y offended it.
The Indian will not sell this charm for any price; indeed, to part with
it is considered a disgrace. In battle, he looks to it for protection
from death, and if perchance he is killed, it will conduct him safely to
the happy hunting grounds, which he contemplates as his inheritance in
the world to come. If he should lose it in the fight, let him battle
never so bravely for his country, he suffers overwhelming disgrace, and
is pointed at by the tribe as "a man without medicine," and remains a
pariah among his people until the sacred mystery bag is replaced. This
can only be done by rushing into battle, and wresting one from the
enemy, whom he slays with his own hand. Once this is accomplished, lost
caste is regained, and he is reinstated in the tribe, occupying a
position even higher than before he lost the charm. Medicine thus
acquired at the risk of life and limb is considered the best, and
entitles the wearer to many privileges to which he could never have
aspired before. When a brave has captured a mystery bag belonging to his
opponent, he has performed a feat of great valor, far surpassing the
glory of innumerable scalps.

It is somewhat singular that a man can institute his medicine but once
in a lifetime; and equally curious that he can reinstate himself by the
adoption of medicine captured from the enemy. In these regulations are
concealed strong inducements to fight: first, to protect himself and his
medicine; and again, if the warrior has been unfortunate enough to lose
the charm, that he may restore it and his reputation, while in combat
with the foes of his community.

I had been for a long time in the village before I was allowed to wander
beyond its limits. Indeed, I was kept so constantly employed that I had
no opportunity to explore the valley, even if I had been permitted to do
so. But the efforts I made to please my Indian master were not without
their effect. WAKOMETKLA soon began to place confidence in me,
and allow me more freedom of action. I had, it is true, very little
spare time, but occasionally my master would dispense with my services
while he was occupied with the ceremonies of the temple, and at such
times I found myself free to wander where I pleased.

In this way, at odd times, I made myself familiar with the topography of
the entire valley. At first I was not without hope, in my solitary
rambles, that I might devise some plan of escape; for I had not by any
means abandon