some paces. Both parties were armed; yet an attack seemed as unlikely on
their part, as we knew it to be on our own.

I had at this time a little boy, of not more than seven years of age, in
my hand. The child seemed to attract their attention very much, for they
frequently pointed to him and spoke to each other; and as he was not
frightened, I advanced with him towards them, at the same time baring
his bosom and, shewing the whiteness of the skin. On the cloaths being
removed, they gave a loud exclamation, and one of the party, an old man,
with a long beard, hideously ugly, came close to us. I bade my little
charge not to be afraid, and introduced him to the acquaintance of this
uncouth personage. The Indian, with great gentleness, laid his hand on
the child's hat, and afterwards felt his cloaths, muttering to himself
all the while. I found it necessary, however, by this time to send away
the child, as such a close connection rather alarmed him; and in this,
as the conclusion verified, I gave no offence to the old gentleman.
Indeed it was but putting ourselves on a par with them, as I had
observed from the first, that some youths of their own, though
considerably older than the one with us, were, kept back by the grown
people.

Several more now came up, to whom, we made various presents, but our
toys seemed not to be regarded as very valuable; nor would they for a
long time make any returns to them, though before we parted, a large
club, with a head almost sufficient to fell an ox, was obtained in
exchange for a looking-glass. These people seemed at a loss to know
(probably from our want of beards) of what sex we were, which having
understood, they burst into the most immoderate fits of laughter,
talking to each other at the same time with such rapidity and
vociferation as I had never before heard. After nearly an hour's