May, 1903. The Arapaho Sun Dance — Dorsey. 203 



green foliage, afld in fact the earth was clothed with an abundance of 

 grass. After he saw what he had made, he was much pleased with the 

 appearance. 



While this man was preparing for another important matter, there 

 came Nih'a"Qa° with a staff. The people knew him and called him 

 Nih'a"9a", Bitter-Man, from the fact that he reached the gathering to- 

 ward the last part of the creation, carrying a cane, such as a leader uses. 



"Well, I have just arrived, for I didn't hear of the gathering. 

 Nevertheless, I am glad to be here. Is the creation of the earth with 

 all the essential parts finished? If not, I would like to make a plea, 

 although all things may have been mentioned," said he, still panting 

 and in restless attitude. "Oh, no, the gathering is not over yet, and 

 I am still placing objects for guidance in the future," said the man. 

 "Say, Man, can I have a word in the matter, subject to your approval?" 

 said Nih'a"(pa". "It will be all right for you to give your views, but 

 everything is taken or occupied," said the man. At this time the 

 man repeated what position each man had chosen, his usefulness, 

 etc. Nih'a"9a", seeing this man doing wonderful acts with the feather 

 as a pointer, was fascinated with the power. When White-Man had 

 just arrived and stood resting on his staff before the man, he was 

 asked of the article and its meaning. "This is my staff (hagada, 

 payment for service),' it is made of the cat's tail, only I have bent it 

 at the top for a handle," said White-Man, taking occasional breaths 

 through his nostrils. "Well, since others have made their choices, 

 and no doubt they are worthy, but being quite late, I want to tell you 

 that my sincere desire would be to have the understanding, intelli- 

 gence, and wisdom to make and think of things, and that I desire to 

 have a share of this land which has recently been made," said he, 

 looking around with sharp eyes and signs of energy. "I saw you 

 motioning the mountains and rivers with that wing-feather, and those 

 things were actually made. In view of the fact that I desire the abil- 

 ity of doing things, may I lift my staff and motion for mountains and 

 rivers?" said Nih'a"<pa°. "All of you may know that Nih'a"9a" has 

 arrived and makes the earnest plea for wisdom and a share of this 

 land. We are aiming for the good and it is a good proposition, so it 

 meets with my approval," said the man. So Nih'a^^a" was told to 

 make the motion for more mountains and rivers, if he desired. With- 

 out further plea, he lifted his staff and motioned in every direction, 

 forming hills and creeks of all sizes. All the people stood murmuring 

 against him, for they were much amazed at the choice. 



• From this can be better understood why the grandfathers obtain payments from others for 

 being teachers 



