LAKE SUPERIOR. 97 



cautiously, and having read of the pipe of peace, 

 thought the opportunity a good one for its introduc- 

 tion. Taking out his pouch, he gave them enough 

 tobacco to fill their pipes all round, having learnt 

 from Frank that it was not necessary to pass his 

 own from mouth to mouth, which he had considered 

 imperative, but which was not altogether plea- 

 sant. He was solicitous about their having their 

 pipes well lighted, and being pleased with the 

 tobacco, and when reassured on that head, and 

 satisfied that genial smoke was producing its natu- 

 ral efiect, he permitted Frank to give a few gentle 

 hints suggestive of our desires to ascend the river, 

 our possession of quantities of pork that we did not 

 wish to take back with us, and our anxiety to be 

 satisfied that canoes could be had. 



The subject being skilfully launched, Don ex- 

 pressed great interest in the little girl, whose name 

 he found was WajacJc, which being interpreted, 

 means Little Rat, and finally made his great point 

 by the production of his picture. This had hung 

 in our tent night after night, had been carried hi 

 our basket day by day, and had smashed its score 

 of eggs ; but now it repaid us. The hearts of the 

 savages were won, their delight was rapturous, 

 expressions of admiration were universal, the highest 

 encomiums were passed upon it, and the little chil- 

 dren, whose likenesses were really extremely pretty, 

 were as the perfection of loveliness as Frank 

 interpreted it, pronounced to be " so nice and 

 fat." 



5 



