Page:Narrative of a Voyage around the World - 1843.djvu/165

1837.] displayed, by tearing the bushy hair of his particular friend or court-fool, but not so violently as to remove it by the roots.

On the day following, I still found the chief in bad humour, and at length he despatched his fool or first aid, to know whether I intended to trade or not, as he was about to proceed immediately to Tasheis, his residence, some miles up the sound,—Nootka being merely a fishing station.

Other natives observed in a marked manner, "Macquilla go to Tasheis;" I therefore presumed that declining to trade became an insult; and, as I wished to part on the best terms, I sent to assure him that I would see him again on board, the instant I had completed my observations. I accordinlyaccordingly [sic] did so, purchased several skins, and accompanied him to the beach, where I enjoyed myself about ten minutes, witnessing the effect of his speech, describing our uniforms which he had seen, as well as his treatment on board. At each pause a complete yell issued from his myrmidons, which at times was anything but pleasant. I suppose it meant "hear, hear," as amongst most cultivated assemblies elsewhere.

Macquilla is about fifty, five feet eight inches in height, his shoulders very square in proportion, and limbs exceedingly muscular. His countenance might assume any expression, from that of determined courage to that of the kindest and mildest feelings; but not of fierceness. His complexion is whiter