Brown’s New Ritual : A Rib-Cracking Burlesque
Written expressly for the Improved Order of Red Men

1894

A Clean and Intensely Funny Mock Adoption Ceremony, showing how we don’t do it.
Introduction

The custom among secret organizations of giving public entertainments is becoming more and more general; and experience has taught us that when the funds of any Society, Camp, Tribe, Post or other organization become low, there is no easier or more practical method of replenishing the same than by giving a public entertainment. These entertainments are usually produced by "home talent," and are almost universally well attended and financially successful.
Among the most rapidly growing secret societies in this country, is the Improved Order of Red Men. Their wigwams are pitched in nearly every state in the Union, and their rapid growth is exciting the wonder of the whole paleface nation.
The demand everywhere, in this great confederation, is for some work specially designed for the Order, in the shape of an evening's entertainment. This Ritual has been carefully prepared with a view to meet the popular demand, and is sure to meet with approval wherever produced.
Our paleface friends, even if they do not choose to ally themselves with us, are sensibly alive to any knowledge of our work, manners or customs, and whenever it is announced that a Tribe will give an "exposition" of their work, the amusement-going public are at once thrown on the alert, and the result is a packed house and a repleted wampum belt.
In the production of this "degree" it is designed to introduce as many local hits and comic situations as possible. The success will greatly depend on the ability of the stage manager, in filling blanks, assigning the cast, working up situations and conducting the rehearsals.
One person should be designated by the Tribe to be master of ceremonies—one having some dramatic knowledge and organizing ability. Previous to the first rehearsal, he should make the "Degree" a study, and become thoroughly versed in what is to be done.
The time of representation is from 45 minutes to one hour, which may be lengthened or shortened to suit time and circumstances. If a full evening's entertainment is desired, a short drama, farce, music or reading may be introduced in connection.
These Rituals, which are a combination of drama and pantomime, are sold in sets of four, and are designed for the use of the Great Sagamore, Great Pequod, Policeman and Candidate, who are urged to commit their parts to memory.
Tribes purchasing a set of these Rituals are at liberty to present them anywhere, and for any purpose, but are not at liberty to sell or loan them to other societies or to copy them.
 
Cast of Characters.
The Candidate,
Policeman,
Great Sagamore,
Great Pequod,
White-Plume, the Scout,
Barking Wolf Mose,
Spotted-Tall Phil,
Washee Washee Willie,
Postoffice Sam,
Fire Water Jo,
Crooked-foot John,
Eat 'em up Steve,
Papposes, Squaws, Prairie Dogs, etc.
The Scalp Dance, the Ghost Dance, the great-tied-to-the Stake Act in Gorgeous War Paint and Feathers. The different Tribes will be represented by their Great Medicine Men.
Special engagement of Bill Buffalo, and other well and unfavourably known Warriors from the Wild and Wooley West.
N.B.—It adds interest to the Burlesque to play the Policeman as an Irishman, and the candidate as a Dutch character.
 
Properties Required
Indian costumes, including blankets, 4 war clubs, 2 knives, 2 tomahawks, 2 bows, 6 steel pointed arrows, l lb. powder in bottle, large book for Ritual, council fire, dummy, loaded gun, lemon squeezer, policeman's suit and "billy," 2 letters, candle stick and candle extra, long necked bottle, 2 suits clothes exactly alike, red fire, l wigwam, drum or pan, branding iron, piece of sole leather, box wet sawdust, pieces of thick paper, crest of rooster's feathers, l base ball bat, 2 pieces thin muslin cloth 3-4 yd. each, pail of water, hammer, nails, tacks, matches, flash box, 2 bandanna handkerchiefs, door 3x6 feet, ropes.
The Degree
All the properties having been prepared, and everything being in readiness, you will proceed to "set the stage" for the performance. First, drop the street scene, which should be about four feet back of the front curtain. Should you have no street scene, any exterior scene may be used. Place lighted Council Brand in the designated position. For the wigwam use a small tent if one can be procured, otherwise, two sheets sewed together at the ends and run over a pole, the corners being tacked to the floor.
Place Flash Box in the rear of Council Brand. This box should be somewhat smaller than the Council Brand, so it cannot be seen by the audience. Have a hole in one side near the bottom. Put a heaping dessert spoonful of powder in the centre of the Flash Box. Then run a small train of powder out through the hole onto the floor. Carefully lay a folded newspaper over the powder in the box, and on the paper put half a peck or more damp sawdust and a few pieces of thick paper.
 
