until she seems to feel the universal mother-heart beating in her
own breast. In due time the child takes of his own accord the
attitude of prayer, and speaks reverently of the Powers. He thinks
that he is a blood brother to all living creatures, and the
storm wind is to him a messenger of the "Great Mystery."

At the age of about eight years, if he is a boy, she turns him
over to his father for more Spartan training. If a girl, she is
from this time much under the guardianship of her grandmother, who
is considered the most dignified protector for the maiden. Indeed,
the distinctive work of both grandparents is that of acquainting
the youth with the national traditions and beliefs. It is reserved
for them to repeat the time-hallowed tales with dignity and
authority, so as to lead him into his inheritance in the stored-up
wisdom and experience of the race. The old are dedicated to
the service of the young, as their teachers and advisers, and the
young in turn regard them with love and reverence.

Our old age was in some respects the happiest period of life.
Advancing years brought with them much freedom, not only from the
burden of laborious and dangerous tasks, but from those
restrictions of custom and etiquette which were religiously
observed by all others. No one who is at all acquainted with the
Indian in his home can deny that we are a polite people. As a
rule, the warrior who inspired the greatest terror in the hearts of
his enemies was a man of the most exemplary gentleness, and
almost feminine refinement, among his family and friends. A soft,
low voice was considered an excellent thing in man, as well as in
woman! Indeed, the enforced intimacy of tent life would soon
become intolerable, were it not for these instinctive reserves and