HOW THE INDIANS ON THE MISSOURI DISAPPEARED 181 



The young woman had always obeyed her lord. She 

 marked the place where he should lie, and uncovered the 

 earth for his body. 



With the eruptive fever upon him the young warrior 

 dressed himself in his festal robes; he sent for his lance 

 and shield, and, as attired for a war-dance, he began his 

 death march toward the grave which his squaw had digged 

 for him. 



He began to sing. His voice rose triumphantly on the 

 air. They watched him from afar, and he went on in 

 measured step in his frenzy. 



He came to the grave. He stood upon the earth that 

 was to cover him. He threw his spear and shield into the 

 grave, and began to disrobe, as if going to rest. He threw 

 his garments into the grave. Then he himself stepped 

 down into the grave. He swept the air with his hunting- 

 knife, and sank down upon his weapons and war-dress, and 

 his faithful Indian wife covered him with the blanket of 

 earth. 



Another warrior died a more dramatic death. He was 

 a chief. 



" The death fever is on me," he cried; "bring me my 

 steed." 



His war-steed was brought and he mounted it as one 

 mad. 



He flew on his steed from village to village. 



" Destroy the white man wherever you find him ; it is 



