We now
found that the old gentleman was a mimic, as well as a very
good-natured and obliging man; for, whenever I did this he always
imitated me in such a manner as to create considerable diversion
among his own people as well as ours, and then very quietly kept
his seat. While he was sitting for his picture, the other three
stood behind him, bartering their commodities with great honesty,
but in a manner which showed them to be no strangers to traffic.
If, for instance, a knife was offered for any article, they would
hesitate for a short time, till they saw we were determined to
give no higher price, and then at once consented to the exchange.
In this case, as well as when anything was presented to them, they
immediately licked it twice with their tongues, after which they
seemed to consider the bargain satisfactorily concluded. The
youngest of the party very modestly kept behind the others, and,
before he was observed to have done so, missed several presents,
which his less diffident, though not importunate companions had
received. As the night closed in they became desirous to depart,
and they left us before dark, highly delighted with their visit.
As I had purchased one of their canoes, a boat was sent to land
its late owner, as only one person can sit in each.
Pages:
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213