264 INDIANS. 



his, extending even to life and death. An abortive 

 attempt to change his allegiance to another sub-chief may 

 involve him in the most disastrous consequences. But, 

 should the deserter succeed in reaching the other band, 

 he is not only absolved from blame, but may meet his 

 former chief and master without ill consequences and on 

 good terms. 



In 1867 the Cheyennes were at war with the United 

 States. A portion of the Brule band of Sioux were very 

 desirous of joining and assisting them in spite of the 

 orders and influence of Spotted Tail, then, as now, chief 

 of the Brule band. One morning it was discovered that 

 twenty or more lodges of the malcontents had decamped 

 during the night. Assembling his guards Spotted Tail 

 pursued the fugitives, overtook and captured them. Every 

 deserting warrior and many of their women were soundly 

 beaten, the horses killed, the arms broken or confiscated ; 

 all the lodges, provisions, robes, property, and finery of 

 all kinds ruthlessly destroyed, and the miserable band 

 driven back to camp, beggars, and powerless for good or 

 evil. While under Indian ruling, this was a perfectly just 

 and proper thing to do ; the deserters themselves would 

 have been right and free from blame or danger had they 

 succeeded in reaching the Cheyenne camp. 



This is an exceptional instance ; and the severity of 

 punishment was justified by the facts that the intended 

 desertion -was to a different tribe, and that the action of 

 the deserters was likely to compromise the whole Brule 

 band, and possibly involve it in a war with the United 

 States. 



The change of allegiance from one sub-chief to another 

 of the same tribe is a common occurrence, and little 

 notice is taken of it ; but the rule seems to be that, while 

 the sub-chiefs word is law to his band, any member of 

 that band may change his allegiance at will, at his own 

 risk, while making the change. 



A prominent part of tribal government is the council, 



