idea of the Indian character. To fight, slaughter, prey, eat and sleep,
seemed to be the end and aim of their existence. To outnumber his
adversary and hence consummate his destruction, was the highest
possibility of prowess. To bear torture without evincing the weakness
of physical suffering was the sublimity of courage; and when death
finally overtook them, to go to the happy hunting grounds well supplied
with the implements that would produce carnal enjoyment was the
apotheosis of enjoyment!

CHAPTER XXI.

MRS. EASTMAN'S STORY CONTINUED.

I had now been five years among the Indians, and during that time my
life was chiefly trials and hardships. Rest, a word unknown in my
vocabulary. It would appear that I owed allegiance to no particular
individual, but on the contrary, I was called upon to perform the most
arduous tasks by man, woman, and child.

My labors in the field having come to a conclusion, I was inducted into
the mysteries of curing and dressing skins of various animals, making
moccasins and gathering berries for the winter stock.

During a period of three months rain had not fallen, and this fact gave
rise to a peculiar ceremony, which I will briefly relate. The crops were
suffering severely from the drought, and it was decided in council that
the "rain makers" should invoke the clouds, and by a series of
conjugations cause the heavens to open their floodgates. The women had
become clamorous and implored the medicine-men to intercede for rain,
that their corn patches, which were now turning pale and yellow, might
not be withered and they be deprived of the customary annual festivity
and the joyful occasion of the "roasting ears" and the "green corn
dance."

The plaints of the women were entertained, but these wise (?) men
discreetly recommended caution and deliberation, lest by undue haste the
Great Spirit might become incensed and defeat their endeavors. This
stratagem was very pellucid, because the longer they delayed the
formalities, of course the greater would be the chance of success; but
the importunities of the women became daily more persistent, and the
council was at length convened. The medicine-men assembled in all the
bravery of their grotesque trappings, and the fires being lighted, a
large quantity of wild sage and other aromatic herbs was thrown upon the
flames, that their savory odors might ascend as a peace-offering to the
Great Spirit.

Some twelve or fifteen young warrior