regarded as identical with the Sun. The semi-sacrificial character of
the torture in this case is also shown by the injunction, "que pour ceste
nuict on n'allast point folastrer dans les bois."--Le Mercier, Relation
des Hurons, 1637, 114. ] It is needless to dwell on the scene that
ensued. It took place in the lodge of the great war chief, Atsan.
Eleven fires blazed on the ground, along the middle of this capacious
dwelling. The platforms on each side were closely packed with
spectators; and, betwixt these and the fires, the younger warriors stood
in lines, each bearing lighted pine-knots or rolls of birch-bark.
The heat, the smoke, the glare of flames, the wild yells, contorted
visages, and furious gestures of these human devils, as their victim,
goaded by their torches, bounded through the fires again and again,
from end to end of the house, transfixed the priests with horror.
But when, as day dawned, the last spark of life had fled, they consoled
themselves with the faith that the tortured wretch had found his rest at
last in Paradise.

[ Le Mercier's long and minute account of the torture of this prisoner is
too revolting to be dwelt upon. One of the most atrocious features of
the scene was the alternation of raillery and ironical compliment which
attended it throughout, as well as the pains taken to preserve life and
consciousness in the victim as long as possible. Portions of his flesh
were afterwards devoured. ]




CHAPTER VIII.

1636, 1637.