Indian sign (1895, 1897)

[Douglas G. Wilson]

What was the basis for "Indian sign"? A hand signal (as in 'Indian sign
language')? A symbolic mark of some kind, for religious or magical purposes
or maybe for trail-blazing? Does anybody know?

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_Atlanta Constitution_, 2 Aug. 1895: p. 8:

<<NO SLEEPY MEN NEED APPLY. / Manager Knowles Will Have No In dian [sic]
Signs This Afternoon. / There won't be any somnambulistic freaks in the
game at Athletic park this [afternoon.(this word illegible -- DW)] / ....>>

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_Chicago Daily Tribune_, 30 July 1897: p. 8:

[race results: race horses]

<<Lew Hopper's price was 3 1/2 to 1 and Whitcomb's 8 to 1, although the
latter had the Indian sign on the other.>>

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-- Doug Wilson