They Were About To Set Out On An Expedition To The Hootsenoos To
Collect Blankets As Indemnity Or Blood-Money For The Death Of A
Chilcat Woman From Drinking Whiskey Furnished By One Of The Hootsenoo
Tribe.
In case of their refusal to pay, there would be fighting, and
one of the chiefs begged that we would pray them good luck, so that
no one would be killed.
This he asked as a favor, after begging that
we would grant permission to go on this expedition, promising that
they would avoid bloodshed if possible. He spoke in a very natural
and easy tone and manner always serene and so much of a polished
diplomat that all polish was hidden. The younger chief stood while
speaking, the elder sat on the floor. None of the congregation had a
word to say, though they gave approving nods and shrugs.
The house was packed at every meeting, two a day. Some climbed on the
roof to listen around the smoke opening. I tried in vain to avoid
speechmaking, but, as usual, I had to say something at every meeting.
I made five speeches here, all of which seemed to be gladly heard,
particularly what I said on the different kinds of white men and
their motives, and their own kindness and good manners in making
strangers feel at home in their houses.
The chief had a slave, a young and good-looking girl, who waited on
him, cooked his food, lighted his pipe for him, etc.
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