OF THE POLAR SEA. m 



present might escape the sickness which was then prevalent, and be 

 blessed with constant health. Some other supplications followed, 

 which we could not get interpreted without interrupting the whole 

 proceeding. To each of these supplications the whole Indian party 

 assented by exclaiming Aha ; when he had .finished them the old 

 man drank a little and passed the cup round. After these ceremo- 

 nies each person smoked at his leisure, and they engaged in a general 

 conversation, which I regretted not understanding, as it seemed 

 to be very humorous, exciting frequent bursts of laughter. The 

 younger men, in particular, appeared to ridicule the abstinence of 

 one of the party, who neither drank nor smoked. He bore their 

 jeering with perfect composure, and assured them, as I was told, 

 they would be better if they would follow his example. I was 

 happy to learn from Mr. Prudens, that this man was not only one 

 of the best hunters, but the most cheerful and contented man of 

 the tribe. 



Four Stone Indians arrived at this time, and were invited into the 

 tent, but one only accepted the invitation and partook of the fare. 

 When Mr. Prudens heard the others refuse, he gave immediate direc- 

 tions that our horses should be narrowly watched, as he suspected 

 these fellows wished to carry them off. Having learned that they 

 considered Mr. Back and myself to be war chiefs, possessing great 

 power, and that they expected we should make some address to 

 them, I desired them to be kind to the traders, and to be indus- 

 trious in procuring them provision and furs, and to refrain from 

 stealing their stores and horses ; and I assured them, if I heard of 

 their continuing to behave kindly, that I would mention their good 

 conduct in the strongest terms to their Great Father across the 

 sea, (by which appellation they designate the King), whose favour- 

 able consideration they had been taught by the traders to value most 

 highly. 



They all promised to follow my advice, and assured me it was 



