LIFE IN THE FAR WEST 93 



to guard the trader's lodge from intrusion ; and these 

 sentries amongst the thieving fraternity can be invari- 

 ably trusted. Then the Indians are invited to have a 

 drink a taste of the fire-water being given to all to 

 incite them to trade. As the crowd presses upon the 

 entrance to the lodge, and those in rear become im- 

 patient, some large-mouthed savage who has received 

 a portion of the spirit, makes his way, with his mouth 

 full of the liquor and cheeks distended, through the 

 throng, and is instantly surrounded by his particular 

 friends. Drawing the face of each, by turns, near his 

 own, he squirts a small quantity into his open mouth, 

 until the supply is exhausted, when he returns for more, 

 and repeats the generous distribution. 



When paying for the robes, the traders, in measuring 

 out the liquor in a tin half-pint cup, thrust their thumbs 

 or the four fingers of the hand into the measure, in 

 order that it may contain the less, or not unfrequently 

 fill the bottom with melted buffalo fat, with the same 

 object. So greedy are the Indians, that they never dis- 

 cover the cheat, and, once under the influence of the 

 liquor, cannot distinguish between the first cup of com- 

 paratively strong spirit, and the following ones diluted 

 five hundred per cent, and poisonously drugged to boot. 



Scenes of drunkenness, riot, and bloodshed last until 

 the trade is over. In the winter it occupies several 

 weeks, during which period the Indians present the 

 appearance, under the demoralising influence of the 

 liquor, of demons rather than of men. 



