parations were now made for me. I was fastened with the
stout rope, and my arms tied behind me, the wood was fired, and one of
the chiefs was haranguing the Indians. He finished, the low yell was
given, when the old woman whom I had before mentioned ran up to me,
and saying something which I could not understand, put her hand upon
me.

When she did this the other Indians, who were about to rush on me,
drew back with signs of disappointment on many of their wild
countenances. The chiefs then went into the council-house, leaving me
tied where I was, and the wood burning around me, the mass of Indians
standing about as if waiting the decision of the chiefs. After a time
three Indians, one of whom was the interpreter, came up to me, and,
kicking aside the burning poles, cast me loose.

I asked the interpreter what he was about to do. He replied, "You kill
Indian here (pointing to his own ear), you kill him dead. Squaw lose
husband--want another--take you--stead of him."

They led me to the council-house before the chiefs. The old woman whom
I had kicked was there. It was her husband that I had killed by the
blow behind the ear, and she had claimed me in his stead, and,
according to the custom of the country, her claim was allowed, and I
was made over to her, and received into the tribe. Strange custom for
a woman to marry the murderer of her husband, but still such it was,
and thus did I find myself freed from the stake when I least expected
it. The principal chief made me a speech, which was interpreted, in
which he told me that I was now the husband of Manou, and was one of
their own tribe; that I must be strong in war, and must hunt and
procure venison for my family.

They then washed off the black paint, and after a few more speeches
and ceremonies, I was handed over to the hideous old hag, whose neck
was still decorated with the two ears of my companion. To say that I
would have preferred the torture would be saying too much, but that I
loathed the creature to excess was certain. However, I said nothing,
but allowed her to take me by the hand and lead me to her wigwam. As
soon as we were in she brought me some venison, which I ate greedily,
for I had had nothing for thirty-six hours. She then offered me the
leggings, as they call them, which the Indians wear, and the other
portions of the Indian dress, which probably belonged to her late
husband. I put them on, as I was glad to cover my nakedness, and, worn
out wi