 
The Dummy
 
This should be made just the height of the candidate, from seasoned wood, jointed at the hips, shoulders, right knee and right elbow. The shoulders should be made broad and the body and legs padded with rags, excelsior or cloth, so the clothes will set well and naturally. It should be provided with boots similar to those worn by the candidate. Dress it carefully with one of the twin suits, which should consist of a pair of light checked overalls and brown jacket, or frock.
Draw over its head a piece of thin muslin and tie a red handkerchief about the neck. Thus prepared, it must be fastened to the ceiling over the stage, hidden from view of the audience, and in such a manner that it can be made to drop on the stage by pulling a string.
An easy way to do this is to take a strip of leather four inches in width and three feet long, nail one end to the ceiling, and having placed the Dummy in position, draw this belt down around it, and fasten the other end securely by means of a staple driven into the ceiling, and a small fid or wedge. A string tied to the fid or wedge will draw it from the staple at the proper time, and the Dummy will fall upon the stage. This part should be rehearsed several times to avoid failure.
Any other method may be employed that the stage manager may invent.
The Great Sagamore, with drum or pan, and the Great Pequod will take up their positions in the wigwam. Six or eight braves and warriors will lie around the stage, as in sleep, with blankets, war clubs, etc. Two braves will sit at the Council Brand—one at each end. Two others are stationed back of the wings, away in the forest.
The Policeman takes his position between the front curtain and the street scene, and slowly walks back and forth. Now we are ready to ring the bell and raise the curtain.
Enter candidate, who is well dressed, says "Good evening," and exit. Re-enter candidate.
C: Say, Mr. Officer, can you direct me to the Red Men's hall?
P: Certainly, my friend. The lied Men's hall is located on the next corner, up two flights.
C: Thanks Exit. Re-enter candidate.
O: Excuse me, Mr. Officer, but I should like to ask if you are a Red Man?
P: Am I a Red Man? Not much.
O: Don't believe in it, hey?
P: Oh, yes, so far as that's concerned, I believe in it. Think it's a fine organization.
C: Then why don't you join?
P: Well, perhaps I should, if I thought I should come out alive.
C: Alive? Why I had an idea of joining to-night.
You don't mean to say it's as bad as that?
P: Worse than that. Why my dear fellow, if you should take my place here on this beat, and witness what I have witnessed, and hear what I have heard, you would keep away from 'em.
C: What have you heard?
P: Well, amongst other things, the most unearthly yells, wildest confusion and ghostly sounds, lasting long after midnight. The shrieks of their victims have sometimes caused my hair to so raise up that my hat has dropped off.
C: And what have you seen?
P: Seen? Well, for one thing. I have seen candidates going up those stairs night after night, but
I never yet saw one come down alive.
C: Not one?
P: No, not one.
C: What do they do with them?
P: Well, … says they throw them out of the back window.
NOTE: All blanks to be filled by the stage manager so as to make the most telling local hits.
C: And who is …?
P: Oh, he's the Policeman down on the other street.
C: Well, I must confess that my courage is not quite so good as it was when I left home.
P: Now, my young friend, if you'll listen to me, you'll go back and abandon this foolhardy undertaking.
Good men are too scarce in to lose so many by this thing.
C: Yes, good man are scarce, but … and … will still be left.
P: True, but why not take my advice and live.
C: Because, to tell you candidly, I have fully made up my mind to join the Indians, and come what will, I'll not turn back now.
P: Then I advise you to make your will.
C: I have, and that reminds me that I have here two letters which I desire to place in your hand. Produces two unsealed letters. One is addressed to my mother and the other to my wife.
P: What am I to do with these letters? Takes them.
C: You will keep them until to-morrow, and if I come out alive you will return them to me. If you never again look upon this form except in death, you will deliver them to the persons addressed.
P: Well, I don't like the business, but I suppose there is no help for it.
C: Then I may depend on you?
P: Yes, the letters shall be delivered as you direct.
C: Well, Good-bye. They shake hands.
P: Good-bye.
C, visibly affected: G-good-bye.
