A ' WA-WA ' WITH THE KLAMATH CHIEF. 279 



when I think my men, the government property, 

 and my own life, are entirely in the hands of 

 this degraded beast. 



Addressing him in Chinook, which he for- 

 tunately understood, I explained what my mission 

 was, asked him what he meant by sending armed 

 braves in full war-paint, without any squaws, 

 amongst my mules and men ; that I was a ' King 

 George's ' chief, and what was more, that another 

 and a much greater chief was awaiting my arrival 

 on the banks of the Columbia, and if I failed to 

 come when so many suns had set over the hills, 

 he would seek me, and if harm had befallen 

 me, would surely burn up all the lodges, drive 

 off the horses, kill the braves, and perhaps hang 

 the chief. 



Handing me the all-potent pipe, he replied ' I 

 am your brother ; my heart is good ; my people 

 are assembling for a war-trail; I mean you no 

 harm. Give me two bags of flour, to pay me 

 for the grass your mules eat.' This I consent 

 to, bolt through the hole like a fox, and gallop 

 with all speed back to my camp. Not one 

 word of all this do I believe; but take addi- 

 tional precautions to guard my mules, and 

 quietly await the tide of events. About dusk the 

 chief arrives in full war-paint, which consists of 



