ul
slumber. Following, came many weary days, during which I paid little
attention to things passing around me. Absorbed in my sorrow, I took no
note of time, until a change in occupation brought forth new plans in my
mind, causing me to entertain hope for the future. But of this anon.

CHAPTER IX.

THE "MYSTERY BAG."

Several months had elapsed since I entered upon my new duties. At first
I was stimulated to extra endeavor by that curiosity which impels all
novices to take an especially active interest in their profession, but I
soon found that pounding bark, and gathering herbs, could become as
monotonous as other less novel employments. I envied the women their
tasks, as it would have been a change, and consequently a relief. It was
a treadmill existence, and day succeeded day with unvarying sameness. I
arose before dawn and went to the river; after a plunge in the sparkling
water I returned to the temple and renewed the paint on my person, which
had been effaced by the water. Constant exposure to wind and weather had
tanned my body to the color of leather, and it did not require a great
amount of art to enable me to imitate the true Indian complexion.
Exposure and coarse wholesome food had made me very hardy, and I found
that I could bear fatigue and work that I should have thought I was
never capable of performing. To this training I was indebted for the
strength that supported me in my arduous journey through the deadly
jornada, when in quest of my wife. When my preparations were completed,
it was time to ascend to the top of the temple and join in the morning's
devotions. These over, I returned to the underground room and commenced
the day's work. At first WAKOMETKLA would signify what he
required by signs, and later, as I acquired a knowledge of the language,
he would more fully detail his wishes, and ofttimes explain the effects
and purposes of the drug. In this way I became as familiar with his
materia medica, as himself; and from time to time offered suggestions
that occurred to me, which seemed to please him.

By constant and steady application I amassed a fund of knowledge
concerning vegetable medicines that enabled me, on my return to
civilization, through the co-operation of DR. CLARK JOHNSON, to
make my knowledge available in alleviating suffering humanity.

In my excursions into the woods I was accompanied by the chief, who
instructed me how to gather the medicine plants, and where to find t