The peace-pipe ceremony being concluded and the Tally read, Wita-tonkan suggested that, there being so many visitors present, they make short work of preliminary business matters and proceed directly to the claiming of the Coups.
“Are there any Honours to be claimed?” called Wita-tonkan.
“Oh Chief!” said Miriam, standing up instantly to show her father her knowledge of Woodcraft, “I claim an Honour for standing broad-jump—five and a half feet.”
“Have you the claim properly attested by three witnesses?” asked the Chief.
“Here it is,” replied Miriam, holding out a paper. “And moreover, my witnesses are present in Council.”
“Come forward, Miriam,” announced Wita-tonkan, taking the claim from her hand. He read it aloud to the assembled Council and asked, “You have all heard this claim, properly made out and witnessed, and now what is the pleasure of the Council regarding this matter?”
Shingebis stood, saluted and said, “Oh Chief! I move that this Honour be awarded.”
Paul now stood, saluted and said, “Oh Chief! I second this motion.”
Wita-tonkan then said to the assembly, “This claim has been duly moved and seconded and now, it is ready for the vote, there being no question of its validity. The Council will please make its wishes known by saying ‘How’ for approval, and ‘Wah’ for dissent.”
Then the loud chorus of “hows” brought Mose and Bridget running from the kitchen to the vantage point back of the boulder.