No one knew or remembered the reason.

Henry thought that the cave had been an ancient receptacle for the bones of persons who had been sacrificed and devoured at war feasts; for, however contemptuous they may be of the flesh, the Amerindians paid particular attention to the bones of human beings--whether friends, relations, or enemies--preserving them unbroken, and depositing them in some place kept exclusively for that purpose.
The great chief of the Ojibwes, however, advised that Henry, who had rejoined Wawatam, should be dressed in disguise as an Indian to save him from any further harm, for the natives all round about were preparing for what they believed to be an inevitable war with the English.
"I could not but consent to the proposal, and the chief was so kind as to assist my friend and his family in effecting that very day the desired metamorphosis.

My hair was cut off, and my head shaved, with the exception of a spot on the crown, of about twice the diameter of a crown piece.

My face was painted with three or four different colours; some parts of it red, and others black.

A shirt was provided for me, painted with vermilion, mixed with grease.