INDIAN BARTER. 369 



his bow and empty quiver to show that he had no 

 more. His example was followed by the others in 

 succession, and trade was then instituted between the 

 parties ; buttons, knives, &c., being bartered by the 

 Indians in exchange for trinkets of bone and ivory, 

 furs, &c. When the stock of the Esquimaux was 

 nearly exhausted, and business began to slacken, two 

 of the Esquimaux departed to bring up the larger 

 boat (i.e. oomiak) which contained the women, and 

 more furs, &c. As these did not return quickly, two 

 more of the party departed to hasten their arrival, 

 leaving only six Esquimaux. The Loucheux being 

 apparently apprehensive that the remainder of the 

 band would also go away, invited them to go on shore, 

 while waitiilg for their boat, and have a dance ; to 

 this they acceded, but landed on the opposite side of 

 a small creek, which divided the bank at this spot. 

 The old chief was the first who stepped on shore, 

 and as he did so, he pulled off his frock, and appear- 

 ing only in breeches and mocassins, held up his arms 

 and slapped his body to show that he carried no 

 weapons : his companions did the same, and Loucheux 

 and Esquimaux then began to dance on opposite sides 

 of the creek. Good feeling appeared to be firmly 

 established, but presently, M'Kay, who with Manuel 

 was looking on, observed one of the Loucheux 



