Stránka:book 1912.djvu/187

Songs, Dances, and Ceremonies 155 middle, the fire. They bow to it together, heads low, tails high, uttering a long bellow. Then they circle once, close to the fire; stop on opposite sides of it, facing outward; march each to a corner or com- pass point; and then bow or honor that wind, bellowing long. Now the Medicine Man begins any good dance song and beats double time. The caribou dance around once in a circle. The music stops. The first and second, and third and fourth, close in combat. They lower their heads, lock horns held safely away from the head, lash tails, snort, kick up the dust, and dance around each other two or three times. The music begins again, and they circle once. The music stops. Now the first and fourth and second and third lock horns and fight. After a round or so, the music begins again and they circle, dancing as before. Now the howling of wolves is heard in the distance, from the fellows already posted. The caribou rush toward that side and face it in a row, threatening, with horns low, as they snort, stamp, and kick up the dust. The wolf-howling ceases. The caribou are victorious. They turn away and circle once to the music, holding their heads high. The wolf-howling, panther-yelling (or other menacing sound) is now heard in the other direction. Again the caribou line up and defy it. When it ceases, they dance proudly around, heads up, chests out as they step, for they have conquered every foe. But a band of hunters appears, crawling flat on their breasts and carrying bows. They crawl half around the ring, each telling those behind by signs, Here they are; we have found them." Four big fellows." "Come on,"