OF THE POLAR SEA. 



215 



merit and a buffalo pound, about six miles 

 from the house ; we found seven tents 

 pitched within a small cluster of pines, 

 which adjoined the pound. The largest, 

 which we entered, belonged to the chief, 

 who was absent, but came in on learning 

 our arrival. The old man (about sixty) 

 welcomed us with a hearty shake of the 

 hand, and the customary salutation of 

 " What cheer!" an expression which they 

 have gained from the traders. As we had 

 been expected, they had caused the tent to 

 be neatly arranged, fresh grass was spread 

 on the ground, buffalo robes were placed 

 on the side opposite the door for us to sit 

 on, and a kettle was on the fire to boil meat 

 for us. 



After a few minutes' conversation, an 

 invitation was given to the chief and his 

 hunters to smoke the calumet with us as a 

 token of our friendship : this was loudly 

 announced through the camp, and ten men 

 from the other tents immediately joined our 

 party. On their entrance the women and 

 children withdrew, their presence on such 



