Tooker] ETHNOGRAPHY OF THE HURON 35 



in a beautiful beaver robe and had one string of wampum beads 

 around his neck and another, in the form of a crown, around his 

 head. A large crowd was present for his arrival. The captive was 

 made to sit down at the entrance of the village while it was decided 

 who would make him sing. He had already been roughly handled; 

 one of his hands was badly bruised by a stone, one finger had been 

 violently wrenched away, the thumb and forefinger of his other hand 

 had been nearly taken off by a hatchet blow, one arm joint had a 

 deep cut, and both were badly burned. Meanwhile, they brought 

 him food. From time to time he was commanded to sing; he sang 

 with much vigor, especially in view of the fact that he was over 50 

 years old and had done nothing else day and night since his capture. 

 Meanwhile, the chief addressed him, "My nephew, you have good 

 reason to sing, for no one is doing you any harm ; behold yourself now 

 among your kindred and friends" (JB. 13: 39-41). 



In all the places through which the prisoner had passed, he had 

 been given something with which to make a feast. The same cour- 

 tesy was extended in this village: a dog was put into a kettle, and, 

 while it was cooking, the captive was brought into the house where 

 the people were to gather for the feast. As soon as the dog was 

 cooked, the prisoner was made to eat a large piece of it; it was put 

 into his mouth as he was unable to use his hands. He also shared it 

 with those who were near him. His hands caused him so much pain 

 that he asked to go outside the house to get a little air. His request 

 was granted. His hand were unwrapped and some fresh water was 

 brought to refresh them. They were half putrefied, swarming with 

 worms, and had an almost unbearable smell. He asked that the 

 worms be removed, and they were. Meanwhile, he sang from time 

 to time and the people at the feast continued to give him something 

 to eat (JE 13: 43-47). 



During a good part of the night, the old men of the village and 

 some chiefs who were guarding him talked with the prisoner about 

 his capture and the affairs of his country. The next day he went 

 well escorted and singing as usual to another village a league distant. 

 At this village in the evening he made a feast and sang and danced 

 for most of the night (JR 13: 49-51). 



The next day the people of the village were still awaiting the return 

 of the chief, who had gone trading, to fix the day and place, as this 

 captive was entirely at his disposal. When the chief arrived, he had 

 a talk with the prisoner. In summary he said — 



My nephew, you must know that when I first received news that you were at 

 my disposal, I was wonderfully pleased, fancying that he whom I lost in war 

 had been, as it were, brought back to life, and was returning to his country. 

 At the same time, I resolved to give you your life; I was already thinking of 

 preparing you a place in my house, and thought that you would pass the rest 

 of your days pleasantly with me. But now that I see you in this condition, 



