- nates that long, high, and irregular chain of mountains
which lie parallel to the coast, dividing the waters which flow into the Pacific on the west, from those running into the Columbia on the east. This range abounds in beaver and elk, and is often frequented by the industrious hunter. At the Indian tents we saw several small packages of beaver, but we purchased none, our canoes being too small; and, besides, they will always find their way to Astoria. We have all along, however, impressed on the natives the object of our visit to their country, and the value of beaver.
The Indians have been more troublesome, more importunate and forward to-day than at any time since our arrival among them. They often expressed a wish to see what we had in our bales and boxes. The chiefs also gave us to understand that their good offices merited a reward, and they could not comprehend why people who had so much as we were not more liberal. We endeavoured to satisfy their demands, and towards evening the chiefs were invited to sleep in our camp; but for us there was no sleep: there is no rest for the wicked.
{121} CHAPTER VIII
Columbia Falls—A canoe swamped—Suspicious behaviour
of the Indians—Stratagem—Umatallow—Walla-Walla—Great
body of Indians—Harangues—Indian
ceremonies—The great forks—Difference in
the waters—Length of the forks—The British flag—Mr.
Thompson's design—Indian ideas—Salmon—European
articles—Tummatapam—Departure from
the Forks—Indian honesty—Eyakema—Marl-hills—Dead
children—Superstitions—Priest's Rapid—Rattlesnakes—Appearance
of the country—Kewaugh-*chen—Perilous
situation of a canoe—The two sisters—*
