walks-on-mountains” (a locomotive) it + was too much to believe. + </p> + <p> + “Why,” declared my informant, “those who saw this monster move said that + it flew from mountain to mountain when it seemed to be excited. They said + also that they believed it carried a thunder-bird, for they frequently + heard his usual war-whoop as the creature sped along!” + </p> + <p> + Several warriors had observed from a distance one of the first trains on + the Northern Pacific, and had gained an exaggerated impression of the + wonders of the pale-face. They had seen it go over a bridge that spanned a + deep ravine and it seemed to them that it jumped from one bank to the + other. I confess that the story almost quenched my ardor and bravery. + </p> + <p> + Two or three young men were talking together about this fearful invention. + </p> + <p> + “However,” said one, “I understand that this fire-boat-walks-on-mountains + cannot move except on the track made for it.” + </p> + <p> + Although a boy is not expected to join in the conversation of his elders, + I ventured to ask: “Then it cannot chase us into any rough country?” + </p> + <p> + “No, it cannot do that,” was the reply, which I heard with a great deal of + relief. + </p> + <p> + I had seen guns and various other things brought to us by the French + Canadians, so that I had already some notion of the supernatural gifts of + the white man; but I had never before heard such tales as I listened to + that morning. It was said that they had bridged the Missouri and + Mississippi rivers, and that they made immense houses of stone and brick, + piled on top of one another until they were as high as high hills. My + brain was puzzled with these things for many a day. Finally I asked my + uncle why the Great Mystery gave such power to the Washechu (the + rich)-sometimes we called them by this name—and not to us Dakotas. + </p> + <p> + “For the same reason,” he answered, “that he gave to Duta the skill to + make fine bows and arrows, and to Wachesne no skill to make anything.” + </p> + <p> + “And why do the Big Knives increase so much more in number than the + Dakotas?” I continued. + </p> + <p> + “It has been said, and I think it must be true, that they have larger + families than we do. I went into the house of an Eashecha (a German), and + I counted no less than nine children. The eldest of them could not have + been over fifteen. When my grandfather first visited them, down at the + mouth of the Mississippi, they were comparatively few; later my father + visited their Great Father at Washington, and they had already spread over + the whole country.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly they are a heartless nation. They have made some of their + people servants—yes, slaves! We have never believed in keeping + slaves, but it seems that these Washechu do! It is our belief that they + painted their servants black a long time ago, to tell them from the rest, + and now the slaves have children born to them of the same color! + </p> + <p> + “The greatest object of their lives seems to be to acquire possessions—to + be rich. They desire to possess the whole world. For thirty years they + were trying to entice us to sell them our land. Finally the outbreak gave + them all, and we have been driven away from our beautiful country. + </p> + <p> + “They are a wonderful people. They have divided the day into hours, like + the moons of the year. In fact, they measure everything. Not one of them + would let so much as a turnip go from his field unless he received full + value for it. I understand that their great men make a feast and invite + many, but when the feast is over the guests are required to pay for what + they have eaten before leaving the house. I myself saw at White Cliff (the + name given to St. Paul, Minnesota) a man who kept a brass drum and a bell + to call people to his table; but when he got them in he would make them + pay for the food! + </p> + <p> + “I am also informed,” said my uncle, “but this I hardly believe, that + their Great Chief (President) compels every man to pay him for the land he + lives upon and all his personal goods—even for his own existence—every + year!” (This was his idea of taxation.) “I am sure we could not live under + such a law. + </p> + <p> + “When the outbreak occurred, we thought that our opportunity had come, for + we had learned that the Big Knives were fighting among themselves, on + account of a dispute over their slaves. It was said that the Great Chief + had allowed slaves in one part of the country and not in another, so there + was jealousy, and they had to fight it out. We don’t know how true this + was. + </p> + <p> + “There were some praying-men who came to us some time before the trouble + arose. They observed every seventh day as a holy day. On that day they met + in a house that they had built for that purpose, to sing, pray, and speak + of their Great Mystery. I was never in one of these meetings. I understand + that they had a large book from which they read. By all accounts they were + very different from all other white men we have known, for these never + observed any such day, and we never knew them to pray, neither did they + ever tell us of their Great Mystery. + </p> + <p> + “In war they have leaders and war-chiefs of different grades. The common + warriors are driven forward like a herd of antelopes to face the foe. It + is on account of this manner of fighting—from compulsion and not + from personal bravery—that we count no coup on them. A lone warrior + can do much harm to a large army of them in a bad country.” + </p> + <p> + It was this talk with my uncle that gave me my first clear idea of the + white man. + </p> + <p> + I was almost fifteen years old when my uncle presented me with a + flint-lock gun. The possession of the “mysterious iron,” and the explosive + dirt, or “pulverized coal,” as it is called, filled me with new thoughts. + All the war-songs that I had ever heard from childhood came back to me + with their heroes. It seemed as if I were an entirely new being—the + boy had become a man! + </p> + <p> + “I am now old enough,” said I to myself, “and I must beg my uncle to take + me with him on his next war-path. I