Chapter I: Am Going Home (2)

(4) Next, with a powerful strain of the muscles, he slowly stretched out the right arm and fist and grasping the arm about the elbow with the left, he raised the forearm perpendicularly upward, then brought it down with force, tightening the grasp in doing so (fingers pressing upon knuckle, thumb against pit of elbow)--_strength_.

(5) Pointing first at me--_you_.

(6) He next held out the hand horizontally and flat, palm downward, about four feet above the ground, correcting the measure a moment afterward by elevating hand a few inches higher, and estimated the height thus indicated with a telling look, leaning the head toward the side--_about that height_, i.e., _a youth of about that size_.

(7) He then rapidly extended the arm about two-thirds of its length forward and toward the right, terminating the motion with a jerk of the hand upward, palm turned outward, and accompanied the motion with a nod of the head, the hand in its downfall closing and dropping upon knee--_very well_.

(8) Musing a few moments, he next slowly extended the arm and pointed with the fingers toward and along the surface of the frozen bay--_out there_.

(9) In an easterly direction--_eastward_.

(10) Thence turning the arm to the right he nodded the finger toward a projection of land southward at a distance of about two miles--following in each case the direction of the finger with the eyes--and immediately after placed the hand again eastward, indicating the spot with the same emphatic nod of the finger as though carrying the visible distance to a spot upon the expanse of the bay, which, bearing no object, could not be marked otherwise--_two miles out there_.

(11) Carrying the finger toward the body, he touched his breast--_I myself_.

(12) Thence erected the hand, turning its palm forward, forefinger perpendicularly extended, others slightly closed, and nodded it downward in an explanatory manner, all in an uninterrupted movement--_one_, meaning in connection with the preceding gesture--_I for one_.

(13) Again, with an emphatic movement, he turned the hand upward, slightly erecting the index, thumb pointing forward, remaining fingers partially and naturally opened and more or less separated--_furthermore_.

(14) Then quickly and after a moment's stop brought down the hand to a horizontal position, first and second fingers joining and fully extending during the movement, and pointing forward--_another_, i.e., _joined by another_. Repeating this motion, he at the same time called out the name _Ga-bi-wa-bi-ko-ke_.

(15) Following the exclamation with a repetition of No. 2--_gray hair_--repeatedly touching the hair, meaning in this case--_an old man_.

(16) Pointed with the finger toward the right, directing it obliquely toward the ground--_at a short distance toward my right_.

(17) Repeated No. 13--_furthermore_.

(18) Repeated No. 14, adding the third finger to joined fore and middle fingers, thumb resting upon tip of fourth--_another_, i.e., _joined by a third_, and pronounced the words "_o-gwis-san Sa-ba-dis_" (this is a corruption of the French "Jean Baptiste," a favorite name among Christianized Indians)--_John Baptist, his son_, while repeating the movement.

(19) Held up the three separated fingers perpendicularly in front of the face, pushing the hand forward a little--_three in all_.

(20) Presently lowered the hand, fingers relaxing, and carried it a short distance toward the left, thence back to the right, fingers pointing obliquely toward the ground in each case--_placed to the right and left of me at a short distance_.

(21) He then brought the hand--back toward the right, index horizontally extended, remaining fingers closed, thumb placed against second finger--in front of abdomen, and moved it slowly up and down two or three times, giving it a slight jerk at the upward motion, and raising the arm partially in doing so. At the same time he inclined the body forward a little, eyes looking down--_fishing_. This refers to fishing on the ice, and, as may be inferred from it, to the use of hook and line. A short stick to which the line is attached serves as a rod and is moved up and down in the manner described.

(22) After a short pause he elevated the hand, directing the index toward that point of the meridian which the sun passes at about the tenth hour of the day, and following the direction with, the eye--_about ten o'clock_.

(23) Turning his face toward the southwest and holding up the flat and extended hand some distance in front of it, back outward, he waved it briskly and several times toward the face--_fresh breeze from the southwest_.

(24) Repeated No. 21 (_fishing_), playing the imaginary fish-line up and down regularly for a while, till all at once he changed the movement by raising the hand in an oblique course, which movement he repeated several times, each time increasing the divergence and the length of the motion--_the fish-hook don't sink perpendicularly any longer_, i.e., _it is moving_.

(25) Quickly erecting his body he looked around him with surprise--_looking with surprise_.

(26) Shading his eyes with the hand, gazed intensively toward the south--_fixedly gazing toward the south_.

(27) Threw up his arm almost perpendicularly the next moment--_greatly astonished_.

(28) Extended and slowly moved the arm from southeast to northwest as far as he could reach, at the same time exclaiming "_mig-wam_" "ice"--_the ice from shore to shore_.

(29) Approximated the flat and horizontally extended hands, backs upward, with their inner edges touching, whereupon, suddenly turning the edges downward, he withdrew them laterally, backs nearly opposed to each other--_parting_.

(30) Pushed the left hand, palm outward, fingers joined, edges up and down, forward and toward its side with a full sweep of the arm, head following the movement--_pushed in that direction_, i.e., _northeastward_.

(31) Repeated No. 23, but waved the hand only once and with a quick and more powerful movement toward the face--_by the force of the wind_.

(32) Rotated hands in front of body, rolling them tips over tips very rapidly, fingers with thumbs nearly collected to a point--_winding up the hook-line in a hurry_.

(33) Quickly passed the hand toward the left breast of his coat--_putting it in pocket_.

(34) And bending the body forward made motion as if picking up something--_picking up_.

(35) Raised the hand closed to fist, arm elevated so as to form a right angle with elbow, and made a short stroke downward and toward the left--_hatchet_.

(36) Thence moved the hand to side of breast and pushed it down the waist--_putting it into belt_.

(37) Placed the closed hands to each side of the waist (thumbs upward with tips facing each other) and approximated them rapidly and with a jerk in front of navel--_tightening the belt_.

(38) With both hands lowered to the ground, he described an elongated oval around his foot by placing tips of forefingers together in front of the toes and passing them around each side, meeting the fingers behind the heel and running them jointly backward a few inches to indicate a tail--_snow-shoe_.

