was onewsv NATION. 163

enough, in he went, and as soon as he was seated, the tug of war came. One pulled his hat of ; another pushed him out of the lodge, and when he asked for his hat, he found they had pushed that out in advance of him. Somewhat resolved upon having his own way, he again went in, or attempted to do so, when he was met at the entrance, thrown down, and in the scramble for his life and hat, surrendered the tail of his coat to an Indian lad, who very adroitly cut it ofl‘. He could not comprehend the meaning of such treatment until I explained it to him. He thought them rude. I thought so too—but he laughed over it, and finally turned it ofi‘ by saying—“ ’twas a good joke ”—-of which he was of- ten reminded when he examined the fit of his coat or the fur of his hat.

The origin of the Ind.ian’s belief in this Medicine Worship is to be found in the following traditional sto- ry, which is usually related to any one when about to join the clan. I received it myself upon passing the mysterious ordeal.

When Keshamonedoo made the red men, he made them happy. The men were larger, were fleeter on foot, were more dexterous in games, and lived V to an older age than now.

The forest abounded with game, the trees were load-

I