_Ponca_
A great many persons went on the warpath. They were Ponca. As they
approached the foe, they camped for the night. They kindled a fire. It
was during the night. After kindling a bright fire, they sat down;
they made the fire burn very brightly. Rejoicing greatly, they sat
eating. Very suddenly a person sang.
"Keep quiet. Push the ashes over that fire. Seize your bow in
silence!" said their leader. All took their bows. And they departed to
surround him. They made the circle smaller and smaller, and commenced
at once to come together. And still he stood singing; he did not stir
at all. At length they went very near to the tree. And when they drew
very near to it, the singer ceased his song. When they had reached the
tree, bones lay there in a pile. Human bones were piled there at the
foot of the tree. When persons die, the Dakotas usually suspend the
bodies in trees.