shall soon be able to go among the + whites whenever I wish, and to avenge the blood of my father and my + brothers.” + </p> + <p> + I had already begun to invoke the blessing of the Great Mystery. Scarcely + a day passed that I did not offer up some of my game, so that he might not + be displeased with me. My people saw very little of me during the day, for + in solitude I found the strength I needed. I groped about in the + wilderness, and determined to assume my position as a man. My boyish ways + were departing, and a sullen dignity and composure was taking their place. + </p> + <p> + The thought of love did not hinder my ambitions. I had a vague dream of + some day courting a pretty maiden, after I had made my reputation, and won + the eagle feathers. + </p> + <p> + One day, when I was away on the daily hunt, two strangers from the United + States visited our camp. They had boldly ventured across the northern + border. They were Indians, but clad in the white man’s garments. It was as + well that I was absent with my gun. + </p> + <p> + My father, accompanied by an Indian guide, after many days’ searching had + found us at last. He had been imprisoned at Davenport, Iowa, with those + who took part in the massacre or in the battles following, and he was + taught in prison and converted by the pioneer missionaries, Drs. + Williamson and Riggs. He was under sentence of death, but was among the + number against whom no direct evidence was found, and who were finally + pardoned by President Lincoln. + </p> + <p> + When he was released, and returned to the new reservation upon the + Missouri river, he soon became convinced that life on a government + reservation meant physical and moral degradation. Therefore he determined, + with several others, to try the white man’s way of gaining a livelihood. + They accordingly left the agency against the persuasions of the agent, + renounced all government assistance, and took land under the United States + Homestead law, on the Big Sioux river. After he had made his home there, + he desired to seek his lost child. It was then a dangerous undertaking to + cross the line, but his Christian love prompted him to do it. He secured a + good guide, and found his way in time through the vast wilderness. + </p> + <p> + As for me, I little dreamed of anything unusual to happen on my return. As + I approached our camp with my game on my shoulder, I had not the slightest + premonition that I was suddenly to be hurled from my savage life into a + life unknown to me hitherto. + </p> + <p> + When I appeared in sight my father, who had patiently listened to my + uncle’s long account of my early life and training, became very much + excited. He was eager to embrace the child who, as he had just been + informed, made it already the object of his life to avenge his father’s + blood. The loving father could not remain in the teepee and watch the boy + coming, so he started to meet him. My uncle arose to go with his brother + to insure his safety. + </p> + <p> + My face burned with the unusual excitement caused by the sight of a man + wearing the Big Knives’ clothing and coming toward me with my uncle. + </p> + <p> + “What does this mean, uncle?” + </p> + <p> + “My boy, this is your father, my brother, whom we mourned as dead. He has + come for you.” + </p> + <p> + My father added: “I am glad that my son is strong and brave. Your brothers + have adopted the white man’s way; I came for you to learn this new way, + too; and I want you to grow up a good man.” + </p> + <p> + He had brought me some civilized clothing, At first, I disliked very much + to wear garments made by the people I had hated so bitterly. But the + thought that, after all, they had not killed my father and brothers, + reconciled me, and I put on the clothes. + </p> + <p> + In a few days we started for the States. I felt as if I were dead and + traveling to the Spirit Land; for now all my old ideas were to give place + to new ones, and my life was to be entirely different from that of the + past. + </p> + <p> + Still, I was eager to see some of the wonderful inventions of the white + people. When we reached Fort Totten, I gazed about me with lively interest + and a quick imagination. + </p> + <p> + My father had forgotten to tell me that the fire-boat-walks-on-mountains + had its track at Jamestown, and might appear at any moment. As I was + watering the ponies, a peculiar shrilling noise pealed forth from just + beyond the hills. The ponies threw back their heads and listened; then + they ran snorting over the prairie. Meanwhile, I too had taken alarm. I + leaped on the back of one of the ponies, and dashed off at full speed. It + was a clear day; I could not imagine what had caused such an unearthly + noise. It seemed as if the world were about to burst in two! + </p> + <p> + I got upon a hill as the train appeared. “O!” I said to myself, “that is + the fire-boat-walkson-mountains that I have heard about!” Then I drove + back the ponies. + </p> + <p> + My father was accustomed every morning to read from his Bible, and sing a + stanza of a hymn. I was about very early with my gun for several mornings; + but at last he stopped me as I was preparing to go out, and bade me wait. + </p> + <p> + I listened with much astonishment. The hymn contained the word Jesus. I + did not comprehend what this meant; and my father then told me that Jesus + was the Son of God who came on earth to save sinners, and that it was + because of him that he had sought me. This conversation made a deep + impression upon my mind. + </p> + <p> + Late in the fall we reached the citizen settlement at Flandreau, South + Dakota, where my father and some others dwelt among the whites. Here my + wild life came to an end, and my school days began. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Indian Boyhood, by +[AKA Ohiyesa], Charles A. Eastman + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK INDIAN BOYHOOD *** + +***** This file should be named 337-h.htm or 337-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/3/3/337/ + +Produced by Judith Boss, and David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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