312 A V O Y A G E T O 



'77?- yonring, by any indirect means, to get pofTefllon of it-, 

 which marked that, in fuch cafes, they were rather ai5tuated 

 by a childifli curiofity, than by a diflioneft difpofition, re- 

 gardlefs of the modes of fupplying real wants. The inha- 

 bitants of Nootka, who invaded our property, cannot have 

 fuch apology made for tliem. They were thieves in the 

 flricleft fenfe of the word ; for they pilfered nothing from 

 us, but what they knew could be converted to the purpofes 

 of private utility, and had a real value according to their 

 eftimation of things. And it was lucky for us, that nothing 

 was thought valuable by them, but the fingle articles of our 

 metals. Linen, and fuch like things, were perfectly fe- 

 cure from their depredations ; and we could fafely leave 

 them hanging out afliore all night, without watching. The 

 fame principle which prompted our Nootka friends to pilfer 

 from us, it was natural to fuppofe, would produce a fimilar 

 conduct; in their intercourfe with each other. And, ac- 

 cordingly, we had abundant reafon to believe, that dealing 

 is much pradlifcd amongft them ; and that it chiefly gives 

 rife to their quarrels ;- of which we faw more than one in- 

 stance. 



CHAP. 



