CHAPTER III. 



OUTFITTING INDIANS. 



In these days of keen opposition it is only at 

 the remote inland posts that we can supply the 

 Indians with system; that is, as to amount of 

 debt and a fixed time for sending them to the 

 hunting grounds. 



Taking Long Lake Post, north of Lake Su- 

 perior, as a sample to illustrate our manner in 

 rigging out hunters, I will say we appoint the 

 15th of September as the first day of supplies. 

 On that day, early in the morning, the chief and 

 his wife are called into the store, all others are 

 excluded; this is done for two reasons first, 

 the Indian himself does not like the others to 

 know what they take, or the amount of their 

 debt; and, secondly, we find that when others, 

 who are only onlookers are in the shop, they 

 distract the attention of the Indian, who is tak- 

 ing the outfit and delay us in our work. The 

 first thing done after the door is closed and 

 locked is to telk over the pros and cons with the 

 Indian as to where he is going to hunt, and his 

 prospects, and from this an amount agreed upon 

 as to the extent of his new debt. 



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