Male prisoners were subjected to great torture, usually by fire, and a savage cunning indeed was practiced sufferings of the victims.

in prolonging the

The next of kin was an avenger

and might inflict death on a murderer, provided he was enabled to do so within twenty-four hours. After the lapse of that time the avenger himself was liable to death if death came by Heckewelder gives the following as the war song of the Lenape warriors :

O poor me Who am going out to fight the enemy, '

!

And know not whether I shall return again,

To enjoy the embraces of my children And my wife.

O poor creature

!

Whose life is not in his own hands,

Prevent their mourning on my account

Grant that

!

may be successful in this

attempt,

That I may slay my enemy, And bring home the trophies of war To my dear family and friends, That we may rejoice together. O take pity on me Give me strength and courage to meet !

my enemy.

Who has no power over his own body,

Suffer me to return again to my children,

But tries to do his duty

To my wife And to my relations Take pity on me and preserve my life, And I will make thee a sacrifice." !

For the welfare of his nation. O thou Great Spirit above !

Take pity on my children And on my wife !

.

!

OF HUDSON'S RIVER. his hand.

A murderer was seldom killed after the first twentyfour hours were passed, but he was obliged to remain concealed ;