(39) Raised up the heel, resting the foot on the toes and turning it a little toward the right, brought it back in a downward movement with a jerk--_putting it on_.

(40) Waved the left hand emphatically forward, palm backward, fingers joined and pointing downward, extending them forward at termination of motion, at the same time pushing forward the head--_starting_.

(41) Directed the finger of the same hand toward the light-house--_toward that point_.

(42) Pointed with extended first two fingers of the same hand, thumb with remaining fingers partially extended to right and to left--_companions_.

(43) Repeated No. 40 (_starting_) less emphatically.

(44) Made several very quick jumping movements forward with the extended left fingers, joined, back upward--_going very fast_.

(45) Repeated No. 23 (_wind_), increasing the force of the movement and terminating the sign with the second repetition (wave)--_wind increasing_.

(46) Raised up the hand in front of head and then arrested it a moment, palm outward, fingers extended, upward and forward--_halt_.

(47) Partially turning the body toward the north he lowered the extended hand, back forward, fingers joined and pointing downward toward the left of his feet and moved it closely in front of them, and with a cutting motion, toward the right, following the movement with the eye--_cut off right before feet_, i.e., _standing on the very edge_.

(48) Still facing the north, he carried the hand, back upward, fingers joined and extended, from left side of body outward and toward the right horizontally, indicating the rippled surface of turbulent water by an appropriate motion, and extending the arm to full length, fingers pointing northeastward (toward the right) at termination of motion, and accompanied the movement with a corresponding turn of the head, eyes gazing far into distance--_water all along the shore_.

(49) Pushed the extended finger, back upward, forward (i.e., northward) in a slightly arched movement--_across_.

(50) Directing it toward an object (tree) at a distance of about one hundred yards the next moment--_a distance of about one hundred yards_.

(51) Repeated No. 49 (_across_) without interrupting the motion--_that distance placed across_.

(52) Motions as follows: Hands naturally relaxed, edges up and down, backs outward, are with a quick movement and simultaneously carried from the epigastrium forward and toward their sides, arms being extended from elbows only. The hands change their position during the movement and are ultimately placed palms upward, thumbs and fingers extended and widely separated, pointing forward. This is the general sign for _doubt_. He also turned the face from one side to the other as though interrogating his companions--_what are we to do_?

(53) Repeated No. 35 (_hatchet_).

(54) Raised up the finger perpendicularly, other fingers closed, thumb resting against second, and emphatically inclined it forward--_only one_.

(55) Elevated the arm from the elbow toward the head, hand naturally relaxed, back obliquely upward, inclining the face sideward with a look of consternation, simultaneously, and again mechanically lowered it, dropping palm of hand heavily upon the knee--"_bad fix_."

(56) Placed the hand to his hip and raised it up, closed to fist, by a rapid and very energetic movement, ejaculating _haw!--quick to the work_ (referring to the ax or hatchet).

(57) Turning the body downward, he passed the hand, with forefinger directed toward the ground, forward, sideward, and backward, in three movements, each time turning at a right angle--_measuring off a square piece on the ground_, i.e., _on the ice_.

(58) Looked and pointed toward an object some twenty feet off, then opposed palms of hands horizontally, and at a short distance from each other, connecting both movements in such a manner as to clearly illustrate their meaning--_about twenty feet wide_.

(59) Moved the hand--fist, thumb upward--several times quickly up and down a few inches, the arm progressing forward at every stroke--_cutting it off_.

(60) Repeated No. 55 (_bad fix_), meaning in this case--_bad job_.

(61) Opposed the palms of both hands, vertically, at a distance of eight inches, holding them thus steady a moment and estimating the thus indicated measure with the eyes--_eight inches thick_.

(62) Then struck the palm of left with the back of arched right forcibly--_solid ice_.

(63) Laid the joined and extended first two fingers, palm up, across side of leg, a foot above heel, accompanying the movement with the eye--_one foot deep_.

(64) Pushed downward perpendicularly and from same point the flat, extended hand--_sinking_, or _giving in_--and turning the hand upward at wrist, back downward, he flirted up the fingers several times quickly--_water--slush and water_.

(65) Passed one hand over the other as in the act of pulling off mittens--_mittens_.

(66) Made the motion of wringing out a wet piece of cloth--_wringing wet_.

(67) Grasped a fold of his trowsers (below the knee) and wrung it--_trowsers also wet_.

(68) Placed palms of both hands upon legs, near to the ankles, and dragged them up to the knees--_up to the knees_.

(69) Shivered--_feeling cold_.

(70) Pointed with thumb backward and toward the right (designating his companion) and repeated No. 2 (_hair gray_)--_my old companion_, i.e., _Ga-bi-wa-bi-ko-ke_.

(71) Repeated No. 69 (_feeling cold_) more emphatically--_more so_, i.e., _suffering worse from the cold._

(72) Repeated No. 59 (_cutting the ice_).

(73) Made sign for _tired--getting tired_, as follows: The left arm is partly extended forward, and is gently struck near the bend of the elbow, usually above it, with the palm of the right hand, at the same time the head is usually inclined to the left side, then in similar manner the right arm is extended and struck by the left hand, and the head in turn inclined to the right.

(74) Repeated No. 35--(_hatchet_).

(75) Turned the slightly closed left (thumb obliquely upward) over to its side, partially opening it in so doing, fingers pointing to left--_passing it over to his companion at the left_, i.e., _Sabadis_.

(76) Flung forefingers of both hands, backs forward, thumbs upward, remaining fingers partially closed, toward their respective sides alternately--_by turns_.

(77) Repeated No. 59 (_cutting the ice_).

(78) Elevated the hand above head, thumb and first two fingers extended and directed toward the western meridian, and shook it emphatically and with a tremulous motion up and down while thus suspended--_at a late hour_.

(79) Followed with the sign for _done, finished_, as follows: Left hand, with forearm horizontally extended toward the right, is held naturally relaxed, back outward, a few inches in front of body and at a right angle with opposite hand, which is placed on a higher level, slightly arched, edge downward, fingers joined and extended forward. Pass the right quickly and with a cutting motion downward and toward its side, at the same time withdraw the left a few inches toward the opposite direction--_finished our work_.

