Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 5.djvu/271

Rh in his preface. The bird, a fine large male, was perched on a stump close to the village of Cockqua, one of the principal chiefs of the Chenook nation. This tribe was at war with the Clatsops and some other Indians, as mentioned before, and many were the feats of strength and dexterity which they performed, in order to show their superior power, among which were hitting a mark with bow and arrows, and a gun. One individual passed the arrows through a small hoop of grass, six inches in diameter, thrown up in the air by another person, and then with his rifle struck a mark 110 yards distant, explaining that none of King George's chiefs could do the like, any more than chaunt the death song, and dance war dances with him. On this bravado, deeming it a good opportunity to show myself a fair marksman, the poor SilverHeaded Eagle was made to pay for it. I lifted my gun, which was charged with swan shot, walked to within forty-five yards of the bird, and throwing a stone to raise him, brought him down when flying. This had the desired effect; many of the natives, who never think of the possibility of shunting an object in motion, laid their hands on their mouths in token of fear, a common gesture with them. The fellow, however, still showing himself inclined to maintain his superiority, gave me a shot at his hat, which he threw up himself, when my shot carried away all the crown, leaving nothing but the brim. My fame was hereupon sounded through the whole country, and a high value attached to my gun. Ever since I have found it of the utmost importance to bring down a bird flying when I go near any of their lodges, at the same time taking care to make it appear as a little matter, not done on purpose to be observed. With regard to the hat in question. I may mention that it was woven of the roots of Helonias tenax, which the Indians of the Columbia call Quip-Quip, and on my observing the tissue with attention, Cockqua promised that his little girl, 12 years of age, should make me three or four after the European shape, giving me at the same time his own hat, and a large collection of baskets, cups, and pouches of the same material, fur which I paid in tobacco,