He began it by greasing his whole person carefully and smoothly over with buffalo fat, until he shone like a patent leather boot; then he rubbed himself almost dry, leaving the skin sleek and glossy.  Having proceeded thus far, he took up a small mirror, a few inches in diameter, which he or some other member of the tribe must have procured during one of their few excursions to the trading-forts of the Pale-faces, and examined himself, as well as he could, in so limited a space.  Next, he took a little vermilion from a small parcel and rubbed it over his face until it presented the somewhat demoniac appearance of a fiery red.  He also drew a broad red score along the crown of his head, which was closely shaved, with the exception of the usual tuft or scalplock on the top.  This scalplock stood bristling straight up a few inches, and then curved over and hung down his back about two feet.  Immense care and attention was bestowed on this lock.  He smoothed it, greased it, and plaited it into the form of a pigtail.  Another application was here made to the glass, and the result was evidently satisfactory, to judge from the beaming smile that played on his features.  But, not content with the general effect, he tried the effect of expression—­frowned portentously, scowled savagely, gaped hideously, and grinned horribly a ghastly smile.

Then our dandy fitted into his ears, which were bored in several places, sundry ornaments, such as rings, wampum, etc., and hung several strings of beads round his neck.  Besides these he affixed one or two ornaments to his arms, wrists, and ankles, and touched in a few effects with vermilion on the shoulders and breast.  After this, and a few more glances at the glass, he put on a pair of beautiful moccasins, which, besides being richly wrought with beads, were soft as chamois leather and fitted his feet like gloves.  A pair of leggings of scarlet cloth were drawn on, attached to a waist-belt, and bound below the knee with broad garters of variegated bead-work.

It was some time before this Adonis was quite satisfied with himself.  He retouched the paint on his shoulders several times, and modified the glare of that on his wide-mouthed, high-cheek-boned visage, before he could tear himself away; but at last he did so, and throwing a large piece of scarlet cloth over his shoulders, he thrust his looking-glass under his belt, and proceeded to mount his palfrey, which was held in readiness near to the tent door by one of his wives.  The horse was really a fine animal, and seemed worthy of a more warlike master.  His shoulders, too, were striped with red paint, and feathers were intertwined with his mane and tail, while the bridle was decorated with various jingling ornaments.

Vaulting upon his steed, with a large fan of wild goose and turkey feathers in one hand, and a whip dangling at the wrist of the other, this incomparable dandy sallied forth for a promenade—­that being his chief delight when there was no buffalo hunting to be done.  Other men who were not dandies sharpened their knives, smoked, feasted, and mended their spears and arrows at such seasons of leisure, or played at athletic games.  “Let’s follow my buck,” said Joe Blunt.