第9章

SometimestheDiggersaspiretonoblergame，andsucceedinentrappingtheantelope， thefleetestanimaloftheprairies。Theprocessbywhichthisiseffectedissomewhat singular。Whenthesnowhasdisappeared，saysCaptainBonneville，andtheground becomesoft，thewomengointothethickestfieldsofwormwood，andpullingitupin greatquantities，constructwithitahedge，aboutthreefeethigh，inclosingabouta hundredacres。Asingleopeningisleftfortheadmissionofthegame。Thisdone，the womenconcealthemselvesbehindthewormwood，andwaitpatientlyforthecomingof theantelopes；whichsometimesenterthisspacioustrapinconsiderablenumbers。As soonastheyarein，thewomengivethesignal，andthemenhastentoplaytheirpart。 Butoneofthementersthepenatatime；and，afterchasingtheterrifiedanimalsround theinclosure，isrelievedbyoneofhiscompanions。Inthiswaythehunterstaketheir turns，relievingeachother，andkeepingupacontinuedpursuitbyrelays，without fatiguetothemselves。Thepoorantelopes，intheend，aresowearieddown，thatthe wholepartyofmenenteranddispatchthemwithclubs；notoneescapingthathas enteredtheinclosure。Themostcuriouscircumstanceinthischaseis，thatananimalso fleetandagileastheantelope，andstrainingforitslife，shouldrangeroundandround thisfatedinclosure，withoutattemptingtooverleapthelowbarrierwhichsurroundsit。Such，however，issaidtobethefact；andsuchtheironlymodeofhuntingtheantelope。Notwithstandingtheabsenceofallcomfortandconvenienceintheirhabitations，and thegeneralsqualidnessoftheirappearance，theShoshokoesdonotappeartobe destituteofingenuity。Theymanufacturegoodropes，andevenatolerablyfinethread， fromasortofweedfoundintheirneighborhood；andconstructbowlsandjugsoutofa kindofbasket-workformedfromsmallstripsofwoodplaited：these，bytheaidofalittle wax，theyrenderperfectlywatertight。Besidetherootsonwhichtheymainlydependfor subsistence，theycollectgreatquantitiesofseed，ofvariouskinds，beatenwithone handoutofthetopsoftheplantsintowoodenbowlsheldforthatpurpose。Theseed thuscollectediswinnowedandparched，andgroundbetweentwostonesintoakindofmealorflour；which，whenmixedwithwater，formsaverypalatablepasteorgruel。Someofthesepeople，moreprovidentandindustriousthantherest，layupastockof driedsalmon，andotherfish，forwinter：withthese，theywerereadytotrafficwiththe travellersforanyobjectsofutilityinIndianlife；givingalargequantityinexchangeforan awl，aknife，orafish-hook。Otherswereinthemostabjectstateofwantandstarvation； andwouldevengatherupthefish-boneswhichthetravellersthrewawayafterarepast，warmthemoveragainatthefire，andpickthemwiththegreatestavidity。ThefartherCaptainBonnevilleadvancedintothecountryoftheseRootDiggers，the moreevidenceheperceivedoftheirrudeandforlorncondition。“Theyweredestitute，“ sayshe，“ofthenecessarycoveringtoprotectthemfromtheweather；andseemedto beinthemostunsophisticatedignoranceofanyotherproprietyoradvantageintheuse ofclothing。Oneolddamehadabsolutelynothingonherpersonbutathreadroundherneck，fromwhichwaspendantasolitarybead。”Whatstageofhumandestitution，however，istoodestituteforvanity！Thoughthese nakedandforlorn-lookingbeingshadneithertoilettoarrange，norbeautyto contemplate，theirgreatestpassionwasforamirror。Itwasa“greatmedicine，“intheir eyes。Thesightofonewassufficient，atanytime，tothrowthemintoaparoxysmof eagernessanddelight；andtheywerereadytogiveanythingtheyhadforthesmallest fragmentinwhichtheymightbeholdtheirsqualidfeatures。Withthissimpleinstanceof vanity，initsprimitivebutvigorousstate，weshallcloseourremarksontheRoot Diggers。[ReturntoContents]Irving”sBonneville-Chapter30[ReturntoContents]WashingtonIrving”sTheAdventuresofCaptainBonnevilleChapter30Temperatureoftheclimate——RootDiggersonhorseback——AnIndian guide——Mountainprospects——TheGrandRond——DifficultiesonSnake River——AscrambleovertheBlueMountains——Sufferingsfrom hunger——ProspectoftheImmahahValley——TheexhaustedtravellerTHETEMPERATUREoftheregionswestoftheRockyMountainsis muchmilderthaninthesamelatitudesontheAtlanticside；the upperplains，however，whichlieatadistancefromthesea-coast，aresubjectinwinterto considerablevicissitude；being traversedbylofty“sierras，“crownedwithperpetualsnow，which oftenproduceflawsandstreaksofintensecoldThiswas experiencedbyCaptainBonnevilleandhiscompanionsintheir progresswestward。