BOURGEOIS - Toronto Public Library

THE MISSIRSOURI INDIAN8 383
Fort, besides my expectation that the free-man who was trading
at the Pawnees would come and pay his debts. The B01'gne
having left, r prepared for my voyage to the Fort.
Mr. Caldweli and myself were thus occupied on a fine day
when, of a sudden, I heard my name called at the door of the lodge
by a voice which was familiar, and enquiring if I was Within.
I hastened to the door, dressed as I was in the Indian costume,
and was much surprised at seeing Mr. Charles Chaboillez (1),
Mr. Alexander Henry and Mr. Allen Macdonel, accompanied by
three men.
Their first salutation was a reproach at my dress, which 1
found at all time most convenient in an Indian lodge, very
light and cool in the warm season. Let any man living with
the Indians take t.he idea of " Savage" from his mind and he
will find their dress much more convenient. He can pass
through the crowd, day and night, wiLhout exciting curiosity or
draw a throng of children and barking dogs. It was for this
reason that I wore the l!idian dress while in their village
and with no intent of adopting their manners.
Having announced the eminence of these strangers, the news
ran through the village like shot. Many, incited by Indian
hospitality, came with the best their humble huts could afford)
such as fresh and dried fruit, sweet corn prepared in different
manners, green pumpkins and beans, meats green and dried 1
while others thronged in by mere curiosity to see the North
Chiefs of whom they had heard so much) and had formed such
romantic ideas, while at a distance. For the sake of Mr. Chaboillez
and Mr. Henry's characters I gave a bit of tobacco to
those who brought them to eat; though it was less than they
expected on that occasion, they said nothing.
The chiefs, who were, bolder, began to question me concerning
the dignity and influence of these strangers and their motives
(1) The son of Mr. Charles J. Ete Chl1boiJIez. See:" E8qui8" hi8toriq"'."