Black Father. (Mike Smith, and the other white men being feasted by a brave in an adjoining lodge.) The pipe was lighted, and having been passed twice round the party with silent gravity, the Great Medicine made a speech, in which he praised the virtues and hospitality of Tamenund, and paid many compliments to the white guests; after which a substantial dinner was set before them, consisting of roasted buffalo-ribs, venison, and boiled maize. Reginald had never before been present at an Indian feast, and though he had the appetite naturally belonging to his age and health, he soon found that he was no match, as a trencherman, for those among whom he was now placed; and before they had half-finished their meal, he replaced his knife in its sheath, and announced himself satisfied. The old chief smiled good-humouredly, and said that he would soon do better, whilst Mahéga, quietly commencing an attack upon a third buffalo 66 same class as those who were described by Charlevoix, and other early French writers, as Jongleurs," because they unite medical practice to their sacerdotal office, and, more especially in the former, exercise all manner of absurd mummery. Their dress, character, and habits vary according to the tribe to which they belong; but they are genuine "Jongleurs" throughout. |