AtthetimewhentheylefttheBannacksSnake Riverwasfrozenhard：astheyproceeded，theicebecamebroken andfloating；itgraduallydisappeared，andtheweatherbecame warmandpleasant，astheyapproachedatributarystreamcalled theLittleWyer；andthesoil，whichwasgenerallyofawatery clay，withoccasionalintervalsofsand，wassofttothetreadof thehorses。Afteratime，however，themountainsapproachedand flankedtheriver；thesnowlaydeepinthevalleys，andthecurrentwasoncemoreicebound。HeretheywerevisitedbyapartyofRootDiggers，whowere apparentlyrisingintheworld，fortheyhad“horsetorideand weapontowear，“andwerealtogetherbettercladandequipped thananyofthetribethatCaptainBonnevillehadmetwith。They werejustfromtheplainofBoiseeRiver，wheretheyhadlefta numberoftheirtribe，allaswellprovidedasthemselves；having guns，horses，andcomfortableclothing。Allthesetheyobtained fromtheLowerNezPerces，withwhomtheywereinhabits[sic]of frequenttraffic。Theyappearedtohaveimbibedfromthattribe theirnoncombativeprinciples，beingmildandinoffensivein theirmanners。Likethem，also，theyhadsomethingofreligious feelings；forCaptainBonnevilleobservedthat，beforeeating， theywashedtheirhands，andmadeashortprayer；whichhe understoodwastheirinvariablecustom。FromtheseIndians，he obtainedaconsiderablesupplyoffish，andanexcellentand well-conditionedhorse，toreplaceonewhichhadbecometooweakforthejourney。Thetravellersnowmovedforwardwithrenovatedspirits；the snow，itistrue，laydeeperanddeeperastheyadvanced，but theytrudgedonmerrily，consideringthemselveswellprovidedforthejourney，whichcouldnotbeofmuchlongerduration。TheyhadintendedtoproceedupthebanksofGunCreek，astream whichflowsintoSnakeRiverfromthewest；butwereassuredby thenativesthattherouteinthatdirectionwasimpracticable。 ThelatteradvisedthemtokeepalongSnakeRiver，wherethey wouldnotbeimpededbythesnow。TakingoneoftheDiggersfora guide，theysetoffalongtheriver，andtotheirjoysoonfound thecountryfreefromsnow，ashadbeenpredicted，sothattheir horsesoncemorehadthebenefitoftolerablepasturage。Their Diggerprovedanexcellentguide，trudgingcheerilyinthe advance。Hemadeanunsuccessfulshotortwoatadeeranda beaver；butatnightfoundarabbithole，whenceheextractedthe occupant，uponwhich，withtheadditionofafishgivenhimby thetravellers，hemadeaheartysupper，andretiredtorest，filledwithgoodcheerandgoodhumor。Thenextdaythetravellerscametowherethehillsclosedupon theriver，leavinghereandthereintervalsofundulatingmeadow land。Theriverwassheetedwithice，brokenintohillsatlong intervals。TheDiggerkeptonaheadoftheparty，crossingand recrossingtheriverinpursuitofgame，until，unluckily， encounteringabrotherDigger，hestoleoffwithhim，withouttheceremonyofleave-taking。Beingnowlefttothemselves，theyproceededuntiltheycameto someIndianhuts，theinhabitantsofwhichspokealanguage totallydifferentfromanytheyhadyetheard。One，however， understoodtheNezPercelanguage，andthroughhimtheymade inquiriesastotheirroute。TheseIndianswereextremelykind andhonest，andfurnishedthemwithasmallquantityofmeat；butnoneofthemcouldbeinducedtoactasguides。Immediatelyintherouteofthetravellerslayahighmountain， whichtheyascendedwithsomedifficulty。Theprospectfromthe summitwasgrandbutdisheartening。Directlybeforethemtowered theloftiestpeaksofImmahah，risingfarhigherthanthe elevatedgroundonwhichtheystood：ontheotherhand，theywere enabledtoscanthecourseoftheriver，dashingalongthrough deepchasms，betweenrocksandprecipices，untillostina distantwildernessofmountains，whichclosedthesavagelandscape。