(80) Quickly threw up his arm, ejaculating "haw!"--_let us start_.

(81) Passed both hands approximated in front of body, naturally relaxed, backs outward, forward and toward their respective sides, extending and widely separating the fingers during the movement, and again approximating them with quickly accelerated speed and arresting them, closed to fists, in front of body and with a jerk upward--_with united efforts_.

(82) Placing the fists, thumbs upward, pointing forward and placed upon side of forefingers, with their wrists against the breast, he pushed them forward and downward a few inches, head slightly participating in the movement--_pushing off_.

(83) Repeated No. 38 (_snow-shoe)--with snow-shoes_.

(84) Immediately reassumed the position of "pushing off" as in No. 82, slowly passing forward the fists further and further--_pushing and gradually moving off_.

(85) Quickly passed and turned the closed left forward, upward, and backward, opening and again closing the fingers in so doing, and executing at almost the same instant a similar, but smaller, revolution with the right--_turning over the snow-shoe, tail up_.

(86) With both hands closed to fists, left obliquely over the right and on the right side of the body, made motion as if paddling--_paddling_.

(87) Moved and pointed finger of left towards its side, i.e., northward--_toward the shore_.

(88) Moved both hands, flat and extended, backs upward, toward the left side, by an even and very slow movement--_moving along very slowly toward that direction_.

(89) Repeated No. 23--_southwest wind_.

(90) Repeated No. 30--_pushing northeastward_.

(91) Turned the thumb of left over to the left--_Sabadis_.

(92) Repeated No. 32 (_winding up_), reversing the motion--_winding off the hook-line_.

(93) Approximated both hands with their tips horizontally in front of body, first two fingers with thumb collected to a point, and moving the fingers as in the act of twisting a cord, gradually receded the hands--_twisting_.

(94) Thrust forward three fingers of the right--_three_, i.e., _hook-lines_.

(95) Repeated No. 93, then rubbed palm of flat and extended right forward over the thigh repeatedly and with a slight pressure--_twisting them tightly_.

(96) Approximated both hands closed to fists, thumbs upward, in front of body and pulled them asunder repeatedly by short, quick, and sudden jerks--_proving strength of line_.

(97) Hooked the forefinger, hand turned downward at wrist, remaining fingers closed, thumb resting upon first--_fish-hook_.

(98) Raised and curved three fingers and thrust them forward a little separated, back to the front--_three_, i.e., _hooks_.

(99) Collecting fore and middle fingers of each hand to a point with thumb, he opposed tips of both hands, vertically describing with the upper hand several short circular movements around the tip of the lower--_tying together_.

(100) Hooked the separated fore and middle fingers of the right, pointing upward, back forward, and placed the hooked finger of the left, palm forward, in front and partially between the fork of the first--_in the shape of an anchor_.

(101) Thrust both hands, backs upward, fingers extended and separated, forward (i.e., northward), vigorously, left being foremost--_throwing toward the shore_.

(102) Thence elevating the right toward the head, he thrust it downward in an oblique direction, fore and middle fingers extended and joined with the thumb--_sinking_.

(103) Placing hands in the position attained last in No. 100 (_throwing out toward shore_), he closed the fingers, drawing the hands back toward the body and leaning backward simultaneously--_hauling in_.

(104) Elevated the naturally closed hand to side of head, fingers opening and separating during the movement--at the same time and with a slight jerk of the shoulders inclining the head sideward--and again closed and slowly dropped it upon knee--_in vain_.

(105) Dropped the finger perpendicularly downward, following the movement with the eye--_bottom_.

(106) Passed the flat hand, palm down, from side to side in a smooth and horizontal movement--_smooth_.

(107) Made the sign for _stone, rock_, as follows: With the back of the arched right hand (H) strike repeatedly in the palm of the left, held horizontal, back outward, at the height of the breast and about a foot in front, the ends of the fingers pointing in opposite directions.

(108) Repeated No. 100--_anchor_.

(109) Dragged the curved fore and middle fingers over the back of the extended left--_dragging_.

(110) Waved the left--bent at the wrist, back outward--forward and upward from body, extending the arm to full length, at the same time inclining and pushing forward the head, and repeated the gesture more emphatically--_trying again and again_.

(111) Waved both hands--backs outward, fingers slightly joined, tips facing each other and closely approximated in front of breast--forward and toward their respective sides a short distance, turning the palms upward during the movement, thumb and fingers being extended and widely separated toward the last. At the same time he inclined the head to one side, face expressing disappointment--_all in vain_.

(112) Repeated No. 80--_Let us start anew_!

(113) Repeated No. 86--_paddling_.

(114) Repeated the preceding gesture, executing the movement only once very emphatically--_vigorously_.

(115) Waved the finger toward the place of the setting sun, following the direction with the eye--_day is near its close_.

(116) Repeated No. 69, more emphatically--_feeling very cold_.

(117) Repeated No. 70--_Ga-bi-wa bi-ko-ke_.

(118) Made sign for _without_, dropping the hands powerless at the sides, with a corresponding movement of head--_exhausted_.

(119) Pointed with finger toward the light-house and drawing back the finger a little, pushed it forward in the same direction, fully extending the arm--_that distance_, i.e., _one mile beyond light-house_.

(120) Elevated both hands to height of shoulder, fingers extended toward the right, backs upward, moving them horizontally forward--left foremost--with an impetuous motion toward the last--_drifted out_.

(121) Repeated No. 86, executing the movement a series of times without interruption and very energetically--_paddling steadily and vigorously_.

(122) Pointed with the left forefinger to his breast--_I myself_.

(123) Waved the thumb of the same hand over to left side without interrupting motion of hand--_and Sabadis_.

(124) Moved the extended left--back upward, fingers slightly joined--toward left side, and downward a few inches--_shore_.

(125) Elevated it to level of eyes, fingers joined and extended, palm toward the right, approaching it toward the face by a slow interrupted movement--_drawing nearer and nearer_.

(126) Drawing a deep breath--_relieved_.

(127) Repeated No. 86 very emphatically--_paddling with increased courage and vigor_.

