approached softly so near, that they could stare them in the face, and
then raised a most frightful yell, which commonly terrified the
Europeans thus taken by surprise, and threw them into such confusion,
that they left all, and were glad if they escaped with their lives.
If, however, the Europeans did not allow themselves to be frightened
by the unexpected cry, but received them in a friendly manner, and
made offer to trade, the Esquimaux would agree with seeming
cordiality; and having sent off their boats and families, the men
returned in their kaiaks bringing a few whale-fins to sell, and
entered upon a very amicable-like traffic. This kind of intercourse
they would continue for some days, till, having gained the confidence
of the strangers and thrown them off their guard, then the most
resolute and strongest of the Esquimaux, concealing their long knives
in a secret sheath in their left sleeve, would enter upon a bargain
for some more fins, and while adjusting it with the greatest show of
friendship, each would seize the trader with whom he was dealing, as
if he meant to embrace him, and on a given sign by their leader, would
plunge his knife into his heart. In this manner the whole were cut
off, and their property became the prey of the savages, who, when they
had fairly cleaned Chateau Bay, would set sail to renew their
depredations in other quarters, and if dark and misty weather
favoured, and their force was sufficient, they would even scour the
straits of Bellisle, or roam during the night in search of booty
through the neighbouring islands. Such was the character of the
savages the Moravians were desirous to civilize; how they succeeded,
the following pages will show.