Theyremainedforalongtimecontemplating，withperplexedand anxiouseye，thiswildcongregationofmountainbarriers，and seekingtodiscoversomepracticablepassage。Theapproachof eveningobligedthemtogiveupthetask，andtoseeksome campinggroundforthenight。Movingbrisklyforward，and plungingandtossingthroughasuccessionofdeepsnow-drifts， theyatlengthreachedavalleyknownamongtrappersasthe“GrandRond，“whichtheyfoundentirelyfreefromsnow。Thisisabeautifulandveryfertilevalley，abouttwentymiles longandfiveorsixbroad；abrightcoldstreamcalledtheFourchedeGlace，orIceRiver，runsthroughit。Itssheltered situation，embosomedinmountains，rendersitgoodpasturaging groundinthewintertime；whentheelkcomedowntoitingreat numbers，drivenoutofthemountainsbythesnow。TheIndians thenresorttoittohunt。Theylikewisecometoitinthesummer timetodigthecamashroot，ofwhichitproducesimmense quantities。Whenthisplantisinblossom，thewholevalleyis tintedbyitsblueflowers，andlooksliketheoceanwhenovercastbyacloud。Afterpassinganightinthisvalley，thetravellersinthe morningscaledtheneighboringhills，tolookoutforamore eligibleroutethanthatuponwhichtheyhadunluckilyfallen； and，aftermuchreconnoitring，determinedtomaketheirwayonce moretotheriver，andtotravelupontheicewhenthebanksshouldproveimpassable。Ontheseconddayafterthisdetermination，theywereagainupon SnakeRiver，but，contrarytotheirexpectations，itwasnearly freefromice。Anarrowribandranalongtheshore，andsometimes therewasakindofbridgeacrossthestream，formedofoldice andsnow。Forashorttime，theyjoggedalongthebank，with tolerablefacility，butatlengthcametowheretheriverforced itswayintotheheartofthemountains，windingbetween tremendouswallsofbasalticrock，thatroseperpendicularlyfrom thewater”sedge，frowninginbleakandgloomygrandeur。Here difficultiesofallkindsbesettheirpath。Thesnowwasfromtwo tothreefeetdeep，butsoftandyielding，sothatthehorseshad nofoothold，butkeptplungingforward，strainingthemselvesby perpetualefforts。Sometimesthecragsandpromontoriesforced themuponthenarrowribandoficethatborderedtheshore； sometimestheyhadtoscrambleovervastmassesofrockwhichhad tumbledfromtheimpendingprecipices；sometimestheyhadto crossthestreamuponthehazardousbridgesoficeandsnow， sinkingtothekneeateverystep；sometimestheyhadtoscale slipperyacclivities，andtopassalongnarrowcornices，glazed withiceandsleet，ashoulderingwallofrockononeside，a yawningprecipiceontheother，whereasinglefalsestepwould havebeenfatal。Inalowerandlessdangerouspass，twooftheir horsesactuallyfellintotheriver；onewassavedwithmuch difficulty，buttheboldnessoftheshorepreventedtheirrescuingtheother，andhewassweptawaybytherapidcurrent。Inthiswaytheystruggledforward，manfullybravingdifficulties anddangers，untiltheycametowherethebedoftheriverwas narrowedtoamerechasm，withperpendicularwallsofrockthat defiedallfurtherprogress。Turningtheirfacesnowtothe mountain，theyendeavoredtocrossdirectlyoverit；but，after clamberingnearlytothesummit，foundtheirpathclosedbyinsurmountablebarriers。Nothingnowremainedbuttoretracetheirsteps。Todescenda craggedmountain，however，wasmoredifficultanddangerousthan toascendit。Theyhadtolowerthemselvescautiouslyandslowly， fromsteeptosteep；and，whiletheymanagedwithdifficultyto maintaintheirownfooting，toaidtheirhorsesbyholdingon firmlytotheropehalters，asthepooranimalsstumbledamong slipperyrocks，orsliddownicydeclivities。Thus，afteraday ofintensecold，andsevereandincessanttoil，amidstthe wildestofscenery，theymanaged，aboutnightfall，toreachthe campingground，fromwhichtheyhadstartedinthemorning，and forthefirsttimeinthecourseoftheirruggedandperilous expedition，felttheirheartsquailingundertheirmultipliedhardships。Aheartysupper，atranquillizingpipe，andasoundnight”s sleep，putthemallinbettermood，andinthemorningtheyheld aconsultationastotheirfuturemovements。Aboutfourmiles behind，theyhadremarkedasmallridgeofmountainsapproaching closelytotheriver。