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21 Warfare &? 533 Soldiers, on enlisting, come under the immediate direction and tuition of the priest for the wars, who, in various ways, purified and prepared them for the conflict. None must have any farther intercourse with their wives till the war was concluded, shortly before starting on an expedition the priest collected all the warriors into the council house, He then took a post, about three feet long, painted red, and set it between the white seats and the door, covered the upper end with a fawn's skin, and on this placed his diamond stone. Then standing between the post and the door with his fan towards the diamond, and also towards the ark?, standing in the holy place, back of the white seats. He prayed to an old person in the east and an old star for aid. He then called upon a very great man to shield them from their enemies. Having done this, he ordered the warriors to march by the post, on which lay the diamond; and if they were to be successful, and return safe, the diamond, it is said, sparkled, and sent for a brilliant light, which struck them as they passed; but on those who would not return safe, in case they went to the war, the diamond did not shine. Such, of course, were dismissed and sent home. Now fire was then made and put into the ark? for the war. This together with the diamond, & probably some other saved things, were put into a deer skin