WOOD-EATS. 313 



dead. The little children, however, did not seem able to 

 get over their fear, and persisted in hiding themselves, but, 

 with sharp black eyes, stared through bush or over rock, 

 regarding us with wondering inquisitiveness. The men, 

 having nothing to do but wait for their breakfast, stood 

 round at a respectful distance, eyeing us closely, and 

 talking together in low tones. Suddenly two stalwart 

 bucks, naked excepting breech-clout and moccasins, and 

 with their bows and arrows slung at their backs, dashed 

 through the circle. They were quite out of breath, and 

 covered with perspiration and dust, and seeing us in peace- 

 able conversation with their chief, struck an attitude of 

 amazement. Their appearance was so comical that none 

 of us could resist a laugh. They were two scouts who 

 had that morning seen our sign in the mountains, and, 

 without losing time to follow it, had rushed off to warn their 

 chief there were strangers on the range. 



Ere long we sat down to an appetising meal, and did 

 ample justice to it. The Indians appeared to have plenty 

 of game. There was one dish that was a novelty to us 

 Avood-rats ! These were pouched, roasted in their skins in 

 hot ashes, skinned, and served on a large leaf. They were 

 fat, their flesh looked as white and fine as a frog's, was 

 piping hot, and smelt very savoury. I took one, seasoned 

 it well with pepper and salt, eat him, and hereby testify, 

 by these presents, that wood-rat, properly cooked, is most 

 excellent eating. After breakfast Pah-Squal told us he 

 was only the war or fighting chief, his father, who was yet 

 alive, being the head of the tribe, and that it would be 

 necessary for us to see and explain all things to him. He 