Itwasdeterminedtoscalethisridge，and seekapassageintothevalleywhichmustliebeyond。Shouldthey failinthis，butonealternativeremained。Tokilltheirhorses， drythefleshforprovisions，makeboatsofthehides，and，in these，committhemselvestothestream——ameasurehazardousintheextreme。Ashortmarchbroughtthemtothefootofthemountain，butits steepandcraggedsidesalmostdiscouragedhope。Theonlychance ofscalingitwasbybrokenmassesofrock，piledoneupon another，whichformedasuccessionofcrags，reachingnearlyto thesummit。Upthesetheywroughttheirwaywithindescribable difficultyandperil，inazigzagcourse，climbingfromrockto rock，andhelpingtheirhorsesupafterthem；whichscrambled amongthecragslikemountaingoats；nowandthendislodgingsome hugestone，which，themomenttheyhadleftit，wouldrolldown themountain，crashingandreboundingwithterrificdin。Itwas sometimeafterdarkbeforetheyreachedakindofplatformon thesummitofthemountain，wheretheycouldventuretoencamp。 Thewinds，whichsweptthisnakedheight，hadwhirledallthe snowintothevalleybeneath，sothatthehorsesfoundtolerable winterpasturageonthedrygrasswhichremainedexposed。The travellers，thoughhungryintheextreme，werefaintomakea veryfrugalsupper；fortheysawtheirjourneywaslikelytobeprolongedmuchbeyondtheanticipatedterm。Infact，onthefollowingdaytheydiscernedthat，although alreadyatagreatelevation，theywereonlyasyetuponthe shoulderofthemountain。Itprovedtobeagreatsierra，or ridge，ofimmenseheight，runningparalleltothecourseofthe river，swellingbydegreestoloftypeaks，buttheoutlinegashed bydeepandprecipitousravines。This，infact，wasapartofthe chainofBlueMountains，inwhichthefirstadventurerstoAstoriaexperiencedsuchhardships。Wewillnotpretendtoaccompanythetravellersstepbystepin thistremendousmountainscramble，intowhichtheyhad unconsciouslybetrayedthemselves。Dayafterdaydidtheirtoil continue；peakafterpeakhadtheytotraverse，strugglingwith difficultiesandhardshipsknownonlytothemountaintrapper。As theircourselaynorth，theyhadtoascendthesouthernfacesof theheights，wherethesunhadmeltedthesnow，soastorender theascentwetandslippery，andtokeepbothmenandhorses continuallyonthestrain；whileonthenorthernsides，thesnow layinsuchheavymasses，thatitwasnecessarytobeatatrack downwhichthehorsesmightbeled。Everynowandthen，also， theirwaywasimpededbytallandnumerouspines，someofwhichhadfallen，andlayineverydirection。Inthemidstofthesetoilsandhardships，theirprovisionsgave out。Forthreedaystheywerewithoutfood，andsoreducedthat theycouldscarcelydragthemselvesalong。Atlengthoneofthe mules，beingabouttogiveoutfromfatigueandfamine，they hastenedtodispatchhim。Husbandingthismiserablesupply，they driedtheflesh，andforthreedayssubsisteduponthenutriment extractedfromthebones。Astothemeat，itwaspackedand preservedaslongastheycoulddowithoutit，notknowinghowlongtheymightremainbewilderedinthesedesolateregions。Oneofthemenwasnowdispatchedahead，toreconnoitrethe country，andtodiscover，ifpossible，somemorepracticable route。Inthemeantime，therestofthepartymovedonslowly。 Afteralapseofthreedays，thescoutrejoinedthem。Heinformed themthatSnakeRiverranimmediatelybelowthesierraor mountainousridge，uponwhichtheyweretravelling；thatitwas freefromprecipices，andwasatnogreatdistancefromthemina directline；butthatitwouldbeimpossibleforthemtoreachit withoutmakingawearycircuit。Theironlycoursewouldbetocrossthemountainridgetotheleft。Upthismountain，therefore，thewearytravellersdirectedtheir steps；andtheascent，intheirpresentweakandexhaustedstate， wasoneoftheseverestpartsofthismostpainfuljourney。For twodaysweretheytoilingslowlyfromclifftocliff，beatingat everystepapaththroughthesnowfortheirfalteringhorses。At lengththeyreachedthesummit，wherethesnowwasblownoff；but indescendingontheoppositeside，theywereoftenplungingthroughdeepdrifts，piledinthehollowsandravines。