(128) Gazed and pointed northeastward, shading the eyes with the hand, at the same time pushing the left--bent downward at wrist, palm backward--forward in that direction, arm fully extended, fingers separated and pointing ahead at termination of motion--_out there at a great distance_.

(129) Made a lateral movement with the hand flat and extended over the field of ice in front of him--_the ice-field_.

(130) Described a series of waves with the flat and extended left, back upward, horizontally outward--_sea getting turbulent_.

(131) Joyously flourished the hand above head, while pronouncing the word _ke-ya-bi_--_only yet_.

(132) Pointed the finger toward the upturned root of a tree a few yards off, thence carrying it forward directed it toward the shore in front--_a few yards from shore_.

(133) Pointing toward the sun first, he placed palms of both hands in opposition vertically, a space of only an inch or two intervening, with a glance sideways at the height thus indicated--_the sun just setting_.

(134) Made three vigorous strokes with the imaginary paddle--_three more paddle-strokes_.

(135) Moved both hands (flat and extended, backs upward) evenly and horizontally toward the left, terminating the movement by turning hands almost perpendicularly upward at wrist, thus arresting them suddenly--_the ice-raft runs up against the shore_.

(136) Lastly threw up the hand perpendicularly above head, and bringing it down, placed the palm gently over the heart with an air of solemnity--_we are saved_.

_Free translation of the story_.

Many years ago--my hair, then black and smooth, has since turned gray; I was then in the prime of life; you, I suppose, were a young lad at that time--the following incident occurred to me:

Yonder on the ice, two miles eastward, I was one day fishing in company with two others, the old Gabiwabikoke and his son John Baptist. It was about ten o'clock in the morning--a fresh breeze from the southwest had previously been getting up--when the hook-line which I was playing up and down began to take an oblique course as though it were moved by a current. Surprised, I looked up and around me. When glancing toward the south I saw a dark streak stretching from shore to shore across the bay; the ice had parted and the wind was carrying it out toward the open lake. In an instant I had wound up my hook-line, picked up my hatchet and snow-shoes, which I put on my feet, and hurried--the others following my example--toward the nearest point of land, yonder where the light-house stands. The wind was increasing and we traveled as fast as we could. There we arrived at the very edge of the ice, a streak of water about one hundred yards in width extending northward along the shore as far as we could see. What to begin with, nothing but a single hatchet? We were in a bad situation. Well, something had to be done. I measured off a square piece on the ice and began cutting it off with the hatchet, a hard and tedious labor. The ice was only eight inches thick, but slush and water covered it to the depth of a foot. I soon had my mittens and trowsers wringing wet and began to feel cold and tired. The old Gabiwabikoke was in a worse state than I. His son next took the hatchet and we all worked by turns. It was about two o'clock in the afternoon when we finished our work. With the help of our snow-shoes (stemming their tail-ends against the edge of the solid ice), we succeeded in pushing off our raft. Turning our snow-shoes the other way (using their tails as handles), we commenced paddling with them toward the shore. It was a very slow progress, as the wind drifted us outward continually. John Baptist managed to twist our three hook-lines into a strong cord, and tying the hooks together in the shape of an anchor, he threw it out toward the shore. Hauling in the line the hooks dragged over the smooth rock bottom and would not catch. Repeated trials were of no avail. We all resumed our former attempt and paddled away with increased energy. The day was drawing near its close, and we began to feel the cold more bitterly. Gabiwabikoke was suffering badly from its effects and was entirely played out. We had already drifted more than a mile beyond the light-house point. John Baptist and I continued paddling steadily and vigorously, and felt relieved and encouraged when we saw the shore draw near and nearer. The ice-field, by this time, was miles away to the northeast, and a sea was getting up. At last, just when the sun was setting, only a few yards separated us from the shore; three more paddle-strokes and our raft ran up against the beach. We were safe.

_The oral part of the story in the language of the narrator, with a literal translation into English._

(1) _Me[n]'wija_
a long time ago

(2) _aw ninisis'san_
this my hair

(3) _me'gwa giijina'gwak tibi'shko aw_
while it looked like that

(4) _me'gwa gimashkaw'isian_
while I possessed strength

(5) _kin dash_
you and (i.e., and you)

(6) _ga'nabatch kikwiwi'se[n]siwina'ban_
perhaps (probably) were a boy

(7) _mi'iw_
very well

(8)-(10) _iwe'di_
there

(11)(12) _nin be'jig_
I one

(13) _mi'nawa_
again (furthermore)

(14) _Gabiwa'bikoke_
"The Miner"

(15) _akiwe[n]'si_
old man

(16) Expressed by gesture only.

(17) The same as No. 13.

(18) _ogwis'san ga'ie, Sabadis_
his son too, John Baptist.

(19) _mi minik'_
so many

(20)(21) Gestures only.

(22) _mi wa'pi_
thus far, i.e., at that time.

(23) _we'ai gion'din_
then the wind blew from

(24) _me'gwa nin wewe'banabina'ban_
while I was (in the act of) fishing with the hook
_nin'goting gonin'gotchi_
at one time somewhere (out of its course)
_oda'bigamo nimigis'skane'ab_
was drawn my hook line

(25) _a'nin ejiwe'bak_?
how it happens?

(26) Gesture only.

(27) _taai'!_
ho!

(28) _mi'gwam_
the ice

(29) _ma'dja_
goes

(30)(31) Gestures only.

(32) _we'wib_
quickly

(33)(34) Gestures only.

(35) _wagak'wad[)o][n]s_
hatchet

(36) (37) Gestures only.

(38) (39) _nin bita'gime_
I put on snowshoes

(40) _win madja'min_
we go (start)

(41) Gestures only.

(42) (43) _mamaw'e_
together

(44) Gesture only.

(45) _esh'kam ki'tchi no'din_
more big wind

(46) Gesture only.

(47) _mi ja'igwa gima'djishkad_ (i.e., _mi'gwam_)
already has moved off (i.e., the ice)

(48) (49) Gestures only.

(50) _mi'wapi_
thus far, i.e., at such a distance

(51) Gesture only.

(52) _a'nin dash gediji'tehigeiang?_
how (i.e., what) shall we do?

