Volume 1

SPEEDING THE PARTING GUESTS.
4OI
head of the gang is that old sneaking cheat Mons. Jussaume,
whose character is more despicable than the worst among
the natives. While saddling our horses we found them verytroublesome,
and they attempted to steal everything they
could lay their hands on
; even our stirrups tempted them.
They pillaged us of a broad girth in a very daring manner,
while we were actually standing near our own horses ;
it disappeared
in a moment among the crowd and could not be
found again. They appeared eager also to have the two
European saddles and bridles which belonged to Mr. Chaboillez
and myself ; and, had a favorable opportunity presented,
would have stolen them. But our landlord, Le
Grand, and his family were very attentive in watching our
property to prevent it being stolen ; nor did their kindness
end there. He insisted on crossing me over the river himself,
and with the assistance of
his young wife and his sons
he saw all my little baggage safely delivered on the N. side ;
he even took the trouble to give my horse into my own
hands. The whole family shook my hand in a very friendly
manner, made me understand that if ever I came this way
again I must take up my lodgings in their hut, and then
returned to their village.
At three o'clock we were all safely lodged in Black Cat's
hut, whom we found as usual very civil and complaisant,
although he plainly saw we had nothing to
pay him for his
trouble. This man is one of the best Indians we met on the
Missourie. We found what articles we had left in his
charge all in good order, and carefully hung up to keep
them from the mice. He even gave me his best horse upon
credit; payment to be sent this fall by any opportunity.
This was considered an extraordinary circumstance for a
Mandane. He gave us several instances of his good nature
and generosity while we were packing ; every assistance in
his power he gave us, without any expectation of payment.
Being almost entirely destitute of tobacco for our journey,
he gave us some of their own manufacture. As that herb
is not yet arrived at maturity, they use only the blossoms