332 ON THE FRONTIER 



These were very liberal terms, but not more so than are 

 always offered to Indians by the United States Govern- 

 ment, for it has been found much cheaper to feed than to 

 fight savages. The difficulty is to prevail upon such 

 to forego the pleasures of thieving and killing at any 

 price. 



The talkee-talkee continued until late in the day ; but 

 at length the council was closed, and Pah-Squal, stepping 

 up to X. and party, who were standing clustered together, 

 chatting and looking on, announced the result. It was to 

 the effect that he, and many more, were willing to accept 

 the terms of the treaty at once, and go on the reserve, 

 but that many of the wise men said no they ought 

 first to see the big white war-chief, who lived at the 

 fort, and hear him speak, so that there might be no 

 back talk or mistakes ; therefore, there must be another 

 meeting. In another moon the big white war chief must 

 meet them all ; and if he would speak to their face like 

 what they had heard that day, then would they know it 

 was all true, and everybody would be satisfied. That the 

 big white war-chief must then give them some more beef 

 and flour. As he was a great brave, he would no doubt 

 give greatly. 



This answer was discouraging, and thoroughly Indian. It 

 looked more as if they were trying to humbug us out of 

 presents than seriously wishing for peace. 



In reply, Pah-Squal was told that the great chief at the 

 fort had more important things to attend to than to come 

 to see them ; that he would not give them any more pre- 

 sents except through the agent when they were on the 



