316 COMANCHE SCALP-DANCE. 
the contemplated enterprise: and all those 
designated by the serenading band are held as 
drafted for the campaign. Fired by the enco- 
miums and excitations of the ‘fair cantatrices, 
they fly at once to the standard of their favor- 
ite chief: and the ceremony is concluded, by 
a war-dance. 
Upon their return from a successful expe- 
dition, the ‘war-worn corps’ halts on some 
elevation at a distance from the village, and a 
herald is sent forward to announce their arri- 
val. Thereupon, one of their most respectable 
and aged matrons issues forth to receive them, 
carrying with her a very long-handled lance 
kept for the purpose. On the top of this the 
victorious Indians fasten all the scalps they 
may have taken, so arranged that each shall 
be conspicuous. The matron squaw then 
approaches the wigwams, holding her scalp- 
garnished lance high in the air, and chanting 
some favorite war-legend. She is soon joined 
by other squaws and Indian lasses, who dance 
around as the procession moves through the 
entire circuit of the village. If the victory has 
been brilliant, the dancing and feasting are 
apt to be kept up for several days, all parties 
joining in the general jubilee. 
If the conquerors bring any prisoners with 
them, these have to encounter the scourg- 
ings and insults of the squaws and children. 
Each seems entitled to a blow, a kick, a 
pinch, a bite, or whatever simple punishment 
they may choose to inflict upon the unfortu- 
nate captives. This done, they are delivered 
