Original - North Central Michigan College Library

not long before the priest appeared almost in astate of nakedness. As he approached the tentthe skins were lifted up as much as was necessaryto allow of his creeping under them onhis hands and knees. His head was scarcelywithin side when the edifice, massy as it hasbeen described, began to shake; and the skinswere no sooner let fall than the sounds ofnumerous voices were heard beneath them,some yelling, some barking as dogs, somehowling like wolves; and in this horrible concertwere mingled screams and sobs, as of despair,anguish, and the sharpest pain. Articulatespeech was also uttered, as if from human lips;but in a tongue unknown to any of theaudience.After some time these confused and frightfulnoises were succeeded by a perfect silence;and now a voice not heard before seemed tomanifest the arrival of a new character in thetent. This was a low and feeble voice, resemblingthe cry of a young puppy. The soundwas no sooner distinguished, than all theIndians clapped their hands for joy, exclaimingthat this was the Chief Spirit, the Turtle, thespirit that never lied. Other voices which theyhad discriminated from time to time they hadpreviously hissed, as recognizing them towhich deceivebelong to evil and lying spirits,mankind.New sounds came from the tent. Duringthe space of half an hour, a succession of songs162