He took the squaws and without any ceremony whipped them severely.

On inquiring into the nature of such summary justice, we learned that this man was an officer well known to this and many other tribes.

His duty is to keep the peace, and the whole interior police of the village is confided to two or three of these officers, who are named by the chief and remain in power some days, at least till the chief appoints a successor.

They seem to be a sort of constable or sentinel, since they are always on the watch to keep tranquillity during the day and guard the camp in the night.

The short duration of the office is compensated by its authority.
His power is supreme, and in the suppression of any riot or disturbance no resistance to him is suffered; his person is sacred, and if in the execution of his duty he strikes even a chief of the second class, he cannot be punished for this salutary insolence.