1633-34.] INCANTATIONS. 35 



wrapped in the hide, was thrown into it. Pierre, 

 the Apostate, then brought a sword and a knife 

 to the sorcerer, who, seizing them, leaped into 

 the hole, and, with furious gesticulation, hacked 

 and stabbed at the charm, yelling with the whole 

 force of his lungs. At length he ceased, displayed 

 the knife and sword stained with blood, proclaimed 

 that he had mortally wounded his enemy, and de- 

 manded if none present had heard his death-cry. 

 The assembly, more occupied in making noises 

 than in listening for them, gave no reply, till at 

 length two young men declared that they had heard 

 a faint scream, as if from a great distance ; whereat 

 a shout of gratulation and triumph rose from all 

 the company.^ 



There was a young prophet, or diviner, in one 

 of the neighboring huts, of whom the sorcerer 

 took counsel as to the prospect of his restoration 

 to health. The divining-lodge was formed, in this 

 instance, of five or six upright posts planted in a 

 circle and covered with a blanket. The prophet 

 ensconced himself within; and after a long inter- 



1 "Le magicien tout glorieux dit que son homme est frappe, qu'il 

 mourra bien tost, demande si on n'a point entendu ses cris : tout le 

 monde dit que non, horsrais deux ieunes hommes ses parens, qui disent 

 auoir ouy des plaintes fort sourdes, et comme de loing. qu'ils le firent 

 aise ! Se tournant vers moy, il se mit k rire, disant : Voyez cette robe 

 noire, qui nous vient dire qu'il ne faut tuer personne. Comme ie 

 regardois attentiuement I'espee et le poignard, il me les fit presenter: 

 Eegarde, dit-il, qu'est cela? C'est du sang, repartis-ie. De quil De 

 quelque Orignac ou d'autre animal. lis se mocquerent de moy, disants 

 que c'estoit du sang de ce Sorcier de Gaspe. Comment, dis-je, il est a 

 pins de cent lieues d'icy? II est vray, font-ils, mais c'est le Manitou, 

 c'est a dire le Diable, qui apporte son sang pardessous la terre." — Bela- 

 turn, 1634, 21. 



