OO-KOO-HOO'S COURTING

After supper, when we were talking about old customs, I questioned
Oo-koo-hoo as to how the Indians married before it was the custom to go
to the Post to get the clergyman to perform that rite; and in reply he
said:

"My son, Ojistoh and I were married both ways, so I don't think I can
do better than to tell you how our own marriage took place. It was
this way, my son: one night, when old Noo-koom, Ojistoh's grandmother,
became convinced that we lovers had sat under the blanket long enough,
she decided that it was time we sat upon the brush together, or were
married. Accordingly, she talked the matter over with Ojistoh's
parents. They agreed with her, and Ojistoh's father said: 'It is well
that Oo-koo-hoo and Ojistoh should be married according to the custom
of our people, but it is also well that we should retain the friendship
of the priest and the nuns. On our return to Fort Perseverance,
therefore, the children must be married in the face of the Church; but
I charge you all not to let any one at the Post know that Oo-koo-hoo
and Ojistoh have already been married after the custom of our people.
It is well that we should live according to the ways of our
forefathers, and it is also well that we should seem to adopt the ways
of the white man. Now call Ojistoh, and let me hear what she has to
say.'

"When Ojistoh came in, her father told her that I was a good boy; that
I would certainly make a successful hunter; and that, if she would sit
upon the brush with me, they would give her plenty of marrow grease for
her hair and some porcupine quills for her moccasins. They might even
buy her some ribbon, beads, and silk thread for fancy work.