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and feared his power.  Four times these ceremonies were repeated. (to give validity)

Several years later the Indians were having a feast.  One afternoon Big Elk went out hunting and killed a deer with a tomahawk.  A few hours later he was stricken with a fever then epidemic among the Indians.  Big Elk called for Iron Eye and said: "My son, give me some medicine."  He sent an Indian runner to Bellevue for medicine, but it was a three day's journey, and when the carrier returned it was too late.  Just before the old chief died he sent for Iron Eye and said: "My son, I give you all my papers from Washington, and I make you head chief.  You will occupy my place.  When your brother is of age (meaning his own young son) you can do for him as is best.  I leave him in your charge.

When dying, seeing Louis, the young son of Iron Eye, he raised his hand and said; "My grandchild--" attempted to speak further, but could not.

Iron Eye then assumed the chieftanship of the tribe...Iron Eye's papers were sent to him, bearing the great seal, from Washington.  They are now in possession of his son, Frank Le Flesche, who is employed in the Indian Department at Washington, D.C.

It was impossible that a man of Iron Eye's character, determined as he was that the tribe should be brought as soon as possible to abandon the Indian mode of life...should meet with fierce opposition among his own people.  The