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Updated: May 16, 2025
In the centre of the throng a fire smouldered, and the smoke therefrom rose sullenly upon the dense air and drifted out through a hole in the flat roof. Man-of-the-Snow-Hill blinked his watery eyes as the strangers entered, and passed his pipe to his favourite squaw, a buxom, sleepy-eyed beauty who sat upon his right.
And each neche in turn shook the white men by the hand. The visitors filled and lighted their pipes, and passed their plugs of tobacco to the others. Then Ralph began to speak in Cree. "We come far to speak with Man-of-the-Snow-Hill," he began. The watery-eyed chief shook his head, grunting.
He made them take a supply of essences and "trade." He told them of the disposition of Man-of-the-Snow-Hill, the Moosefoot chief, assuring them he would sell his soul for strong drink. No encouragement was left ungiven, and, well before noon, the dogs stood ready in the traces.
"The white men are the friends of the Moosefoot people, and they have many presents. Have they fire-water?" Nick produced some bottles and the great man reached for them greedily. But the other withheld them. "What will Man-of-the-Snow-Hill do for the fire-water?" Ralph asked. The interpreter passed the word. "He will send his favourite squaw to guide the white men," he answered at once.
Man-of-the-Snow-Hill alone differed in his dress and attitude. He was wrapped in a large buffalo robe, and was stretched out upon a pile of skins to ease his rheumatics, while, spread out before him, were a number of charms and much "med'cine," which had been so set by his wise men to alleviate his ailments.
We come to speak with her of these things, for the time has come when she must leave her forest home and return to her own land. Man-of-the-Snow-Hill must show us the way. We have many presents which we will give him." "It is well," said the great man, closing his eyes while the water oozed from between the compressed lids.
Then he grunted intelligently as he saw the visitors deposit their pile of presents upon the floor, and, in the manner of the neche, seat themselves beside it. Ralph spoke his greeting in Indian fashion. "How," he said. "How!" replied Man-of-the-Snow-Hill, in a thin, reedy voice. And his followers echoed the sentiment in chorus. Then the aged chief held out his hand in further greeting.
And we would lay them all at the feet of the great man, the mighty hunter, if he would help us to find that which we seek." Ralph signed to his brother and Nick laid out an array of presents and passed them with due solemnity to the old man. "Ow-ow!" grunted Man-of-the-Snow-Hill, as he waved the things away to his squaw. He was not satisfied, and his eyes watered as though he were weeping.
"We wish to speak with the great Man-of-the-Snow-Hill in private," Ralph said. "We have much to say, and many presents." The chief blinked with satisfaction, and grunted appreciation. His lined face lit up. He waved one shaking arm and his followers reluctantly departed. All except the interpreter and the chief squaw. Then Ralph went on.
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