These silences seemed to be a necessary part of all Iroquois rites.

When it closed two young warriors stretched an elm bark rope across the room from east to west and near the ceiling, but between the high chiefs and the minor chiefs.

Then they hung dressed skins all along it, until the two grades of chiefs were hidden from the view of each other.

This was the sign of mourning, and was followed by a silence.

The fires in the Long House had died down somewhat, and little was to be seen but the eyes and general outline of the people.