Theirprovisionswerenowexhausted，andtheyandtheirhorses almostreadytogiveoutwithfatigueandhunger；whenone afternoon，justasthesunwassinkingbehindabluelineof distantmountain，theycametothebrowofaheightfromwhich theybeheldthesmoothvalleyoftheImmahahstretchedoutinsmilingverdurebelowthem。Thesightinspiredalmostafrenzyofdelight。Rousedtonew ardor，theyforgot，foratime，theirfatigues，andhurrieddown themountain，draggingtheirjadedhorsesafterthem，and sometimescompellingthemtoslideadistanceofthirtyorforty feetatatime。AtlengththeyreachedthebanksoftheImmahah。 Theyounggrasswasjustbeginningtosprout，andthewhole valleyworeanaspectofsoftness，verdure，andrepose， heightenedbythecontrastofthefrightfulregionfromwhich theyhadjustdescended。Toaddtotheirjoy，theyobserved Indiantrailsalongthemarginofthestream，andothersigns， whichgavethemreasontobelievethattherewasanencampmentof theLowerNezPercesintheneighborhood，asitwaswithintheaccustomedrangeofthatpacificandhospitabletribe。Theprospectofasupplyoffoodstimulatedthemtonewexertion， andtheycontinuedonasfastastheenfeebledstateof themselvesandtheirsteedswouldpermit。Atlength，oneofthe men，moreexhaustedthantherest，threwhimselfuponthegrass， anddeclaredhecouldgonofurther。Itwasinvaintoattemptto rousehim；hisspirithadgivenout，andhisrepliesonlyshowed thedoggedapathyofdespair。Hiscompanions，therefore，encamped onthespot，kindledablazingfire，andsearchedaboutforroots withwhichtostrength~nandrevivehim。Theyallthenmadea starvelingrepast；butgatheringroundthefire，talkedoverpast dangersandtroubles，soothedthemselveswiththepersuasionthat allwerenowatanend，andwenttosleepwiththecomforting hopethatthemorrowwouldbringthemintoplentifulquarters。[ReturntoContents]Irving”sBonneville-Chapter31[ReturntoContents]WashingtonIrving”sTheAdventuresofCaptainBonnevilleChapter31Progressinthevalley——AnIndiancavalier——Thecaptainfallsinto alethargy——ANezPercepatriarch——Hospitabletreatment——Thebald head——Bargaining——Valueofanoldplaidcloak——Thefamilyhorse—— ThecostofanIndianpresentATRANQUILNIGHT”SRESThadsufficientlyrestoredthebrokendown travellertoenablehimtoresumehiswayfaring，andallhands setforwardontheIndiantrail。Withalltheireagernessto arrivewithinreachofsuccor，suchwastheirfeebleand emaciatedcondition，thattheyadvancedbutslowly。Norisita matterofsurprisethattheyshouldalmosthavelostheart，as wellasstrength。Itwasnow(the16thofFebruary)fifty-three daysthattheyhadbeentravellinginthemidstofwinter， exposedtoallkindsofprivationsandhardships：andforthe lasttwentydays，theyhadbeenentangledinthewildand desolatelabyrinthsofthesnowymountains；climbingand descendingicyprecipices，andnearlystarvedwithcoldandhunger。AllthemorningtheycontinuedfollowingtheIndiantrail， withoutseeingahumanbeing，andwerebeginningtobe discouraged，when，aboutnoon，theydiscoveredahorsemanata distance。Hewascomingdirectlytowardthem；butondiscovering them，suddenlyreineduphissteed，cametoahalt，and，after reconnoitringthemforatimewithgreatearnestness，seemed abouttomakeacautiousretreat。Theyeagerlymadesignsof peace，andendeavored，withtheutmostanxiety，toinducehimto approach。Heremainedforsometimeindoubt；butatlength， havingsatisfiedhimselfthattheywerenotenemies，came gallopinguptothem。Hewasafine，haughty-lookingsavage， fancifullydecorated，andmountedonahigh-mettledsteed，with gaudytrappingsandequipments。Itwasevidentthathewasa warriorofsomeconsequenceamonghistribe。Hiswholedeportment hadsomethinginitofbarbaricdignity；hefelt，perhaps，his temporarysuperiorityinpersonalarray，andinthespiritofhis steed，tothepoor，ragged，travel-worntrappersandtheirhalf-starvedhorses。Approachingthem withanairofprotection，he gavethemhishand，and，intheNezPercelanguage，invitedthem tohiscamp，whichwasonlyafewmilesdistant；wherehehad plentytoeat，andplentyofhorses，andwouldcheerfullysharehisgoodthingswiththem。