Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 8.djvu/110

 102 T. W. DAVENPORT. contributed to mutual confidence, affection and respect, in- stead of degradation and, through familiarity, loss of dignity and esteem. Our experience was, that all persons so admitted became more kind and respectful as time passed on. The common Indians, one at a time, as we requested, knocked at the door, were invited to enter and be seated at the fireplace. One chair was reserved for such purpose and the sitter, after an hour of silent inspection, would pass out and another would enter and take his place. Day after day for weeks this was kept up without any question hinting at intrusion. Sometimes I or my wife would ask if we could do anything for them, and the invariable answer was, the Walla Walla word wato, or the Chinook wake (no.) Our little daughter, then five years old, having learned a few words of Chinook, would essay a con- versation, which always produced a relaxation of countenance indicative of sympathy. I had been busy for a month, making out the annuity lists, when the interpreter entered one day about noon and informed me that the council house was full of Indians who had sent him to request my attendance forthwith. I asked him whar appeared to be the matter, as I had not heard of any dissatis faction with my way of managing. "Oh, you will know when you have heard what the Indians have to say." "But, Antoine, tell me of their wants that I may have time to call my thoughts together." ' ' You will have time enough, ' ' he said, and I could observ-j from the pleased expression of his face that some surprise was in store for me. Upon entering the house and looking around, I saw at once that this was no impromptu gathering; seats had been pre- pared and there, in perfect silence, sat as many as 200 Indians. Howlish Wampo, in his fine cloak, was in his usual place as master of ceremonies. He, too, looked pleased, and for the life of me I could not guess the purpose of this unexpected meeting. With rather suppressed gravity the chief arose and