P. patting candidate on shoulder: Come, come my friend, cheer up. Don't let it affect you in this manner. Good-bye, and good luck.
C, all broken up: G-g-good-bye. Weeps, exit.
P, solus: Well, there goes another. One more good citizen gone to his doom. Too bad, too bad. If they keep on going up those stairs at this rate, there will soon be no use for policeman. Hello! these letters are not sealed. Wonder if it would be any harm for me to read them? Perhaps he left them unsealed purposely.
Anyway, here goes. Reads:
Dear Mother:—When you receive this letter perhaps I shall be no more. I say perhaps, because I have decided to join … tribe of Red Men. I have been some time making up my mind, and at times have almost decided to give it up, and not go near the thing; but I promised … and others that I would join, and have finally concluded that I can better stand the tortures than I can to be laughed at for being a coward.
If I am able to go through with this desperate act, and come out alive, you will see me in a day or two; but if I should not survive the tearful shock that I shall probably have to go through, I wish you to heed this, my last request.
I want to be buried just back of …, where the noise and bustle of business will never disturb my quiet slumbers. I have 5 lbs. of pork, 2 lbs. of prunes, 3 qts. of molasses and 4 qts. yellow-eyed beans due me to the store of … which I want you to have. What few old clothes I have you may give to …, and my collars, cuffs and new plug hat you may present to …, our new postmaster, as he will want to dress up a little when he celebrates his appointment. My gun, watch, pipe and jack-knife you may give away to my friends as you think best.
And now, dear mother, farewell, if you never see me again, but if by any chance I should survive, you will see me again in full war paint and feathers.
Your devoted son,
….
My Darling Wife:—By the time you receive this you may be a widow. One thing is certain, you will either be a widow to-morrow or you will be a squaw, for I have determined to see the inside of the Red Men's wigwam. I have heard so much about them that I am nearly crazy. Ever since I swapped horses with l have wanted to do something desperate. I may live through it and I may not. If not, then farewell forever.
I do not object to you r marrying again provided you do not marry …. The little sum of money which I have laid aside for a rainy day is all yours. You will find it in my checkered vest pocket. Make it go as far as you can. I have no objection to your going to see the base ball games, provided you do not clap your hands when … strikes out. He can't help it any more than I could. Be sure and keep the dog out of sight when … comes around, because the tax is not yet paid. If by any chance the tax-collector should see the dog, tell him it belongs to … and stick to it.
Well, I cannot stop to write more. Even now I hear the yell of the tawny braves. They are thirsting for my blood. I go. Fare thee well. Yours even in death,
….
After reading the letters, Policeman puts them away in his pocket, mutters something about its being a "shame," resumes his walk, and presently exits. The Candidate, in the mean time, has dressed himself in the other twin suit except the muslin cloth. Now turn down the foot lights very low, and then raise the Street scene very slowly. Care should be used that this scene is not hurried.
After a few breaths the Sagamore beats a short tattoo on drum in wigwam. This is the signal for the two braves on guard to reconnoitre, and to see if everything about the camp is all safe. Having satisfied themselves that no spies are lurking near, they meet in centre of stage, consult a moment in dumb show and then seat themselves as before. After the lapse of a few breaths, the Sagamore beats a longer tattoo. This is the signal for the two braves to awaken the other warriors, which they proceed to do by shaking them.
When all have risen from their slumbers, the Great Sagamore and Great Pequod come out of their wigwam, the former seating himself on the extreme left, and the latter standing at the extreme right with arms folded across the breast. In this manner he stands like a statue during the following beautiful and realistic picture. The Great Sagamore, with drum between his knees, begins his beat for the scalp dance. The warriors and braves, with clubs, knives and tomahawks, commence the dance in a weary and careless manner, with an occasional grunt, but presently increase their movements and actions, until their war whoop resounds throughout the entire building. The length of the scalp dance will be determined by the stage manager.