Hishospitableinvitationwasjoyfullyaccepted：helingeredbut amoment，togivedirectionsbywhichtheymightfindhiscamp， andthen，wheelinground，andgivingthereinstohismettlesome steed，wassoonoutofsight。Thetravellersfollowed，with gladdenedhearts，butatasnail”space；fortheirpoorhorses couldscarcelydragonelegaftertheother。CaptainBonneville， however，experiencedasuddenandsingularchangeoffeeling。 Hitherto，thenecessityofconductinghisparty，andofproviding againsteveryemergency，hadkepthisminduponthestretch，and hiswholesystembracedandexcited。Innooneinstancehadhe flaggedinspirit，orfeltdisposedtosuccumb。Now，however， thatalldangerwasover，andthemarchofafewmileswould bringthemtoreposeandabundance，hisenergiessuddenly desertedhim；andeveryfaculty，mentalandphysical，wastotally relaxed。Hehadnotproceededtwomilesfromthepointwherehe hadhadtheinterviewwiththeNezPercechief，whenhethrew himselfupontheearth，withoutthepowerorwilltomovea muscle，orexertathought，andsankalmostinstantlyintoa profoundanddreamlesssleep。Hiscompanionsagaincametoahalt，andencampedbesidehim，andtheretheypassedthenight。Thenextmorning，CaptainBonnevilleawakenedfromhislongand heavysleep，muchrefreshed；andtheyallresumedtheircreeping progress。Theyhadnotlongbeenonthemarch，wheneightorten oftheNezPercetribecamegallopingtomeetthem，leadingfresh horsestobearthemtotheircamp。Thusgallantlymounted，they feltnewlifeinfusedintotheirlanguidframes，anddashing forward，weresoonatthelodgesoftheNezPerces。Herethey foundabouttwelvefamilieslivingtogether，underthe patriarchalswayofanancientandvenerablechief。Hereceived themwiththehospitalityofthegoldenage，andwithsomething ofthesamekindoffare；for，whileheopenedhisarmstomake themwelcome，theonlyrepasthesetbeforethemconsistedof roots。Theycouldhavewishedforsomethingmoreheartyand substantial；but，forwantofbetter，madeavoraciousmealon thesehumbleviands。Therepastbeingover，thebestpipewas lightedandsentround：andthiswasamostwelcomeluxury， havinglosttheirsmokingapparatustwelvedaysbefore，amongthemountains。Whiletheywerethusenjoyingthemselves，theirpoorhorseswere ledtothebestpasturesintheneighborhood，wheretheywere turnedloosetorevelonthefreshsproutinggrass；sothattheyhadbetterfarethantheirmasters。CaptainBonnevillesoonfelthimselfquiteathomeamongthese quiet，inoffensivepeople。Hislongresidenceamongtheir cousins，theUpperNezPerces，hadmadehimconversantwiththeir language，modesofexpression，andalltheirhabitudes。Hesoon found，too，thathewaswellknownamongthem，byreport，at least，fromtheconstantinterchangeofvisitsandmessages betweenthetwobranchesofthetribe。Theyatfirstaddressed himbyhisname；givinghimhistitleofcaptain，withaFrench accent：buttheysoongavehimatitleoftheirown；which，as usualwithIndiantitles，hadapeculiarsignification。Inthecaseofthecaptain，ithadsomewhatofawhimsicalorigin。Ashesatchattingandsmokinginthemidstofthem，hewould occasionallytakeoffhiscap。Wheneverhedidso，therewasa sensationinthesurroundingcircle。TheIndianswouldhalfrise fromtheirrecumbentposture，andgazeuponhisuncoveredhead， withtheirusualexclamationofastonishment。Theworthycaptain wascompletelybald；aphenomenonverysurprisingintheireyes。 Theywereatalosstoknowwhetherhehadbeenscalpedin battle，orenjoyedanaturalimmunityfromthatbelligerent infliction。Inalittlewhile，hebecameknownamongthembyan Indianname，signifying“thebaldchief。”“Asobriquet，“observes thecaptain，“forwhichIcanfindnoparallelinhistorysincethedaysof”CharlestheBald。”“Althoughthetravellershadbanquetedonroots，andbeenregaled withtobaccosmoke，yettheirstomachscravedmoregenerousfare。 InapproachingthelodgesoftheNezPerces，theyhadindulgedin fondanticipationsofvenisonanddriedsalmon；anddreamsofthe kindstillhauntedtheirimaginations，andcouldnotbeconjured down。Thekeenappetitesofmountaintrappers，quickenedbya fortnight”sfasting，atlengthgotthebetterofallscruplesof pride，andtheyfairlybeggedsomefishorfleshfromthe hospitablesavages。