this purpose made a journey thither a few weeks ago. A happy combination
of circumstances at home made it possible for me to accompany him.

After three days of travel in pony-cart, we came in sight of the White
River, and before descending into the valley and crossing the river
caught a glimpse of the station building and the villages on the hills
near it. Climbing the hill at the rear of the station, we drove into the
yard, completely surprising Mr. Cross, who, nevertheless gave us a most
hearty welcome.

As soon as the news of our arrival had spread, we began to have
visitors, but, knowing that I should not see many of the people,
especially the older women, unless I went to their homes, I arranged
with Mr. Cross to take me to the different villages. We spent two days
in going about.

I should think there are between forty and fifty houses in the three
villages near there. In each of two houses, we found _three wives_ and
ten children, and the others were well populated. All were in ignorance,
and filth, and degradation, pitiable to see. Some babies nearly a year
old had never been thoroughly washed since their birth. Some of the
older people had never been to the school-house. A few rather pride
themselves upon keeping aloof from the native teacher and the various
exercises he conducts. We were pleasantly received at all the places.
Some of the people had heard of "The Sacred Herald's" wife, though they
had never seen me.

Wishing to have all the women come to the school-house, that I might see
more of them and have them meet Virginia De Coteau, the teacher's wife,
we invited them to a feast. This is something the Dakotas are very fond