Do not hurry it. At its termination, the braves will repose in sleep as before, and the Great Sagamore and Pequod will retire again to their wigwam. Suddenly the stillness of the night is broken by a distant yell away in the forest. The yell is soon repeated, seemingly a little nearer. This time the sleeping warriors are awakened and at once arise and listen. The third yell is close at hand, and the two braves which were stationed back of the wings enter, dragging the candidate.
At sight of the paleface, the warriors set up a bowl of defiance and rush upon him as if to annihilate him, but are intercepted by the Great Sagamore and Pequod.
The Great Sagamore then approaches the frightened candidate and asks: What paleface want?
Candidate replies: I want to join this Tribe, may it p-p-please the court.
Indians all show signs of disapproval and confer together in dumb show. Then Sagamore addresses the candidate and says: Paleface, nojoin.
All repeat: No join.
Pequod then says: Blow him up.
All repeat: Blow him up, always ending with an Indian "ugh !"
A brave then goes off and brings on keg marked "Powder," shows it to the audience and says: Powder.
All repeat: Powder.
Then place keg as shown in diagram. Two braves seize the candidate, who resists somewhat at first. Blindfold him with muslin cloth, same as Dummy, and seat him on the keg, back to the audience. It would be well to tack strips of tin where the powder is laid, as indicated by the dotted lines, to prevent conflagration. The brave who manipulates the powder then lays the train, using the powder bottle. Use only a small quantity of powder and connect the train with the flask box.
While the attention of the audience is thus attracted, two braves stealthily go out, one to use the gun, and the other to pull the string connected with the Dummy.
To light the train, a stick or shaving should first be burned to a coal. It is difficult to light powder from a blaze.
All being in readiness, the train is set and as the explosion takes place, the saw dust and pieces of paper fly into the air, the gun is fired from a neighboring window, the Indians shout and dance, and the candidate disappears from view, under cover of the smoke.
The moment the explosion occurs all the Indians turn their gaze upward and point toward the sky. The direction of their hands must indicate the direction from which the Dummy is to fall. The string is then pulled, the Dummy falls upon the stage, is picked up and carried off. Immediately change Dummy for candidate and re-enter. The positions of candidate on being brought on, and the Dummy on being carried off, must be identical.
Two braves are detailed to remain outside and fasten the Dummy to the door. This door should be made especially for the Degree—each side presenting the same appearance and be only one inch higher than the candidate. The Dummy is tied to one side, in a standing posture with ropes—one around the breast just below the arms, and the other around the hips—feet just reaching to the floor. Attach a small cord or fish line to the heel of the leg which has the jointed knee.
Carry the cord through a small hole about half way up the door, so it may be manipulated by one of the braves.
Attach a cord to the hand of the arm having the jointed elbow, carry it diagonally across the breast and through a hole in the door near the top, to be manipulated by the other brave. Avoid over-doing the movement of the arm and leg of the Dummy.
The candidate is laid upon the stage, examined by Sagamore and pronounced: dead. Indians grunt and repeat: dead. Sagamore then says: Fire water, whereupon a brave brings long necked bottle. Sagamore places the bottle at the nose of the candidate, who slowly revives, and assumes a standing position. Sagamore then says: What Paleface want?
Candidate answers: I want to join this tribe and don't you f-f-forget it.
Again the Indians confer together, some seeming to favor the adoption and some not. Do not hurry. Finally they all consent and Sagamore says: Warriors, conduct the candidate to the Great Pequod.
The candidate is led twice around the wigwam and halted in the centre of the stage facing the Great Pequod, who must be at the extreme right. Pequod then says: Warriors, remove the blindfold and bring the Ritual.
Two warriors retire and bring in the largest book procurable, with questions pasted therein.
The Pequod will then say: Paleface, you will place your right hand on the back of your neck and answer the following questions.
The candidate answers the list of questions in a natural manner.
If the stage is too dark, Pequod may say: Warriors bring the torch. Candle.
 

