He advised me not to do that, as it would be sure to make the chiefs angry at me, for I would soon be invited. He also informed me that the dogs they cook and eat are not the common ones.
This edible dog is fed and raised especially for the table. It is a kind of poodle. I had often seen the squaws carrying little curly pups in bags at their backs, and had also seen them being fed on boiled meat and broth. These, I now learned were being raised for the "grand feasts."
About noon, a chief passed around the village inviting the guests, telling us the feast consisted of shanoodah warratta (dog food).
I found on entering the lodge all the visiting chiefs present, all of whom were seated on each side of the Ponca chief. On his right was a large feather pillow or cushion, the chief, War-bah-hoota sitting upon one end of it.
As soon as I entered, and was introduced to him and the other chiefs, he and they shook me by the hand, saying, Ah how cuggee? which is, "How do you do, friend?" I was then invited to sit on the other half of the cushion.
The pipe of peace was next in order, while our dog dinner was being cooked in a large kettle before us.
I well remember my feelings while this was going on, and glad indeed would I have been if I could have fasted instead of feasting.
Our smoke ended, the kettle was removed from the fire and the contents (four dogs) were put into the same large bowl I first ate out of. The chief, our host, carved them, giving each a piece, and after a long grace had been said, the eating commenced.
I had pictured to myself the eating of dog a great many times, but never expected to engage in the actual practice; but here I was with two nations of people who were dog-eaters, at a dog feast, and, to see them eat, one would certainly think they were "dogged" hungry.
The chief had cut me a piece off the hind quarter, that being a choice part. I placed a piece of it in my mouth, expecting it would be very strong; but in this I was agreeably disappointed, for I found the flavor very much like that of a small roast pig, and, as I was hungry, I ate most of what was offered to me.