May, 1903. The Arapaho Sun Dance — Dorsey. 213 



been single long enough, and besides we have carefully thought and 

 thought over the matter, not only for our own individual welfare, but 

 to lessen your toils and to make you be more contented. We want to 

 be at home most of the time; and in that way you old people would 

 not worry much about us. We can be made happier and be freer 

 in our speech than by getting out separately. Therefore, in view of 

 the facts mentioned, for your sakes, we would like to start out and 

 search for wives. We are very earnest in this undertaking, aod in 

 order to be successful, we respectfully request your consent and advice. 

 My dear brother and I would like to get out and court some women 

 below. Can't you let us go and search for wives?" said Sun, with 

 manly voice, to their father who was leaning against his lean-back with 

 his legs crossed, his wife occupying the other end of the bed, sitting 

 by him and facing the door. 



"Well, dear children, it is your pleasure to do what is best and 

 acceptable to all concerned. If you and your dear brother have had 

 private council and decided to get out and search for wives to the end 

 that we may all be happy and contented, I cannot see anything wrong 

 in that pursuit. Do you think so, dear wife?" said the father, respect- 

 fully. "Oh, no, it is of no use to keep our children from nature's gifts," 

 said the mother. "Well, then, dear children, mark my word. Your 

 mother has just said that she hasn't the slightest objection, because 

 you are both at your prime of life. Inasmuch as you are energetic for 

 the undertaking, I want to give this caution to you, although you are 

 still young in thought and weak in conscience, remember that both of 

 you have a father and mother to live with. When you leave us, think 

 again that we shall be on the lookout for good results. I want you, 

 my dear children, to be careful on the way, guide your footsteps, and 

 be sure and look ahead. When you reach the place, don't stay too 

 long, but come back early. Be obedient to us, dear children," said 

 the father, still lying on the bed with his head against the lean-back. 

 "Say, dear children, behave before the people. Please remember that 

 you must return soon. Show yourselves before the others to be true 

 men, and above all, be careful in your selections, be honest in your 

 dealings, and bear in mind to come home soon," said the mother, 

 with pathetic voice and much emotion. "All right, we shall try to be 

 good, to come home soon," said Sun, 



So both started off independently and with eagerness to succeed. 

 Their home was on the left side of a river called "Eagle River." 

 This river ran from west to east. Before starting off, Sun asked his 

 brother what kind of wife he was going to get. After Moon had 

 looked along his road where he had seen different types of people, he 



