The shield, the quiver, the lance and the bow of its
master, were to be seen suspended from a light post before the
opening, or door, of each habitation. The different domestic
implements of his one, two, or three wives, as the brave was of
greater or lesser renown, were carelessly thrown at its side, and here
and there the round, full, patient countenance of an infant might be
found peeping from its comfortless wrappers of bark, as, suspended by
a deer-skin thong from the same post, it rocked in the passing air.
Children of a larger growth were tumbling over each other in piles,
the males, even at that early age, making themselves distinguished for
that species of domination which, in after life, was to mark the vast
distinction between the sexes. Youths were in the bottom, essaying
their juvenile powers in curbing the wild steeds of their fathers,
while here and there a truant girl was to be seen, stealing from her
labours to admire their fierce and impatient daring.
Thus far the picture was the daily exhibition of an encampment
confident in its security.
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