(53) (54) _mi e'ta be'jigwang wagak'wad[)o][n]s_
only one hatchet

(55) _ge'get gisan'agissimin_
indeed we are badly off.

(56) _haw! bak'wewada mi'gwam!_
well! (hallo!) let us cut the ice!

(57) (58) (59) Gestures only.

(60) _sa'nagad_
it is bad (hard)

(61) _mi epi'tading_
so it is thick (so thick is it)

(62) Gesture only.

(63) _mi dash mi'nawa minik'_
that again much (that much again)

(64) _nibi' gon ga'ie_
water snow too (water and snow)

(65) _nimidjik a'wanag_
my mittens

(66) _a'pitchi_
very much

(67) _nindas'san gaie_
my trowsers two

(68) Gestures only.

(69) _nin gi'katch ja'igwa_
I feel cold already

(70) _aw sa kiwe[n]'si_
the old man

(71) _nawatch' win'_
more yet he

(72) Gesture only.

(73) _nind aie'kos ja'igwa_
I am tired already

(74) Gesture only.

(75) _Sa'badis_
John Baptist

(76) _memesh'kwat kaki'na_
by turns all

(77) Gesture only.

(78) _wi'ka ga'ishkwanawo'kweg_
late in the afternoon

(79) _mi gibakwewangid_
now it is cut loose

(80) _haw!_
well! (ho!)

(81) _mama'we_
together

(82) Gesture only.

(83) _a'gimag_
snowshoes

(84) _ma'djishka_
it is moving

(85)-(87) Gestures only.

(88) _aga'wa ma'djishkca_
scarcely it moves (very little)

(89) _no'din_
wind

(90) Gesture only.

(91) _Sa'badis_
John Baptist

(92) _migiss'kaneyab_
hook-line

(93) (94) _oginisswa'biginan_
he twisted three cords together

(95)-(98) Gestures only.

(99) _oginisso'bidonan (i.e., migaskanan)_
he tied together three (i.e., hooks)

(100) Gesture only.

(101) _ogiaba'gidonan dash_
he threw it out

(102) Gesture only.

(103) _owikobi'donan_
he wants to draw it in

(104) _kawes'sa_
in vain ("no go")

(105)-(108) Gestures only.

(109) _ka'win sagakwidis'sinon_
(not) it don't catch on the rock-bottom

(110) _mi'nawa--mo'jag_
again--often (repeatedly)

(111) The same as No. 104.

(112) The same as No. 80.

(113) Gesture only.

(114) _e'nigok_
vigorously

(115) _ja'igwa ona'kwishi_
already evening

(116) _esh'kam kis'sina_
more cold (getting colder)

(117) The same as No. 70.

(118) _mi ja'igwa gianiji'tang_
already he has given up

(119) _was'sa ja'igwa_
far already

(120) _niwebas'himin_
we have drifted out

(121) Gesture only.

(122) (123) _mi'sa e'ta mij'iang_
(now) only we are two

(124) Gesture only.

(125) _ja'igwa tehi'gibig_
already near to shore

(126) _mi ja'igwa anibonen'damang_
now we catch new spirits

(127) _esh'kam nigijijaw'isimin_
more we are strong (i.e., our strength and courage
increases)

(128) (129) _e-eh! was'sa ja'igwa'_
oh! far already
_mi'gwam!_
the ice!

(130) _ja'igwa_
already

(131) _ke'abi_
yet

(132) _go'mapi_
so far perhaps

(133) _ge'ga bangi'shimo_
nearly sundown

(134) Gesture only.

(135) _mi gibima'jagang_
we have landed

(136) _mi gibima'disiang_
we have saved our lives.

DISCOURSES.

_ADDRESS OF KIN CH[=E]-[)E]SS._

The following is the farewell address of KIN CH[=E]-[)E]SS (Spectacles), medicine-man of the Wichitas, to Rev. A.J. HOLT, missionary, on his departure from the Wichita Agency, in the words of the latter:

He placed one hand on my breast, the other on his own, then clasped his two hands together after the manner of our congratulations--_We are friends_, Fig. 320. He placed one hand on me, the other on himself, then placed the first two fingers of his right hand between his lips--_We are brothers_. He placed his right hand over my heart, his left hand over his own heart, then linked the first fingers of his right and left hands--_Our hearts are linked together_. See Fig. 232, p. 386. He laid his right hand on me lightly, then put it to his mouth, with the knuckles lightly against his lips, and made the motion of flipping water from the right-hand forefinger, each flip casting the hand and arm from the mouth a foot or so, then bringing it back in the same position. (This repeated three or more times, signifying _talk_ or _talking_.) Fig. 321. He then made a motion with his right hand as if he were fanning his right ear; this repeated. He then extended his right hand with his index finger pointing upward, his eyes also being turned upward--_You told me of the Great Father_. Pointing to himself, he hugged both hands to his bosom, as if he were affectionately clasping something he loved, and then pointed upward in the way before described--_I love him_ (the Great Father). Laying his right hand on me, he clasped his hands to his bosom as before--_I love you_. Placing his right hand on my shoulder, he threw it over his own right shoulder as if he were casting behind him a little chip, only when his hand was over his shoulder his index finger was pointing behind him--_You go away_. Pointing to his breast, he clinched the same hand as if it held a stick, and made a motion as if he were trying to strike something on the ground with the bottom of the stick held in an upright position--_I stay, or I stay right here_, Fig. 322.

