Volume 1

;
352 " IF YOU don't believe it, you're a fool."
purpose she one day dressed herself, as upon the former
occasion, and went to visit the wolf, who, as usual, received
her very kindly. In course of conversation the crow
reminded the wolf of their still deplorable situation, there
being no living creatures but themselves upon the earth
they were indeed as pitiful as when surrounded by the
waters. So she proposed to make men, or, as they say,
Indians ; to which end she directed him to sing a particular
song, whilst she beat time with the rattle. After many
songs had been sung, the crow by degrees lost
her natural
form, and assumed that of an Indian, who then made all the
beasts, birds, fishes, and insects, and from whom originated
all the other Indians. However ridiculous this story may
appear, argument has no weight with them. They say
bluntly that if you don't believe it, you're a fool.
These people have no idea of a Supreme Being ;'* they
deny the existence of any such thing. They also say that
when an Indian dies, all is over with him ; he falls to the
ground and decays, and never is any more seen or heard of
him. Thus they have no notion of a future state. They
say that men were intended to enjoy themselves in this
world, and he that acquires a good and great name during
his lifetime is always remembered and lamented. This
fame can be attained only by formal bravery in some great
action at war, marked by total contempt of danger, and
even of death itself. All these principles they appear to
adhere to very closely, which renders them an enterprising
and audacious people.
They are extravagantly fond of their horses ; many of
them have from 20 to 30 yet it is impossible to purchase
;
a common pack-horse for less than a new gun, a fathom
of H. B. Co. red strouds, and 200 balls and powder. Their
" Henry does not seem to be well posted on Hidatsan theology ;
probably
Le Borgne guyed him a good deal, and enjoyed mystifying him. Nothing is
more difficult than to get at the facts of an Indian's belief in things he holds
sacred. The statement that a Supreme Being was denied is proof that they
had an idea of such a thing.