days blackening his face and loosening his hair according
to the custom. He of course considered it no sin to take the life
of an enemy, and this ceremonial mourning was a sign of reverence
for the departed spirit. The killing in war of non-combatants,
such as women and children, is partly explained by the fact that in
savage life the woman without husband or protector is in pitiable
case, and it was supposed that the spirit of the warrior would be
better content if no widow and orphans were left to suffer want, as
well as to weep.

A scalp might originally be taken by the leader of the war
party only and at that period no other mutilation was
practiced. It was a small lock not more than three inches square,
which was carried only during the thirty days' celebration of a
victory, and afterward given religious burial. Wanton cruelties
and the more barbarous customs of war were greatly intensified with
the coming of the white man, who brought with him fiery liquor and
deadly weapons, aroused the Indian's worst passions, provoking in
him revenge and cupidity, and even offered bounties for the scalps
of innocent men, women, and children.

Murder within the tribe was a grave offense, to be atoned for
as the council might decree, and it often happened that the
slayer was called upon to pay the penalty with his own life. He
made no attempt to escape or to evade justice. That the crime was
committed in the depths of the forest or at dead of night,
witnessed by no human eye, made no difference to his mind. He was
thoroughly convinced that all is known to the "Great Mystery," and
hence did not hesitate to give himself up, to stand his trial by
the old and wise men of the victim's clan. His own family and clan