Thelatter，however，wereslowtobreakin upontheirwinterstore，whichwasverylimited；butwereready tofurnishrootsinabundance，whichtheypronouncedexcellent food。Atlength，CaptainBonnevillethoughtofameansofattainingthemuch-covetedgratification。Hehadabouthim，hesays，atrustyplaid；anoldandvalued travellingcompanionandcomforter；uponwhichtherainshad descended，andthesnowsandwindsbeaten，withoutfurthereffect thansomewhattotarnishitsprimitivelustre。Thiscoatofmany colorshadexcitedtheadmiration，andinflamedthecovetousness ofbothwarriorsandsquaws，toanextravagantdegree。Anidea nowoccurredtoCaptainBonneville，toconvertthisrainbow garmentintothesavoryviandssomuchdesired。Therewasa momentarystruggleinhismind，betweenoldassociationsand projectedindulgence；andhisdecisioninfavorofthelatterwas made，hesays，withagreaterpromptness，perhaps，thantrue tasteandsentimentmighthaverequired。Inafewmoments，his plaidcloakwascutintonumerousstrips。“Ofthese，“continues he，“withthenewlydevelopedtalentofaman-milliner，I speedilyconstructedturbansalaTurque，andfancifulhead-gears ofdiversconformations。These，judiciouslydistributedamong suchofthewomenkindasseemedofmostconsequenceandinterest intheeyesofthepatresconscripti，broughtus，inalittle while，abundanceofdriedsalmonanddeers”hearts；onwhichwe madeasumptoussupper。Another，andamoresatisfactorysmoke， succeededthisrepast，andsweetslumbersansweringthepeaceful invocationofourpipes，wrappedusinthatdeliciousrest，which isonlywonbytoilandtravail。”AstoCaptainBonneville，he sleptinthelodgeofthevenerablepatriarch，whohadevidently conceivedamostdisinterestedaffectionforhim；aswasshownon thefollowingmorning。Thetravellers，invigoratedbyagood supper，and“freshfromthebathofrepose，“wereabouttoresume theirjourney，whenthisaffectionateoldchieftookthecaptain aside，tolethimknowhowmuchhelovedhim。Asaproofofhis regard，hehaddeterminedtogivehimafinehorse，whichwould gofurtherthanwords，andputhisgoodwillbeyondallquestion。 Sosaying，hemadeasignal，andforthwithabeautifulyoung horse，ofabrowncolor，wasled，prancingandsnorting，tothe place。CaptainBonnevillewassuitablyaffectedbythismarkof friendship；buthisexperienceinwhatisproverbiallycalled “Indiangiving，“madehimawarethatapartingpledgewas necessaryonhisownpart，toprovethathisfriendshipwas reciprocated。Heaccordinglyplacedahandsomerifleinthehands ofthevenerablechief，whosebenevolentheartwasevidentlytouchedandgratifiedbythisoutwardandvisiblesignofamity。Havingnow，ashethought，balancedthislittleaccountof friendship，thecaptainwasabouttoshifthissaddletothis noblegift-horsewhentheaffectionatepatriarchpluckedhimby thesleeve，andintroducedtohimawhimpering，whining， leathern-skinnedoldsquaw，thatmighthavepassedforan Egyptianmummy，withoutdrying。“This，“saidhe，“ismywife；she isagoodwife——Iloveherverymuch——Shelovesthehorse——she loveshimagreatdeal——shewillcryverymuchatlosinghim——I donotknowhowIshallcomforther——andthatmakesmyheartverysore。”Whatcouldtheworthycaptaindo，toconsolethetender-hearted oldsquaw，and，peradventure，tosavethevenerablepatriarch fromacurtainlecture？Hebethoughthimselfofapairofear-bobs：itwastrue，thepatriarch”s better-halfwasofanageand appearancethatseemedtoputpersonalvanityoutofthe question，butwhenispersonalvanityextinct？Themomenthe producedtheglitteringearbobs，thewhimperingandwhiningof thesempiternalbeldamewasatanend。Sheeagerlyplacedthe preciousbaublesinherears，and，thoughasuglyastheWitchof Endor，wentoffwithasidelinggaitandcoquettishair，asthoughshehadbeenaperfectSemiramis。Thecaptainhadnowsaddledhisnewlyacquiredsteed，andhis footwasinthestirrup，whentheaffectionatepatriarchagain steppedforward，andpresentedtohimayoungPierced-nose，who hadapeculiarlysulkylook。“This，“saidthevenerablechief， “ismyson：heisverygood；agreathorseman——healwaystook careofthisveryfinehorse——hebroughthimupfromacolt，and madehimwhatheis——Heisveryfondofthisfinehorse——heloves himlikeabrother——hisheartwillbeveryheavywhenthisfinehorseleavesthecamp。”