230 



THE OSAGE TRIBE 



[ETH. ANN. 86 



315. The people spake to one another, saying: There are signs that 



our younger brother is returning. 



316. Go, some of you, and speak to him. 



317. Then some of the brothers hastened out to speak to him. 



318. In response to their inquiries, the Puma said: O, elder brothers, 



319. Verily, there is an animal of some kind 



320. In yonder place, O, elder brothers. 



321. It is well, the elder brothers replied. 



322. Then they spake to one another, saying: O, younger brothers, 



323. Our younger brother has said 



324. That an animal of some kind is in yonder place. 



FIO. 15.— Mi'-xa-i;ka (White swan). A life symbol of the Wa-«a'-be (Black Bear) 

 gens of the Hon'-ga great tribal division. From the skin of this bird are made 

 the standards for a ceremonially organized war party. 



325. It is well, the people said. 



326. Make haste 



327. That we may send him to the abode of spirits. 



328. It matters not whose little one this animal may be, 



329. We shall send him to the abode of spirits. 



330. Look you, verily we are a people who spare none of the enemy. 



331. They moved forward with quickened footsteps; 



332. They made one ceremonial pause. 



333. At the fourth pause 



334. They came near to the place. 



335. Then the Puma spake, saying: There he stands, O, elder brothers. 



