ou must accept its social
meaning.

"In the days of knight errantry, every one meeting a stranger had to
suppose him an enemy; ten to one he was. And the sign and proof of
friendly intention was raising the right hand without a weapon in it.
The hand was raised high, to be seen as far as they could shoot with
a bow, and a further proof was added when they raised the vizor and
exposed the face. The danger of the highway continued long after knights
ceased to wear armour; so, with the same meaning, the same gesture was
used, but with a lifting of the hat. If a man did not do it, he was
either showing contempt, or hostility for the other, or proving himself
an ignorant brute. So, in all civilized countries, lifting the hat is a
sign of mutual confidence and respect."

"Well! that makes it all look different. But why should you touch your
hat when you went ahead of me just now?"

"Because this is my house; you are my guest. I am supposed to serve you
in reasonable ways and give you precedence. Had I let you open my door
for me, it would have been putting you in the place of my servant; to
balance that, I give you the sign of equality and respect."

"H'm," said Rolf, "'it just shows,' as old Sylvanne sez, 'this yer
steel-trap, hair-trigger, cocksure jedgment don't do. An' the more a
man learns, the less sure he gits. An' things as hez lasted a long time
ain't liable to be on a rotten foundation.'"

Chapter 62. The Charm of Song

With a regular tum ta tum ta, came a weird sound from the sunrise rock
one morning, as Van slipped out of his cabin.

"Ag-aj-way-o-say
Pem-o-say
Gezhik-om era-bid ah-keen
Ena-bid ah-keen"

"What's he doing, Rolf?"

"That's his sunrise prayer," was the answer.

"Do you know what it means?"

"Yes, it ain't much; jest 'Oh, thou that walkest in the sky in the
morning, I greet thee."'

"Why, I didn't know Indians had such performances; that's exactly like
the priests of Osiris. Did any one teach him? I mean any white folk."

"No, it's always been the Indian way. They have a song or a prayer
for most every big event, sunrise, sunset, moonrise, good hunting, and
another for when they're sick, or when they're going on a journey, or
when their heart is bad."

"You astonish me. I had no idea they were so human. It carries me back
to the temple of Delphi. It is worthy of Cassandra of Ilion. I supposed
all Indians were just savage Indians that hunted till their bellies