192 Field Columbian Museum — Anthropology, Vol. V. 



wolves and coyotes. They reached the place. "Now, Badger-Woman, 

 carry your burden to the center where those old gray wolves are, and 

 leave it," said the brother. She went and unleaded it from her back. 

 Just when she dropped it on the ground, this brother said to the ani- 

 mals, "Here is your pemmican, together with the woman." She was 

 eaten in no time. 



The brother was saved, but she was destroyed for her wicked 

 deed, and she was no longer a part of the people, but placed with the 

 rest of the animals. She (i. e., the badger skin) is called by the old 

 men, "She-dropped-her-brother-in-law," when preparing the body of 

 the badger for the Sun-dance lodge. — D. 



Told by Black-Horse. Cf. Nos. 87 and 88; also see Nos. 89 and 121. The equivalent of 

 ■"badger" in Arapaho is " murderer." 



87. — Badger-Woman. 



There was a camp-circle near the river. This was early in the 

 fall, and the people were preparing to obtain the winter's supply of 

 food. ^The pasturage was good, but the buffalo were far off. The men 

 had to travel many miles before locating the herd. 



One day a man and wife, with his only brother, started ofif early 

 in search of food and hides. For days they journeyed, until they came 

 to a broad valley, which had good grass ; and further down there was 

 a big river, which had plenty of water and wood. Satisfied with the 

 facilities around them, they concluded to make a permanent camp for 

 the hunt. So they camped near the water and wood. Close to their 

 camp-ground were some sand-hills, which aflForded grand scenery. 



The husband was very fond of his brother, and therefore provided 

 the very best that he had for his comfort. When they were yet at the 

 big camp-circle, young women were constantly hanging around their 

 tipi, to win the affection of his brother, but they did not succeed. This 

 only brother was handsome, and had a peaceable disposition. 



After the party had camped, the husband told his brother that he 

 himself was to be out a great deal, till very late ; that he must be con- 

 tented at home with his sister-in-law. The husband also instructed 

 his wife not to impose upon her brother-in-law, but that she should be 

 courteous and accommodating during his absence. Then, turning to 

 his brother, he said : "Brother, you must not try to work out of 

 doors. You can be at leisure while your sister-in-law does all the 

 chores, etc. If you wish, go up on the hills and see the wonderful 

 scenery and enjoy nature's gifts." In the mean time, the husband was 



