THE COAST CLEAR. 71 



step of the scalp-dance. Fourscore and ten were the medicine-dogs he 

 brought from the land of the foeman, that their shrill neighings uiight 

 greet the ears, and their strong backs carry the people he loved ; for 

 brave was the heart of Susu-ceicha ! 



"What warrior ever came to his lodge and went hungry, or naked, or 

 needy away 1 What widow or orphan of his people blessed not their 

 chief, when he returned from the chase and apportioned to them their 

 wonted dues from the choice spoils of the buffalo ] for generous was the 

 soul of Susu-ceicha. 



" Brothers : Susu-ceicha is dead. No more shall his voice be heard 

 in your councils, or his courage lead you to victory, or his generosity 

 rejoice the hearts of the needy, the widow, and the orphan. Etespa- 

 huska laments a father and a teacher. The Burnt-thighs* a mighty 

 chieftain ; and the nation its bravest warrior ! We all niourn him ; sor- 

 row fills the hearts, and tears wash the cheeks of his people. It is good 

 that we bemourn him, and mingle with the winds the voices of our lam- 

 entation, for who shall now stand in the place of Susu-ceicha. 



" Brothers : Let us stamp his memory upon our hearts and imitate his 

 virtues, ihat our acts may rear to him a living monument, which may 

 endure till time itself shall die !" 



No sooner had the orator ceased, than a tremendous howl of grief burst 

 from the whole assemblage, men, women, and children, which was re- 

 newed in quick succession for several hours, when finally tlie bewailing 

 multitude retired to their lodoes. 



CHAPTER VIIL 



Coast clear, and Trade opened. — More visitors. — Smoking out the natives.— Inci- 

 dent illustrative of Indian character. — Expeditions for trade. — Black Hills. — Raw- 

 hide. — An Indian and a buffalo chase. — Deep snow, extreme cold, and painful 

 journey. — L'eau-qui-court. — Remarks. — Lost. — White river; its vallej'^, fruits, and 

 game. — Building site. — The Devil's Tea-pot. — Troubles with Indians. — Theft and 

 its punishment. — Indian soldiers. — Christmas extras. — Outrageous conduct.— Ras- 

 cality of traders.— " That Old Serpent."— Indian superstition, religious tenets 

 and practices. — Notions upon general morality. 



The events of the day had for the present put an efTectual stop to dissi- 

 pation among the Indians, and not long afterwards they began to pull down 

 their lodges and remove to the neghborhood of buffalo, for the purpose of 

 selecting w^inter-quarters. 



The disgusting scenes connect^d with our arrival at the Fort had pretty 

 much ceased on the evening of the second day, and everything, with a few 

 exceptions, began to assume its wonted aspect. 



* This is the interpretation of the Indian name which the French have supplied 

 by the word Brule. 



