C Ihe Ladies c cu. V'VVAN - History and Classics, Department of

I5304 Friendl FacesThe Indians came crowding down the bank to meet us. Gwen made agood landing, turning in gradually towards the shore, then paddling furiouslyfor a few strokes against the current before making in to the beach. The Indianchief carne first, wearing a dark blue yachting-cap and dark European clothes.He shook hands warmly and the others followed suit."Is Harry Anthony the trader here?" we asked, following the instructionsgiven to us by Mr Parsons."N 0," said the chief."Is there any white man here?" we said."One," answered the chief, as he beached the canoe and led us up the earthenpath, shaking hands again as we went. The only white man proved to be ayoungish trader named Frost, partner to Harry Anthony. He at once welcomedus into his spotlessly clean and tidy two-roomed cabin, and set to work toproduce a meal. Then we sat down to a supper of salmon, figs and fresh coffeefeeling that we never wished to see pork and beans or pemmican again.While Mr Frost was asking us about our journey, the Indian chief and anotherIndian had been sitting quite still in a corner of the room. They spoke never aword, but their eyes were gleaming in the dim light. When we talked of our futureplans and the business of getting a guide to take us to Fort Yukon, the chief saidas he rose and stepped out of the room:"See if catch im feller, perhaps catch im feller, perhaps no."Two minutes later he reappeared, having caught "David" who followed at hisheels. David was a sturdy looking young Indian and Mr Frost arranged then and