266 INDIANS. 



there is another power to which both have to yield on 

 all matters which it assumes the right of deciding. The 

 first two may be said to represent the brains of the tribe 

 or band ; the latter represents its stomach. As brains 

 are only occasionally called into requisition, while the 

 demands of the stomach are incessant, the tribe is habitually 

 under the control of this 'third estate.' This power is 

 composed of all the hunters of the tribe, who form a sort 

 of guild, from the decisions of which, in its own peculiar 

 province, there is no appeal. Among the Cheyennes 

 these men are called 'dog-soldiers.' The younger and 

 more active chiefs are always enrolled among these ' dog- 

 soldiers,' but do not necessarily command. The ' soldiers ' 

 themselves command by viva voce determination on general 

 matters, the details being left to the most renowned and 

 sagacious hunters selected by them. Among these ' dog- 

 soldiers ' are many boys who have not yet passed the 

 initiatory ordeal as warriors. 



In short, this ' guild ' comprises the whole working 

 force of the band. It is the power which protects and 

 supplies the women and children. A war party is under 

 the command of the chief. The home, or main camp, 

 with its women and children, horses, lodges, and property 

 of every kind is under the control and protection of the 

 ' dog-soldiers.' From them emanate all orders for marches. 

 By them the encampments are selected. They supply the 

 guards for the camp, designate the hunting parties and 

 the ground they are to work over, and, when buffalo are 

 sought, they select the keen-eyed hunters who are to go 

 in advance and make all the arrangements for the sur- 

 round. 



One of the most important functions of the ' dog- 

 soldiers ' is the protection of the game. Except when 

 laying in the supply of meat for winter, only sufficient 

 buffalo is killed for the current supply of the camp. Great 

 care is taken not to alarm the herds, which will feed for 

 days in the vicinity of an Indian camp of a thousand souls, 



