May, 1903. The Arapaho Sun Dance — Dorsey. 195 



and clear voice. The people were in their respective places convers- 

 ing, and were in deep thought with the young men. The birds of 

 every species had then begun building their nests in the cottonwood 

 trees, and others made homes in such a way around the man. These 

 three water-fowls then dived, leaving ripples on the surface and were 

 absent for three days. Just after the sun had risen there came out to 

 the surface from below these water-fowls. Each made an effort to 

 become conscious by breathing all the air that surrounded them. 

 "Well! Well! Here they come, finally, and now we shall hear the 

 report, so please tell me what encouraging news you have," said the 

 man. "We cannot find any signs of land, for we have gone to a con- 

 siderable depth, and still the water gets deeper," said they, in weak 

 voices. 



"You may all know that these young men have arrived and 

 reported that they have seen no sign of land, and the water gets 

 deeper," said the man, turning his face to the interested crowd. All 

 the people dropped their heads in deep thought, and conversed freely 

 relative to the great task. After considerable argument among 

 them, there came forth the otter, beaver, packed bird, and garter- 

 snake, who stood before the man. These people had been appointed 

 and ordered to come forward. "Good! Good! It is the desire that 

 great deeds may be done by some young people. There is no reason 

 why you cannot do much good to your people," said he, as he care- 

 fully moved his Flat-Pipe and looked all around with sympathetic 

 appearance. "You may all know that our young men will now dive 

 in search for land for our benefit," said he, swallowing his saliva, 

 which gave a sound as though a stone were dropped in the water. So 

 these young men lifted their heads, raised their hands, uttered a word 

 of prayer, then dived and were absent for four days. After the sun 

 had risen these young men returned, each floating on the surface close 

 to the gathering. "Well, here they come back, bearing good expres- 

 sions. Now we get the best results to-day, for these men have excel- 

 lent characters," said he, with signs of faith. All the people responded 

 to the gathering to hear the news and there was tranquillity in the 

 crowd. "We cannot find any signs of land, although we went to a 

 considerable depth," said they. "Yes, I think positively that there 

 is no bottom, for I cannot feel the impulse for success," said the 

 beaver, with signs of despair. At the above remark there was a great 

 stir among the people, and the birds and water animals chatted with 

 much emotion. 



The people then selected men of greater strength for the next trial. 

 Finally there came forth five young men well built, and stood before 



