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 
