[Illustration: 9005]
HE Indians were formerly lords of the soil we now occupy, and obtained a
subsistance principally by hunting and fishing.
They generally lived in villages, containing from fifty to five hundred
families. Their houses, called _wigwams_, were usually constructed of
poles, one end being driven into the ground, and the other bent over so
as to meet another fastened in like manner; both being joined together
at the top, and covered with the bark of trees. Small holes were left
open for windows, which were closed in bad weather with a piece of bark.
They made their fire in the centre of the wigwam, leaving a small hole
for a chimney in the top of the roof.
[Illustration: 0006]
They had no chairs, but sat upon skins, or mats, spread upon the ground,
which also served them for beds. Their clothes were principally made of
the skins of animals, which in winter were sewed together with the fur
side turned inwards.
The Indians were very fond of trinkets and ornaments, and often
decorated their heads with feathers, while fine polished shells were
suspended from their ears.
[Illustration: 9007]
HE following anecdote is related of a Pawnee brave, or warrior, (son of
Red Knife.)
At the age of twenty-one, the heroic deeds of this brave had acquired
for him in his nation the rank of the bravest of the braves.
The savage practice of torturing and burning to death their prisoners
existed in this nation. An unfortunate female of the Paduca nation,
taken in war, was destined to this horrid death.
Just when the funeral pile was to be kindled this young warrior, having
unnoticed prepared two fleet horses, with the necessary provisions,
sprang from his seat, liberated the victim, seized her in his arms,
placed her on one of the horses, mounted the other himself, and made the
utmost speed toward the nation and friends of the captive! The
multitude, dumb and nerveless, made no effort to rescue their victim
from her deliverer. They viewed it as the immediate act of the Great
Spirit, submitted to it without a murmur, and quietly retired to their
village.