T'he Country of the Chilcats 



effect of the poison on Toyatte's old enemies. At 8.30 

 P.M. we set out again on the turn of the tide, though 

 the crew did not rehsh this night work. Naturally 

 enough, they liked to stay in camp when wind and 

 tide were against us, but did n't care to make up lost 

 time after dark however wooingly wind and tide might 

 flow and blow. Kadachan, John, and Charley rowed, 

 and Toyatte steered and paddled, assisted now and 

 then by me. The wind moderated and almost died 

 away, so that we made about fifteen miles in six 

 hours, when the tide turned and snow began to fall. 

 We ran into a bay nearly opposite Berner's Bay, 

 where three or four families of Chilcats were camped, 

 who shouted when they heard us landing and de- 

 manded our names. Our men ran to the huts for news 

 before making camp. The Indians proved to be hunt- 

 ers, who said there were plenty of wild sheep on the 

 mountains back a few miles from the head of the bay. 

 This interview was held at three o'clock in the morn- 

 ing, a rather early hour. But Indians never resent any 

 such disturbance provided there is anything worth 

 while to be said or done. By four o'clock we had our 

 tents set, a fire made and some coffee, while the snow 

 was falling fast. Toyatte was out of humor with this 

 night business. He wanted to land an hour or two 

 before we did, and then, when the snow began to fall 

 and we all wanted to find a camping-ground as soon 

 as possible, he steered out into the middle of the canal, 

 saying grimly that the tide was good. He turned, 

 however, at our orders, but read us a lecture at 

 the first opportunity, telling us to start early if we 



[165I 



