us to find things too easily. In that case everyU+00 body would be a medicine-giver, and Ohiyesa must learn that there are many secrets which the Great Mystery will disclose only to the most worthy. Only those who seek him fasting and in solitude will receive his signs." With this and many similar explanations she wrought in my soul wonderful and lively concep- tions of the "Great Mystery" and of the effects of prayer and solitude. I continued my childish questioning. "But why did you not dig those plants that we saw in the woods, of the same kind that you are digging now?" "For the same reason that we do not like the berries we find in the shadow of deep woods as well as the ones which grow in sunny places. The latter have more sweetness and flavor. Those herbs which have medicinal virtues should be sought in a place that is neither too wet nor too dry, and where they have a generous amount of sunshine to maintain their vigor. "Some day Ohiyesa will be old enough to know the secrets of medicine; then I will tell him all. But if you should grow up to be a bad man, I must withhold these treasures from you and give them to your brother, for a medicine man must be -22- |