CHAPTER XXXVIII. TWO STORIES. UNWISE PURCHASES
Some one should write a book devoted to stories of Indian heroism, the fulfilment of promises and kindred subjects. There is much material of this character available on many of our reservations. I do not mean folk-lore, or traditions, but stories of actual happenings, most of which are quite unknown to the average white citizen.
During the White Earth investigation in Minnesota, I frequently joined a group of Indians and through interpreters, Mr. John Lufkins, or Mrs. Rose Ellis, persuaded the old men and women to relate some of their experiences. The first story, that of Ojibwa, was told by a man bearing the same name as the tribe. He was a famous warrior, noted for his bravery in action against the Sioux. His friend, No-de-na-qua-um (the Temperance Chief), also a famous warrior, had been shot through the right lung, and proudly exhibited to us the scars in his chest and back.
The story of Ojibwa is presented as taken down at the time, without explanations or additions, being a literal translation.