544 THE WINNEBAGO TEIBE [eth. ann. 37 



four times. The fourth time they make the circuit they stop at the 

 fii-st fireplace and throw the buckskins through the holes of the 

 lodge. It is supposed that the old Night Spirits seize them at this 

 moment and carry them up to the sky with them. The singing 

 now ceases, and all the people take their seats again. The drum is 

 now taken and placed in front of the host's place. He thereupon 

 rises and speaks as follows: 



"Ye warriors, as many as you are who are sitting here, I greet. 

 It is good that you have complied with my wishes and that the 

 spirits have already taken their buckskins and their food, and that 

 they have left our presence. But nevertheless we will sing our last 

 song, even if it appears that they are being sung into empty space. 

 I know that you have already had compassion upon me, even although 

 I am making you suffer with hunger, but let us, nevertheless, sing 

 one more song, and then we can rest. My grandfather used these 

 songs in time of war, and never did he miss a war honor when using 

 them. These we will now use. You, warriors, and those of you 

 who possess holy paints, it must seem shameful to you for me to 

 speak this way. For we have no holy paint. However, we will 

 not sing them with the intention of making people believe that we 

 have holy paints, but simply because we have used them in war 

 and found them good. That is why I am about to use them now, 

 and that is why they belong to this bundle. Warriors, you may 

 hear. Know you that I will use these songs in seeking victory and 

 life. Nor wiU the dancing be limited merely to those who possess 

 paint, but to anyone of the warriors here present. This will be the 

 last dancing song. I greet you all." 



Then he sings some songs, both the slow and the dancing songs. 

 After that he rises and says the following: 



"Warriors who are seated here, I greet you. I suppose it is 

 enough that I have made you suffer with hunger all night. As 

 soon as the attendants can get around to it the food will be placed 

 before you again. I know that it will be lacking in every respect, 

 but let me appeal to your good natures. On this first fireplace there 

 is going to be a kettle for the Disease-giver. A four-legged animal, 

 one of his own members, we will offer to liim, together with tobacco 

 and deerskins. We are also going to send to liim a little four-legged 

 animal, one with whom our children have been fond of playing. 

 He is now in front of us. Wlaoever wishes to offer tobacco to the 

 Disease-giver can do so now, and as soon as the feast is over and 

 the bones are gathered, we will take them and, strewing tobacco 

 upon them, place them outside. Let me tell you again that anyone 

 who wishes may offer tobacco and ask of the Disease-giver that he 

 keep illness away from him. Women are not permitted to partake 

 of this kettle, so see to it that only men eat of it. As I said before, 