Questions
 
State your full name and age.
Were you ever in the Insane Asylum?
Have you any visible means of support?
Have you ever had the measles?
What is the correct weight of a 2-year-old steer?
Are you married or single? (Married.)
Pappooses how many? (None as yet.)
What do you mean by "as yet?"
Do you snore?
Ever troubled with the jimjams?"
Ever have the Fugle-do-goodle-os-tri?
How long do you expect to live?
In which foot was you vaccinated?
Who discovered? (This town.)
Are you a believer in polygamy?
Ever eat raw onions? (Yes.)
Will you promise to eat some just before coming to the tribe meetings? (I will.)
If admitted to this Tribe, will you solemnly promise to do all in your power to prevent its growth? (I will.)
The Pequod will then say: Warriors, remove the Ritual, and after this is done: Warriors conduct the candidate to the Great Sagamore for obligation.
Candidate is led once around the wigwam and halted in the centre of the stage facing the Sagamore, who stands at the extreme left.
 
 
Obligation
 
Paleface, this probably, is the most solemn period of your existence. I am about to administer to you the Red Man's obligation, which I assure you will in no wise hinder you from … or from making love to any squaw in this reservation. Are you willing to take upon yourself this pledge?
Candidate: I am.
You will then turn your face toward the east, extend your left hand toward the north polo, and your right hand toward (John Smith's). These instructions must be so arranged as to cause the candidate to face the audience. You will now close your left eye, and repeat after me. I, …, do hereby promise, to promulgate ecotic cogitations, superficial sentimentalities and psychogical observations, and that I will not indulge in conglomerations or flatulent garrulity, but will let my extemporaneous discantings and premeditated expirations have an air of intelligibility and ventriloqual verbosity. And I further promise, being of sound mind and a good Democrat (or
Republican) to keep secret everything that has been transacted in this Council. I also promise that I will color my hair, and always remove my boots before retiring. That I will never take more than three drinks before breakfast, six before dinner and nine during the day, on the honor of a Good Templar, and that I will never attend a game of base ball without taking a fish horn. That I will also furnish Miss … with tutti fruitti chewing gum for the period of six moons. I also declare that I will never vote for Belva Lockwood nor fight a duel with …, and whenever my whiskers measure four inches in length, I will shave them off and sell them "for 5 a bag." That I will
always tell the truth, when convenient, and never go fishing on Sunday, in fly time. All this I promise, and more too, so help me Bob Ingersoll (or any personage about town).
During the above obligation, the candidate may occasionally lower his arms, as if fatigued, when the Sagamore will instantly exclaim: Hold up your hands!
The Sagamore then says: Proceed with the initiation.
The door is now brought carefully on by the two braves, and set well back. The Sagamore then says: Blindfold the candidate, which is done. While the candidate is being tied to the door, the Indians begin their scalp dance around him, making considerable of a racket. As soon as the candidate is secured the Indians spread their blankets like bat's wings and continue their dance. The candidate seizes the sides of the door with his hands. Suddenly the Indians reverse their motion, to go around in an opposite direction. This brings them all in front of the candidate and for a moment he is hidden from view by the outspread blankets. In a flash he raises the door and reverses it, bringing the Dummy in front, and himself in the rear.
The Indians continue their dance and yells for a moment to allay suspicion and then stop.
Two warriors, previously selected, now begin to shoot arrows at Dummy from each end of the stage. The arrows should be arranged so they will "stick." When the first arrow strikes the Dummy, the candidate screams out and says: Stop, for God's sake, and at the same time the Dummy raises and drops his foot.
This is continued until all the six arrows are used. Do not hurry. Then the Indians proceed to torment him otherwise, by plunging their knives into him, throwing tomahawks at him, and hitting him with the base ball bat. This scene can be made very exciting. The Indians keep up a continual noise. The candidate begs for mercy, and the braves, by pulling their respective strings, cause the Dummy to act in a very lifelike manner.
When this is ended, one brave cuts, or unties the ropes and Dummy falls forward on the stage and door is removed. Immediately the Indians jump on him, scalp him and carry him off. The candidate is then immediately released and the piece of sole leather, previously soaked in water so it will sizzle and steam, is strapped on his back under his jacket, which should be slit in the back. As soon as the Dummy is removed the Pequod will approach the Sagamore and say: White-liver chicken can't stand it.
The candidate is again brought on and the Sagamore says: What! not dead yet?
Candidate replies: No, Mr. Good Indian and I am bound to see the end of this thing.
Sagamore then says: Warriors, bring on the branding iron.
This iron should be previously heated red hot. A small coal stove, such as are used by tinsmiths, is just the thing. The candidate kneels, facing the audience, and is branded, during which process he goes through various contortions and gives free vent to his feelings. Do not hurry.
Sagamore then says: Conduct the candidate to the Great Pequod for final instruction.
The candidate is marched once around the wigwam, and halted in front of Pequod, who will address him as follows:

