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XXV

McKINLEY AT WALLA WALLA 1841

SOON after Archibald McKinley took charge at Walla Walla, a younger brother of Elijah, rambling around the place, came upon a pile of birch seasoned for pack-saddles.

"Put that down," demanded the clerk.

"The wood is ours," retorted the boy, defiantly tucking it under his blanket.

The clerk stepped out and struck the lad. Swelling with rage, the little savage fled through the gate to his father's lodge. Archibald McKinley was busily sorting and matching furs, when he caught sight of the Walla Walla chieftain and a dozen warriors filing into the court. There was something grim in the old chiefs lofty look.

"What will you have this fine day?" inquired the politic trader, advancing and shaking hands.

"Him" roared Yellow Serpent, shaking an ominous finger at the clerk. "Big Boston say ' Indian strike white man, whip him. White man strike Indian, whip him' "The chief's attendants advanced and seized the clerk.

"What does this mean?" inquired the chief trader. The Indian deigned no reply. One drew out a lash.

"Stop! "cried McKinley, wheeling through the door of the Indian shop and returning with a copper keg of