RELIGION. 277 



in some sheltered nook, is content to doze or gamble 

 away the hours and days, satisfied to escape hunger. But 

 when the good god smiles in genial warmth and burst- 

 ing buds, when the green grass shoots up, and the half- 

 starved ponies begin to fatten, the Indian blood warms, 

 and he begins to plan expeditions of foray for scalps and 

 horses. Now is the opportunity of the medicine chief. 

 Selecting some eligible situation, he sends runners to the 

 various bands, directing them to meet at that point at a 

 specified time to ' make medicine.' 



This is not always a pleasant summons ; and, when 

 there is no imminent or serious question of war, the 

 bands oftentimes prove refractory, sometimes escaping to 

 such a distance as to defy pursuit. A vigorous medicine 

 chief, backed by the power of a strong head chief, will, 

 however, as a rule, bring all in time to the appointed 

 rendezvous. 



In 1872 a band of the Cheyenne tribe positively 

 refused to obey the summons. Some days after, the band 

 was suddenly pounced upon by an overwhelming force of 

 dog-soldiers. The new comers made no attack on or 

 remonstrance with the refractory warriors ; but, having 

 made the proper military dispositions against armed 

 resistance, a number of warriors were detached, who, going 

 to the lodges, ordered the squaws to pack up at once. If 

 this order was not obeyed with proper alacrity, the squaw 

 was- most soundly beaten with a rod quite as thick as her 

 thumb. From begging and crying the squaws soon fell 

 to working, and in a very little while the lodges were 

 struck, and women, children, and household goods 

 marched away, escorted by the whole force of soldiers. 

 Of course the lovers, husbands, and fathers could do 

 nothing but sullenly follow. 



