"Ah, ha! Great Medicine!" whispered the Indians as the beautiful gifts came one by one into their hands.
"We need traders," said Red Wing, sliding his hand along the soft nap of the blankets. "That made us go into the war. Without traders we have to clothe ourselves in grass and eat the earth."
"You shall have traders," answered Clark. "I shall not let you travel five or six hundred miles to a British post."
Every September thereafter he sent them up a few presents to begin their fall hunting, and counselled his agents to listen to their complaints and render them justice.
"We must depend on policy rather than arms," said the Governor. "For they are our children, the wards of the nation."
The Indians were dined in St. Louis and entertained with music and dancing. By their dignity, moderation, and untiring forbearance, the Commissioners of Portage des Sioux exemplified the paternal benevolence of the Government.
At the end of the council Lisa started back with his chiefs, on a three months' voyage to their northern home, and on the last day of September Clark dismissed the rest.
Thus making history, the summer had stolen away. All next summer and the next were spent in making treaties, until at last there was peace along the border.
"Did you sign?" finally asked some one of Black Hawk of the British band.
"I touched the goose quill," answered the haughty chief.
So ended the War of 1812.
