164 JOURNEY TO THE SHORES 
probably have two or three dozen of them hanging 
at equal distances on locks of hair, from each side 
of the forehead. At the end of these locks, small 
coral bells are sometimes attached, which tingle 
at every motion of the head, a noise which seems 
greatly to delight the wearer; sometimes strings 
of buttons are bound round the head like a tiara; 
and a bunch of feathers gracefully crowns the 
head. : 
The Stone Indians steal whatever they can, 
particularly horses; these animals they maintain 
are common property, sent by the Almighty for 
the general use of man, and theréfore may be 
taken wherever met with ; still they admit of the 
right of the owners to watch them, and to prevent 
theft if possible. This avowed disposition on 
their part calls forth the strictest vigilance at the 
different posts ; notwithstanding which the most 
daring attacks are often successfully made, some- 
times on parties of three or four, but oftener on 
individuals. About two years ago a band of | 
them had the audacity to attempt to take away 
some horses which were grazing before the gate 
of the N.W. Company’s fort ; and, after braving 
the fire from the few people then at the establish- 
ment through the whole day, and returning their 
‘Shots occasionally, they actually succeeded in 
their enterprise. One man was killed on each 
