At night he imitates thunder, by whirling a flint knife attached to the end of a long string, and draws brilliant flashes from pebbles which he strikes together in a peculiar manner.

For the Indian reasons that since rain is preceded in summer by lightning and thunder, man by imitating those heralds is calling the desired precipitation,--beckoning it to come.
This is the time of the year when the Koshare perform their chief work.
Four days and four nights, sometimes longer, they must fast and pray in order that the crops may obtain the moisture indispensable for ripening.
The people look upon the Delight Makers with a degree of respect akin to fear at all times, for they are regarded as powerful intermediaries in matters of life and death to the tribe; but during that particular time they are considered as specially precious to the higher powers.

Shotaye hated the Koshare.

They in turn disliked the woman, and gave vent to their dislike by turning her into ridicule at public dances as often as possible.

This she resented greatly; but she was powerless to retaliate, since the Delight Makers enjoy special privileges on festive days.