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Fairfax, OK.
Jan. 26. 1917.

My dear M.

I returned here at half past twelve. My host and I started from here to Grayhorse at half past nine to see the old lady of the loom. She was at home according to appointment, and she wasted no time in getting the loom from the garret. It is like the one I already have but I succeeded in getting from the old lady the Rush Mat ritual and Lamentation that follows it, and the Dream Ritual that has to do with the weeping willow. Both rituals are short but interesting and add to the other rituals in their indication of the thought of the ancient Osage. The Lamentation is most heart-rending and was given in all its earnestness. Words cannot express its grief-stirring gravity, it must be heard to get the impression that it produces. I think it is going to be a job for you to put it down in musical notation. You will have to study the swell signs and all other musical signs. The sobs will probably be the hardest to write. When you hear it you will get an idea of the wailing of the women at some of the old ceremonies. The loom is interesting as she, the official weaver, her marks for the measurement of the outer bag for the wa-xo-be. The full length is required for the rush mat.

Soon after dinner I went to the post office and got your letter dated the 23rd. I was getting to be very uneasy about you as I have not received word