OF THE POLAR SEA. 173 
finished them the old man drank a little arid 
passed the cup round. After these ceremonies 
each person smoked at his leisure, and they en- 
gaged in a general conversation, which I regretted 
not understanding, as it seemed to be very hu- 
morous, exciting frequent bursts of laughter. 
The younger men, in particular, appeared to 
ridicule the abstinence of one of the party, who 
neither drank nor smoked. He bore their jeer- 
ing with perfect composure, and assured them, as 
I was told, they would be better if they would 
follow his example. I was happy to learn from 
Mr. Prudens, that this man was not only one of 
the best hunters, but the most cheerful and con- 
tented person of the tribe. a. 
Four Stone Indians arrived at this time, and 
Were invited into the tent, but one only accepted 
the invitation and partook of the fare. When 
Mr. Prudens heard the others refuse, he gave im- 
mediate directions that our horses should be nar- 
towly watched, as he suspected these fellows 
wished to carry them off. Having learned that 
these Crees considered Mr. Back and myself to 
be war chiefs, possessing great power, and that 
they expected we should make some address to 
them, I desired them to be kind to the traders, 
to be industrious in procuring them provision and 
furs, and to refrain from stealing their stores and 
