has received in your
defence, and he wishes for repose; and to be no longer burdened with the
cares of the council. Bloody Arm's medicine is no longer good upon the
war path; and he will enter the medicine lodge so that he will not be
obliged to go to war, but can end his days in peace. We have many brave
young warriors, who are deserving of promotion, let one of these be
selected to fill my place; and may his medicine be good and his
war-path be fortunate Warriors, I now give up the office of first
counselor I have done."

Tonsaroyoo replied as follows: "Arranejah, our hearts are sorry that you
have decided to cease to be our first counselor. You have served the
nation long and faithfully; your counsel has been wise; under your
guidance we have greatly prospered, and we would rather that you should
still direct us. But you say that your body is weak, and that you desire
repose. It is well--we know that you have received many wounds at the
hands of our enemies; that you were always first in the charge, and
never turned your back upon the foe. We honor you, for your bravery, and
you will always possess the love and respect of your people.

"Now we must select a twelfth counselor. Will you name him for us?"

"No, Tonsaroyoo," said the old man: "I never had an enemy among my
warriors, and I will not begin to make them now. They are all brave, and
I should not know whom to choose. Let the nation decide who is to
succeed me. I have done."

The form of an election was then gone through with; two braves being
named for the position by the counsel, and a vote taken in the following
manner: Two heaps of shells, one black, the other white, were placed
upon the ground before the temple. Each warrior selected one from either
pile, as he preferred, and placed the shells so taken so as to form a
third pile. When all had deposited a shell in this heap, they were
counted by two of the elder counselors, and the first candidate, who was
a protege of Tonsaroyoo, was declared rejected, having received too many
of the black shells; as the rule is that if more than a certain
prescribed number (which varies according to the number taking part in
the election), are cast against a candidate he must be withdrawn, and
another presented for approval.

On the second ballot, Nau-ce-dah (Strong Shield), was chosen without
opposition. He belonged to the band of Ston-ha-won, and was selected as
much because of the personal popularity of his chief