Placing his right hand on me, he placed both his hands on his breast and breathed deeply two or three times, then using the index finger and thumb of each hand as if he were holding a small pin, he placed the two hands in this position as if he were holding a thread in each hand and between the thumb and forefinger of each hand close together, and then let his hands recede from each other, still holding his fingers in the same position, as if he were letting a thread slip between them until his hands were two feet apart--_You live long time_, Fig. 323. Laying his right hand on his breast, then extending his forefinger of the same hand, holding it from him at half-arm's length, the finger pointing nearly upward, then moving his hand, with the finger thus extended, from side to side about as rapidly as a man steps in walking, each time letting his hand get farther from him for three or four times, then suddenly placing his left hand in a horizontal position with the fingers extended and together so that the palm was sidewise, he used the right-hand palm, extended, fingers together, as a hatchet, and brought it down smartly, just missing the ends of the fingers of the left hand, Fig. 324. Then placing his left hand, with the thumb and forefinger closed, to his heart, he brought his right hand, fingers in the same position, to his left; then, as if he were holding something between his thumb and forefinger, he moved his right hand away as if he were slowly casting a hair from him, his left hand remaining at his breast, and his eyes following his right--_I go about a little while longer, but will be cut off shortly and my spirit will go away_ (or will die). Placing the thumbs and forefingers again in such a position as if he held a small thread between the thumb and forefinger of each hand, and the hands touching each other, he drew his hands slowly from each other, as if he were stretching a piece of gum-elastic; then laying his right hand on me, he extended the left hand in a horizontal position, fingers extended and closed, and brought down his right hand with fingers extended and together, so as to just miss the tips of the fingers of his left hand; then placing his left forefinger and thumb against his heart, he acted as if he took a hair from the forefinger and thumb of his left hand with the forefinger and thumb of the right, and slowly cast it from him, only letting his left hand remain at his breast, and let the index finger of the right hand point outward toward the distant horizon--_After a long time you die_. When placing his left hand upon himself and his right hand upon me, he extended them upward over his head and clasped them there--_We then meet in heaven_. Pointing upward, then to himself, then to me, he closed the third and little finger of his right hand, laying his thumb over them, then extending his first and second fingers about as far apart as the eyes, he brought his hand to his eyes, fingers pointing outward, and shot his hand outward--_I see you up there_. Pointing to me, then giving the last above-described sign of _look_, then pointing to himself, he made the sign as if stretching out a piece of gum-elastic between the fingers of his left and right hands, and then made the sign of _cut-off_ before described, and then extended the palm of the right hand horizontally a foot from his waist, inside downward, then suddenly threw it half over and from him, as if you were to toss a chip from the back of the hand (this is the negative sign everywhere used among these Indians)--_I would see him a long time, which should never be cut off_, i.e., _always._

Pointing upward, then rubbing the back of his left hand lightly with the forefinger of his right, he again gave the negative sign.--_No Indian there_ (in heaven). Pointing upward, then rubbing his forefinger over the back of my hand, he again made the negative sign--_No white man there_. He made the same sign again, only he felt his hair with the forefinger and thumb of his right hand, rolling the hair several times between the fingers--_No black man in heaven_. Then rubbing the back of his hand and making the negative sign, rubbing the back of my hand and making the negative sign, feeling of one of his hairs with the thumb and forefinger of his right hand, and making the negative sign, then using both hands as if he were reaching around a hogshead, he brought the forefinger of his right hand to the front in an upright position after their manner of counting, and said thereby--_No Indian, no white man, no black man, all one_. Making the "hogshead" sign, and that for _look_, he placed the forefinger of each hand side by side pointing upward--_All look the same_, or alike. Running his hands over his wild Indian costume and over my clothes, he made the "hogshead" sign, and that for _same_, and said thereby--_All dress alike there_. Then making the "hogshead" sign, and that for _love_, (hugging his hands), he extended both hands outward, palms turned downward, and made a sign exactly similar to the way ladies smooth a bed in making it; this is the sign for _happy--All will be happy alike there_. He then made the sign for _talk_ and for _Father_, pointing to himself and to me--_You pray for me_. He then made the sign for _go away_, pointing to me, he threw right hand over his right shoulder so his index finger pointed behind him--_You go away_. Calling his name he made the sign for _look_ and the sign of _negation_ after pointing to me--_Kin Ch[=e]-[)e]ss see you no more_.

Fig. 322, an illustration in the preceding address, also represents a common gesture for _sit down_, if made to the right of the hip, toward the locality to be occupied by the individual invited. The latter closely corresponds to an Australian gesture described by Smyth (_The Aborigines of Victoria, London_, 1878, Vol. II, p. 308, Fig. 260), as follows: "_Minnie-minnie_ (wait a little). It is shaken downwards rapidly two or three times. Done more slowly towards the ground, it means 'Sitdown.'" This is reproduced in Fig. 325.

_TSO-DI-A'-KO'S REPORT._

The following statement was made to Dr. W.J. HOFFMAN by TSO-DI-A'-KO (Shaved-head Boy), chief of the Wichitas in Indian Territory, while on a visit to Washington, D.C., in June 1880.

The Indian being asked whether there was any timber in his part of the Territory, replied in signs as follows:

(1) Move the right hand, fingers loosely extended, separated and pointing upward, back to the front, upward from the height of the waist to the front of the face--_tree_ (for illustration see Fig. 112, p. 343); repeat this two or three times--_trees_; (2) then hold the hand, fingers extended and joined, pointing upward, with the back to the front, and push it forward toward different points on a level with the face-_standing at various places_; (3) both hands, with spread and slightly curved fingers, are held about two feet apart, before the thighs, palms facing, then draw them toward one another horizontally and gradually upward until the wrists cross, as if grasping a bunch of grass and pulling it up--_many_; (4) point to the southwest with the index, elevating it a little above the horizon--_country_; (5) then throw the fist edgewise toward the surface, in that direction--_my, mine_; (6) place both hands, extended, flat, edgewise before the body, the left below the right, and both edges pointing toward the ground a short distance to the left of the body, then make repeated cuts toward that direction from different points, the termination of each cut ending at nearly the same point--_cut down_, Fig. 326; (7) hold the left hand with the fingers and thumb collected to a point, directed horizontally forward, and make several cutting motions with the edge of the flat right hand transversely by the tips of the left, and upon the wrist--_cut off the ends_; (8) then cut upon the left hand, still held in the same position, with the right, the cuts being parallel to the longitudinal axis of the palm--_split_; (9) both hands closed in front of the body, about four inches apart, with forefingers and thumbs approximating half circles, palms toward the ground, move them forward so that the back of the hand comes forward and the half circles imitate the movement of wheels--_wagon_, Fig. 327; (10) hold the left flat hand before the body, pointing horizontally forward, with the palm down, then bring the right flat hand from the right side and slap the palm upon the back of the left several times--_load_, upon, Fig. 328; (11) partly close the right hand as if grasping a thick rod, palm toward the ground, and push it straight forward nearly to arm's length--_take_; (12) hold both hands with fingers naturally extended and slightly separated nearly at arm's length before the body, palms down, the right lying upon the left, then pass the upper forward and downward from the left quickly, so that the wrist of the right is raised and the fingers point earthward--_throw off_; (13) cut the left palm repeatedly with the outer edge of the extended right hand--_build_; (14) hold both hands edgewise before the body, palms facing, spread the fingers and place those of one hand into the spaces between those of the left, so that the tips of one protrude beyond the backs of the fingers of the other--_log house_, see Fig. 253, p. 428; (15) then place the flat right hand, palm down and fingers pointing to the left, against the breast and move it forward, and slightly upward and to the right--_good_.

