frequently selected by lot from a few the Chiefs would name; but this
time it was Black Snake's privilege to make the selection and
arrangements, as he was next to Grey Eagle as a warrior, and then
the sacrificed spirit was especially to atone to the offended Manitott
for Black Snake's rashness while under the influence of the evil
spirit. At a signal for silence from Great Oak he made known these
conclusions, and Black Snake again came forward, and, with a great
deal of self-depreciation, expressed his wishes as follows:

"After the calumet with the soothing kinny-kinnick shall refresh each
Chief, while its light curling clouds bear their good resolutions on
high, let Great Oak and Grey Eagle be first on the backward trail;
rising the big stony hill, still keeping the trail, without entering any
lodge, the first one their eyes rest upon--be it one of the men, one of
the women, or one of the children--will be the one the Manitou wants.
Let the Manitou make his own selection: Black Snake is not worthy."

During the delivery of this speech; his swarthy countenance kindled with
a satisfied expression well calculated to conceal the dark malicious
plans that struggled in his breast. His very nostrils appeared to dilate
with hidden exultation.

Hurriedly passing the calumet, soon a light, fragrant cloud from the
sweet-scented kinny-kinnick rose on the air like evening incense, making
valid and unchangeable each resolve that tribunal of Chiefs had passed.

While they were yet smoking, Black Snake, recovering his bow and arrow,
called for some young braves who could track the deer and help carry the
venison back to their lodges, as a feast and dance accompanied each
council. The chiefs would smoke in the shade until the fiery eye of the