He thus holds the pipe successively toward the four points of the
compass, exclaiming as he does so: "To the East Wind! the West Wind! the
North Wind! the South Wind!" and each time all answer: "Ho!"
The Leader next holds the stem of the pipe toward the first Scout, who,
stepping forward and touching it solemnly, repeats in an audible voice
the "Scout's Oath:"
"I promise to obey my Leader, to seek honor above all things, and that
neither pain nor danger shall keep me from doing my duty!"
After the pipe has thus gone round the circle, it is laid beside the
fire, and all the Scouts chant, or recite in unison, the Strong Heart
Song:
"We are the Scouts of ---- (name of band or brigade);
We are the strong-hearted;
We go forward, fearing nothing, to fulfill our vow!"
All now dance around the fire, going through the actions of a Scout on
the enemy's trail. A drum beaten in quick time is the proper
accompaniment to this dance, or it may be performed to the chant and
hand-clapping of the Leader. (For other songs and musical airs, see
Alice Fletcher's "Indian Story and Song.") Finally the Scouts leave the
ring one by one, each, as he disappears in the shadows, giving the yelp
of the wolf--the Indian Scout's call.
When a Scout returns to camp with news, he is met by the councilors
seated in a circle about the fire, and before giving his report, takes
the oath of the pipe in the past tense, thus:
"I have obeyed my Leader, have sought honor above all things, and
neither pain nor danger has kept me from doing my duty!"
If, however, the matter is urgent, and there is little time for
ceremony, he may, on entering the circle, kick down and scatter a small
pile of wood which has been placed in readiness, this act constituting
his oath that he has faithfully performed his task.