"Travels in Alaska 



all polish was hidden. The younger chief stood while 

 speaking, the elder sat on the floor. None of the con- 

 gregation had a word to say, though they gave ap- 

 proving nods and shrugs. 



The house was packed at every meeting, two a day. 

 Some climbed on the roof to listen around the smoke 

 opening. I tried in vain to avoid speechmaking, but, 

 as usual, I had to say something at every meeting. I 

 made five speeches here, all of which seemed to be 

 gladly heard, particularly what I said on the differ- 

 ent kinds of white men and their motives, and their 

 own kindness and good manners in making strangers 

 feel at home in their houses. 



The chief had a slave, a young and good-looking 

 girl, who waited on him, cooked his food, lighted his 

 pipe for him, etc. Her servitude seemed by no means 

 galling. In the morning, just before we left on the 

 return trip, interpreter John overheard him telling 

 her that after the teacher came from Wrangell, he 

 was going to dress her well and send her to school and 

 use her in every way as if she were his own daughter. 

 Slaves are still owned by the richest of the Thlinkits. 

 Formerly, many of them were sacrificed on great oc- 

 casions, such as the opening of a new house or the 

 erection of a totem pole. Kadachan ordered John to 

 take a pair of white blankets out of his trunk and 

 wrap them about the chiefs shoulders, as he sat by 

 the fire. This gift was presented without ceremony 

 or saying a single word. The chief scarcely noticed 

 the blankets, only taking a corner in his hand, as if 

 testing the quality of the wool. Toyatte had been an 



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