DIABOLICAL TORTURES 107 



of buffalo, beaver, and otter, with rich trimmings 

 of porcupine quills, eagle's feathers, and wampum 

 ornaments on State occasions. Marriage was a form 

 without a bond. It was consummated and dissolved 

 without tears or reproaches on either side. 



But the Jesuits were not left long under mis- 

 apprehension of the true nature of the Indian 

 character. They soon became the horrified witnesses 

 of their cruelties. Every prisoner of war was sub- 

 jected to prolonged torture. The victim would be 

 fed with the choicest food, regaled with a peace pipe, 

 and exhorted by a chief, a past master in the art of 

 mockery, to take courage, as he was amongst friends. 

 Even the sweat of fear would be gently rubbed off 

 his face by the arch mocker. Meanwhile a number 

 of fires would be lit, through which the prisoner 

 would have to run, whilst his tormentors, armed with 

 blazing torches, goaded him to greater speed. 

 Portions of his flesh would be cut off and eaten, and 

 respite given only to restore failing consciousness. 

 All this continued until death mercifully proclaimed 

 a final release. 



For skill in the art of torture the females were 

 said to surpass the males, and wherever there 

 was a case for special treatment the victim was 

 consigned to women. The diabolical gift probably 

 accounted for the prevalent conception of the most 

 malignant spirit in the form of a woman. Her robe 

 was supposed to be made from the hairs of her 



