370 THE OSAGE TRIBE. [eth. ann.39 



eager question, ''How does it lie?" If the Sho'-ka answers, "With 

 his breast upward," an exclamation of relief comes from all the 

 No°'-ho"-zhi''-ga, for it is a sign that at the next conflict with the 

 enemy the warriors of the tribe will triiuiiph, and the initiate will 

 prosper and enjoy the full length of his life. If, however, the Sho'-ka 

 replies, "He lies face downward," tlie words are heard in silence, for 

 they indicate death. 



The Xo'-ka, who has remained standing, with hands uplifted, from 

 which the bird was dropped, listens to the report of the .Sho'-ka. 

 When that is made the Xo'-ka returns to his seat beside the initiate. 



The A'-ki-ho° Xo'-ka now lifts high his gourd rattle, and with a 

 wliirling motion brings it slowly down to earth, where he places it 

 to rest, an act which is a signal that the ceremony is ended. 



The No^'-ho^-zhi^-ga of the Ho^'-ga great division rise first, then 

 those of the Tsi'-zhu division. Each group in leaving the lodge 

 passes in ceremonial order in front of the initiating gens and the 

 initiate, to whom they offer greetings, and then go out of the lodge 

 at the opposite entrance. 



