Indian Boyhood by Charles A. Eastman
page 40 of 260 (15%)
page 40 of 260 (15%)
![]() | ![]() |
|
was on a narrow strip of land between a lake and
the river. It was about three quarters of a mile long and a quarter of a mile in width. The spec- tators had already ranged themselves all along the two sides, as well as at the two ends, which were somewhat higher than the middle. The soldiers appointed to keep order furnished much of the entertainment of the day. They painted artistically and tastefully, according to the Indian fashion, not only their bodies but also their ponies and clubs. They were so strict in enforcing the laws that no one could venture with safety within a few feet of the limits of the field. Now all of the minor events and feasts, occupy- ing several days' time, had been observed. Her- alds on ponies' backs announced that all who in- tended to participate in the final game were re- quested to repair to the ground; also that if any one bore a grudge against another, he was im- plored to forget his ill-feeling until the contest should be over. The most powerful men were stationed at the half-way ground, while the fast runners were as- signed to the back. It was an impressive spectacle --a fine collection of agile forms, almost stripped of garments and painted in wild imitation of the rainbow and sunset sky on human canvas. Some had undertaken to depict the Milky Way across |
|