The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1886-03-12
An INDIAN AUCTION.

witnessed an interesting feature in
Indian life short time ago at one o.
the camps in the Kaw Agency, Indian
Territory. A tent had been erected,
and all the effects of a dead brave were
deposited in the tent. The Indians
were going to hold an auction. Al
early dawn before the sun the Indians
gathered around the tent The auc-
tioneer, stepping out of the tent hold.
ing blanket in his hands, began in a
loud voice to invite bids on the blanket.
''Four dollars" sang out an old man
who had patch of yellow paint under
his right eye, and sat on the outer edge
Of the circle which had now formed
around the tent. Il will give you
five," cried one of the Indians sitting in
the circle. 1T is yours" said the auc.
tioneer, and the bidder, after deposit
ing due bill for the amount, received
the blanket The auctioneer now
brought on pair of beaded leggings,
and the bidding began.
One thing was noticeable, the mum.
Der bidding never exceeded two, and
the article was invariably knocked
down to the second bidder. Mecca
sins, necklaces, fans of eagle feathers
in fact, the whole paraphernalia of a
complete Indian outfit was brought out
and sold to the highest bidder. Finally
an Indian pipe of red stone-a very
large and handsome one-was brought
out. and the bidding became livelier.
''Five dollars" was shouted. Eight"
sang out o trader, who, besides your
correspondent was the only paleface
in the audience, and who already saw
the pipe in his minds eye hanging with
his other Indian curiosities; but he was
doomed to disappointment when a
hungry-looking member of the circle,
who was evidently wanting his break.
fast and was anxious to bring the cere-
monies to . close, said: my brother,
that pipe has been smoked in many
councils Our brother who lies buried
on yonder hill," pointing to pile of
rocks on high hill in the distance,
thought much of that pipe. I am not
willing it should fall into other hands.
My brother. I will give pony for the
pipe" These remarks of Old Hungry
we're received with few short yells,
which denoted great satisfaction.
At this point member with nothing
IN but breech-clout came dashing in.
% the circle, holding in his hands .
'killet filed with live Goals. He was
followed by another one bearing in his
lrms lot of cedar, which was depos-
ted over the Goals. These two were
ollowed by the dead Indians relatives
wife, sister and children-moaning
Ind wringing their hands. The burning
'edar now began to pour forth vol
lme of smoke, and one by one the
of the band rushed into the
moke, bending down close to the Goals,
urning round and round. with many
Wild gestures and with outstretched
blanket the smoke at times completely
liding them from view. 'Come on,
ny son." said one of the party. taking
firm hold of the traders arm, and re-
uctantly the paleface was drawn into
he smoke. where he performed the
moke act to the evident satisfaction OF
he party. Hastily Withdrawing in q
it of coughing and gasping for breath.
e was met with many cries of Good.
ny son! The ghosts will never trouble
on" The performance was now ended
y the auctioneer turning over all the
eceipts of the sale to the relations
'0r. Chicago Tribune.