Marks denoting similar exploits are used by the Hidatsa, Mandan, and Arikara Indians. The Hidatsa claim to have been the originators of the devices, which were subsequently adopted by the Arikara with slight variation. All of the information with reference to the following figures, 95 to 103, was obtained by Dr. W. J. Hoffman, from chiefs of the several tribes at Fort Berthold, Dakota, during the summer of 1881. The following characters are marked upon robes and blankets, usually in red or blue colors, and often upon the boat paddles. Frequently an Indian may be seen who has them even painted upon his thighs, though this is generally resorted to only on festal occasions, or for dancing: [Illustration: FIG. 95.--Successful defense. Hidatsa, etc.] Figure 95 denotes that the wearer successfully defended himself against the enemy by throwing up a ridge of earth or sand to protect the body. [Illustration: FIG. 96.--Two successful defenses. Hidatsa, etc.] Figure 96 signifies that the wearer has upon two different occasions defended himself by hiding his body within low earthworks. The character is merely a compound of two of the preceding marks placed together. Figure 97 signifies that the one who carries this mark upon his blanket, leggings, boat paddle, or any other property, or his person, has distinguished himself by capturing a horse belonging to a hostile tribe. [Illustration: FIG. 97.--Captured a horse. Hidatsa, etc.] [Illustration: FIG. 98.--First to strike an enemy. Hidatsa.] Figure 98 signifies among the Hidatsa and Mandans that the wearer was the first person to strike a fallen enemy with a coup stick. It signifies among the Arikara simply that the wearer killed an enemy. [Illustration: FIG. 99.--Second to strike an enemy. Hidatsa.] Figure 99 represents among the Hidatsa and Mandans the second person to strike a fallen enemy. It represents among the Arikara the first person to strike the fallen enemy. [Illustration: FIG. 100.--Third to strike an enemy. Hidatsa.] Figure 100 denotes the third person to strike the enemy, according to the Hidatsa and Mandan; the second person to strike him, according to the Arikara. [Illustration: FIG. 101.--Fourth to strike an enemy. Hidatsa.] Figure 101 shows among the Hidatsa and Mandan the fourth person to strike the fallen enemy. This is the highest and last number; the fifth person to risk the danger is considered brave for venturing so near the ground held by the enemy, but has no right to wear the mark. The same mark among the Arikara represents the person to be the third to strike the enemy. [Illustration: FIG. 102.--Fifth to strike an enemy. Hidatsa.] Figure 102, according to the Arikara, represents the fourth person to strike the enemy. [Illustration: FIG. 103.--Struck four enemies. Hidatsa.]