ANALYSIS OF THE FOREGOING.

[There is] much | timber | [in] | my | country | [of which I] cut down [some],|
(3) (1,2) (5) (4) (6)

trimmed, | split, | loaded it upon | a wagon [and] | took it away, |
(7) (8) (10) (9) (11)

[where I] threw [it] off | [and] built | [a] good | house |.
(12) (13) (15) (14)

NOTES.--As will be seen, the word _timber_ is composed of signs No. 1 and 2, signifying trees standing. Sign No. 3, for _many_, in this instance, as in similar other examples, becomes _much_. The word "in," in connection with _country_ and _my_, is expressed by the gesture of pointing (passing the hand less quickly than in ordinary sign language) before making sign No. 5. That sign commonly given for _possession_, would, without the prefix of indication, imply _my country_, and with that prefix signifies _in my country_. Sign No. 7, _trimmed_, is indicated by chopping off the ends, and facial expression denoting _satisfaction_. In sign Nos. 11 and 12 the gestures were continuous, but at the termination of the latter the narrator straightened himself somewhat, denoting that he had overcome the greater part of the labor. Sign No. 14 denotes _log-house_, from the manner of interlacing the finger-ends, thus representing the corner of a log-house, and the arrangement of the ends of the same. _Indian lodge_ would be indicated by another sign, although the latter is often used as an abbreviation for the former, when the subject of conversation is known to all present.

_LEAN WOLF'S COMPLAINT_

The following remarks were obtained by Dr. W.J. HOFFMAN from TCE-CAQ-A-DAQ-A-QIC (Lean Wolf), chief of the Hidatsa Indians of Dakota Territory, who visited Washington in 1880:

FOUR YEARS AGO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE AGREED TO BE FRIENDS WITH US, BUT THEY LIED. THAT IS ALL.

(1) Place the closed hand, with the thumb resting over the middle of the index, on the left side of the forehead, palmar side down, then draw the thumb across the forehead to the right, a short distance beyond the head--_white man_, American, Fig. 329.

(2) Place the naturally extended hand, fingers and thumb slightly separated and pointing to the left, about fifteen inches before the right side of the body, bringing it to within a short distance--_with us_, Fig. 330.

(3) Extend the flat right hand to the front and right as if about to grasp the hand of another individual--_friend_, _friends_, Fig. 331. For remarks connected with this sign see pp. 384-386.

(4) Place the flat right hand, with fingers only extended, back to the front, about eighteen inches before the right shoulder--_four_ [years], Fig. 332.

(5) Close the right hand, leaving the index and second fingers extended and slightly separated, place it, back forward, about eight inches before the right side of the body, and pass it quickly to the left in a slightly downward curve--_lie_, Fig. 333.

(6) Place the clinched fists together before the breast, palms down, then separate them in a curve outward and downward to their respective sides--_done, finished, "that is all"_, Fig. 334.

SIGNALS.

The collaborators in the work above explained have not generally responded to the request to communicate material under this head. It is, however, hoped that by now printing some extracts from published works and the few contributions recently procured, the attention of observers will be directed to the prosecution of research in this direction.

The term "signal" is here used in distinction from the signs noted in the DICTIONARY, extracts from which are given above, as being some action or manifestation intended to be seen at a distance, and not allowing of the minuteness or detail possible in close converse. Signals may be executed, first, exclusively by bodily action; second, by action of the person in connection with objects, such as a blanket, or a lance, or the direction imparted to a horse; third, by various devices, such as smoke, fire or dust, when the person of the signalist is not visible. When not simply intended to attract attention they are generally conventional, and while their study has not the same kind of importance as that of gesture signs, it possesses some peculiar interest.

SIGNALS EXECUTED BY BODILY ACTION.

Some of these are identical, or nearly so, with the gesture signs used by the same people.

ALARM. SEE NOTES ON CHEYENNE AND ARAPAHO SIGNALS, _INFRA_.

ANGER.

Close the hand, place it against the forehead, and turn it back and forth while in that position. (Col. R.B. Marcy, U.S.A., _Thirty Years of Army Life on the Border_, _New York_, 1866, p. 34.)

COME HERE.

The right hand is to be advanced about eighteen inches at the height of the navel, horizontal, relaxed, palm downward, thumb in the palm; then draw it near the side and at the same time drop the hand to bring the palm backward. The farther away the person called is, the higher the hand is raised. If very far off, the hand is raised high up over the head and then swung forward, downward, and backward to the side. (_Dakota_ I, IV.)

DANGER.

_There is something dangerous in that place._--Right-hand index-finger and thumb forming a curve, the other fingers closed; move the right hand forward, pointing in the direction of the dangerous place or animal. (_Omaha_ I.)

DEFIANCE.

Right-hand index and middle fingers open; motion to ward the enemy signifies "I do not fear you." Reverse the motion, bringing the hand toward the subject, means "Do your worst to me." (_Omaha_ I.)

DIRECTION.

_Pass around that object or place near you_--she-i-he ti-dha-ga.--When a man is at a distance, I say to him "Go around that way." Describe a curve by raising the hand above the head, forefinger open, move to right or left according to direction intended and hand that is used, i.e., move to the left, use right hand; move to the right, use left hand. (_Omaha_ I; _Ponka_ I.)

HALT!

---- To inquire disposition.