 
Pequod’s Address
 
Paleface:—Having survived the ordeal through which you have just passed, and having received upon your back the brand of the Tribe, I will now proceed to instruct you in the unwritten work and teach you how to enter a tribe of Red Men—in a horn.
If, on approaching the outer door you find it locked, you will kick the door down. Your next duty is to wake up the outside guard, whom you will find asleep in one corner of the ante-room. After he has rubbed the scales from his eyes he will ask you this question: "Who was it that went down to Jericho, and fell among thieves?" You will reply …, after which the guard will retire again to sleep. You are now at liberty to work your way through the inner door. You will place your left foot in a sling, give a hop, step and jump, advance to the inner door, give five raps. The inner guard will then ask, "Who alarms this powwow."
You will then give your name, and the number and size of the boot you wear. The guard will ask, "How is your mother-in-law?" To which you will reply, "Look well to the West." You will then be permitted to enter, when you will advance to the Great Junior Buffalo, and exclaim in a loud voice, "Tow-in-arber-wi-no," to which he will reply. "Over the fence is out." You will then turn and face the Keeper of Wampum, and address him as follows: "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging. Whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise." The Keeper of Wampum will arise and say, "Young man, pull down your vest."
You will then be seated. Should you desire to leave the wigwam before the closing ceremony, you can't do it. "Warriors, bring the lemon squeezer." The Pequod then takes the lemon squeezer, or any other instrument which resembles it, and says, "Paleface take the first two fingers of your right hand in this." Candidate does so. "I will now give you the grip," and both Pequod and Candidate go through various contortions. Our sign of recognition is never used except when you wish to recognize somebody. Should you meet a stranger on the street, and wish to learn if he is a Red Man, you will say : "Thou fool." If he under stands the meaning of these mystic words, he will answer, "You're another" and knock you down. You will then know that he is a Red Man. You are now about to be received into the Tribe. Have you anything to say to this great Paleface Council before severing the ties from them forever? If so, now speak, or forever hold your peace."
 
 
Candidate’s Speech
 
During the following speech the Indians will occasionally grunt, nod their heads and exhibit signs of approval.
Paleface and Squaws:—Get out your handkerchiefs. The ties that have united us for … years are about to be broken. To-night I stand upon the threshold of Redmenship, and the fond dream of my life is about to be realized.
My friends, behold this band of dusky warriors. Away in yonder forest are dusky maidens. There is one that sighs for me. I am proud to observe that I am the future husband of one of these maidens. The five girls who I now see in this audience, with whom I have flirted for the past two and a half years must give me up, I cannot be yours. I'm spoken for. Already one dusky malden, with a necklace of bear claws, awaits my coming. I wish you well, girls. Mind your mamas and you will be happy.
The Red Men, of this tribe stand with open heart to receive me as one of their number. Their hearts are true, their friendship firm as the hills. If they never forget an injury, it is equally true that they never forget a kindness. In their wigwam, as one of their number, I bid farewell to the slavery of hard labor, and enter upon the new and novel existence of a free man. Henceforth my home is the boundless prairie, the sombre forest and murmuring waterfall.
Who is there before me who will exchange the thralldom of civilization for the freedom of Redmanship?
Will you? Pointing. Will you? I knew you would. There are twenty-five men here to-night, good and true, who perhaps have been hesitating to join this Tribe, but who will hesitate no longer. Charity is the cornerstone of Redmanship. Its principles are just. Their hands are ever open to raise a fallen brother, and to make the weak strong. In this Order, widows of deceased members are not allowed to suffer from want, nor their children to cry for bread. Decide at once to unite with the noble Red Men of the forest, and thus assist is promulgating the principles of Freedom, Friendship and Charity. The golden opportunity is before you.
In union there is strength; and permit me to say in conclusion that my paleface friends will always find the latch string of my wigwam on the outside. Great Chief, I have spoken.
Two palefaces should be previously engaged to burn the red fire, and stationed at each end of the stage, well toward the front. At this stage of the proceedings, they should be all ready. They should also experiment with the red fire previously, and learn the best and surest mode of lighting it, so that no delay will be occasioned. The Pequod continues: Warriors, let the brother be crowned, whereupon a brave places upon the candidate's head a crest of feathers. The Pequod
Proceeds: Brother I now extend to you the hand of fellowship. Does so. All the Indians now begin a sort of jubilee dance around the candidate, waving clubs, tomahawks and knives, which is the signal for red fire.
The Indians will continue their dance until the red fire is lighted, and when the fire is at its height, will suddenly stop, the Candidate will kneel on one knee and fix his eye upon some object slightly overhead of the audience and remain immovable. The braves and warriors will break at same time and form a half circle in rear of Candidate, clubs, etc., upraised. The Great Sagamore will take his place at the right of Candidate, the Great Pequod on the left. Each will place a hand on the Candidate's shoulder, and raise the other palm toward the audience, as if invoking the Great Spirit.
This is all done in a twinkling and the curtain slowly descends upon a scene which for beauty and brilliancy, is seldom, if ever excelled.

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