A FIRE DRILL
They were very silent and grave because they knew that trouble was upon them.
Suddenly they stretched their bodies face downward on the ground and asked for help and strength from the Great Spirit.
Their chief had told them that he feared that the enemy might be upon them at any moment. He had heard strange sounds in the distance which told him that the enemy were astir. He thought it wise to send men to the distant hill, which had an outlook over the surrounding country.
These watchers were to signal him by means of a fire on the top of the hill. If the signal should be a bright light it would tell them that the enemy was approaching, but if they saw smoke they would know that they were safe from the attack for the night.
The Indians knew that if they were attacked that night, and if they were not prepared for the attack, their whole village would be destroyed.
Others of the Indians stationed themselves here and there to keep watch.
AN ANTLER WAR CLUB
Some of them in their birch-bark canoes watched from the river. How gracefully they glided to and fro on the peaceful river!