Raise the right hand with the palm in front and gradually push it forward and back several times; if they are not hostile it will at once be obeyed. (Randolph B. Marcy, _The Prairie Traveler_. _New York_, 1859, p. 214.)

---- Stand there! He is coming to you.

Right hand extended, flat, edgewise, moved downward several times. (_Omaha_ I.)

---- Stand there! He is going toward you.

Hold the open right hand, palm to the left, with the tips of the fingers toward the person signaled to; thrust the hand forward in either an upward or downward curve. (_Omaha_ I; _Ponka_ I.)

---- Lie down flat where you are--she-dhu bis-pe zha[n]'-ga.

Extend the right arm in the direction of the person signaled to, having the palm down; move downward by degrees to about the knees. (_Omaha_ I; _Ponka_ I.)

PEACE; FRIENDSHIP.

Hold up palm of hand.--Observed as made by an Indian of the Kansas tribe in 1833. (John T. Irving, _Indian Sketches_. _Philadelphia_, 1835, vol. ii, p. 253.)

Elevate the extended hands at arm's length above and on either side of the head. Observed by Dr. W.J. Hoffman, as made in Northern Arizona in 1871 by the Apaches, Mojaves, Hualpais, and Seviches. "No arms"--corresponding with "hands up" of road-agents. Fig. 335.

The right hand held aloft, empty. (General G.A. Custer, _My Life on the Plains_, _New York_, 1874, p. 238.) This may be collated with the lines in Walt Whitman's _Salut au Monde_--

Toward all
I raise high the perpendicular hand,--I make the signal.

The Natchez in 1682 made signals of friendship to La Salle's party by the joining of the two hands of the signalist, much embarrassing Tonty, La Salle's lieutenant, in command of the advance in the descent of the Mississippi, who could not return the signal, having but one hand. His men responded in his stead. (Margry, _Decouvertes et Etablissments des Francais dans l'ouest et dans le sud de l'Amerique Septentrionale, &c._)

QUESTION.

---- I do not know you. Who are you?

After halting a party coming: Right hand raised, palm in front and slowly moved to the right and left. [Answered by tribal sign.] (Marcy's _Prairie Traveler_, _loc. cit._, 214.) Fig. 336. In this illustration the answer is made by giving the tribal sign for Pani.

---- To inquire if coming party is peaceful.

Raise both hands, grasped in the manner of shaking hands, or by locking the two forefingers firmly while the hands are held up. If friendly they will respond with the same signal. (Marcy's _Prairie Traveler_, _loc. cit._, 214.)

SUBMISSION.

The United States steamer Saranac in 1874, cruising in Alaskan waters, dropped anchor in July, 1874, in Freshwater Harbor, back of Sitka, in latitude 59 degrees north. An armed party landed at a T'linkit village, deserted by all the inhabitants except one old man and two women, the latter seated at the feet of the former. The man was in great fear, turned his back and held up his hands as a sign of utter helplessness. (Extract from notes kindly furnished by Lieutenant-Commander WM. BAINBRIDGE HOFF, U.S.N., who was senior aid to Rear-Admiral Pennock, on the cruise mentioned.)

SURRENDER.

The palm of the hand is held toward the person [to whom the surrender is made]. (_Long_.)

Hold the palm of the hand toward the person as high above the head as the arm can be raised. (_Dakota_ I.)

SIGNALS IN WHICH OBJECTS ARE USED IN CONNECTION WITH PERSONAL ACTION.

BUFFALO DISCOVERED. SEE ALSO NOTES ON CHEYENNE AND ARAPAHO SIGNALS.

When the Ponkas or Omahas discover buffalo the watcher stands erect on the hill, with his face toward the camp, holding his blanket with an end in each hand, his arms being stretched out (right and left) on a line with, shoulders. (_Dakota_ VIII; _Omaha_ I; _Ponka_ I.) See Fig. 337.

Same as (_Omaha_ I), and (_Ponka_ I); with the addition that after the blanket is held out at arm's length the arms are crossed in front of the body. (_Dakota_ I.)

CAMP!

When it is intended to encamp, a blanket is elevated upon a pole so as to be visible to all the individuals of a moving party. (_Dakota_ VIII.)

COME! TO BECKON TO A PERSON.

Hold out the lower edge of the robe or blanket, then wave it in to the legs. This is made when there is a desire to avoid general observation. (_Matthews_.)

COME BACK!

Gather or grasp the left side of the unbuttoned coat (or blanket) with the right hand, and, either standing or sitting in position so that the signal can be seen, wave it to the left and right as often as may be necessary for the sign to be recognized. When made standing the person should not move his body. (_Dakota_ I.)

DANGER. SEE ALSO NOTES ON CHEYENNE AND ARAPAHO SIGNALS.

---- Horseman at a distance, galloping, passing and repassing, and crossing each other--_enemy comes_. But for notice of herd of buffalo, they gallop back and forward abreast--do not cross each other. (H.M. Brackenridge's _Views of Louisiana_. _Pittsburgh_, 1814, p. 250.)

---- Riding rapidly round in a circle, "Danger! Get together as quickly as possible." (Richard Irving Dodge, lieutenant-colonel United States Army, _The Plains of the Great West_. _New York_, 1877, p. 368.)

---- Point the right index in the direction of the danger, and then throw the arm over the front of the body diagonally, so that the hand rests near the left shoulder, back outward. If the person to be notified of the danger should be in the rear precede the above signal with that for "_Attention_." This signal can also be made with a blanket, properly grasped so as to form a long narrow roll. Perhaps this signal would more properly belong under "_Caution_," as it would be used to denote the presence of a dangerous beast or snake, and not that of a human enemy. (_Dakota_ I.)

---- Passing and repassing one another, either on foot or mounted, is used as a war-signal; which is expressed in the Hidatsa--makimak[)a]'da--halidie. (_Mandan and Hidatsa_ I.)

DIRECTION.

---- Pass around that place.

Point the folded blanket in the direction of the object or place to be avoided, then draw it near the body, and wave it rapidly several times in front of the body only, and then throwing it out toward the side on which you wish the person to approach you, and repeat a sufficient number of times for the signal to be understood. (_Dakota_ I.)

DISCOVERY.