Whatcouldthecaptaindo，torewardtheyouthfulhopeofthis venerablepair，andcomforthimforthelossofhisfoster-brother，thehorse？Hebethoughthimof ahatchet，whichmightbe sparedfromhisslenderstores。Nosoonerdidheplacethe implementintothehandsoftheyounghopeful，thanhis countenancebrightenedup，andhewentoffrejoicinginhis hatchet，tothefullasmuchasdidhisrespectablemotherinherear-bobs。Thecaptainwasnowinthesaddle，andabouttostart，whenthe affectionateoldpatriarchsteppedforward，forthethirdtime， and，whilehelaidonehandgentlyonthemaneofthehorse，held uptherifleintheother。“Thisrifle，“saidhe，“shallbemy greatmedicine。Iwillhugittomyheart——Iwillalwaysloveit， forthesakeofmygoodfriend，thebald-headedchief——Buta rifle，byitself，isdumb——Icannotmakeitspeak。IfIhada littlepowderandball，Iwouldtakeitoutwithme，andwould nowandthenshootadeer；andwhenIbroughtthemeathometomy hungryfamily，Iwouldsay——Thiswaskilledbytherifleofmy friend，thebald-headedchief，towhomIgavethatveryfinehorse。”Therewasnoresistingthisappeal；thecaptain，forthwith， furnishedthecovetedsupplyofpowderandball；butatthesame time，putspurstohisveryfinegift-horse，andthefirsttrial ofhisspeedwastogetoutofallfurthermanifestationof friendship，onthepartoftheaffectionateoldpatriarchandhis insinuatingfamily。[ReturntoContents]Irving”sBonneville-Chapter32[ReturntoContents]WashingtonIrving”sTheAdventuresofCaptainBonnevilleChapter32NezPercecamp——Achiefwithahardname——TheBigHeartsofthe East——Hospitabletreatment——TheIndianguides——Mysterious councils——Theloquaciouschief——Indiantomb——GrandIndian reception——AnIndianfeast——Town-criers——HonestyoftheNezPerces——Thecaptain”sattemptathealing。FOLLOWINGTHECOURSEoftheImmahah，CaptainBonnevilleandhis threecompanionssoonreachedthevicinityofSnakeRiver。Their routenowlayoverasuccessionofsteepandisolatedhills，with profoundvalleys。Onthesecondday，aftertakingleaveofthe affectionateoldpatriarch，astheyweredescendingintooneof thosedeepandabruptintervals，theydescriedasmoke，and shortlyafterwardcameinsightofasmallencampmentofNezPerces。TheIndians，whentheyascertainedthatitwasapartyofwhite menapproaching，greetedthemwithasaluteoffirearms，and invitedthemtoencamp。Thisbandwaslikewiseundertheswayof avenerablechiefnamedYo-mus-ro-y-e-cut；anamewhichweshall becarefulnottoinflictoftenerthanisnecessaryuponthe readerThisancientandhard-namedchieftainwelcomedCaptain Bonnevilletohiscampwiththesamehospitalityandloving kindnessthathehadexperiencedfromhispredecessor。Hetold thecaptainhehadoftenheardoftheAmericansandtheir generousdeeds，andthathisbuffalobrethren(theUpperNez Perces)hadalwaysspokenofthemastheBig-heartedwhitesoftheEast，theverygoodfriendsoftheNezPerces。CaptainBonnevillefeltsomewhatuneasyundertheresponsibility ofthismagnanimousbutcostlyappellation；andbegantofearhe mightbeinvolvedinasecondinterchangeofpledgesof friendship。Hehastened，therefore，tolettheoldchiefknowhis poverty-strickenstate，andhowlittletherewastobeexpectedfromhim。Heinformedhimthatheandhiscomradeshadlongresidedamong theUpperNezPerces，andlovedthemsomuch，thattheyhad throwntheirarmsaroundthem，andnowheldthemclosetotheir hearts。ThathehadreceivedsuchgoodaccountsfromtheUpper NezPercesoftheircousins，theLowerNezPerce-s，thathehad becomedesirousofknowingthemasfriendsandbrothers。Thathe andhiscompanionshadaccordinglyloadedamulewithpresents andsetoffforthecountryoftheLowerNezPerces；but， unfortunately，hadbeenentrappedformanydaysamongthesnowy mountains；andthatthemulewithallthepresentshadfallen intoSnakeRiver，andbeensweptawaybytherapidcurrent。That instead，therefore，ofarrivingamongtheirfriends，theNez Perces，withlightheartsandfullhands，theycamenaked， hungry，andbrokendown；andinsteadofmakingthempresents， mustdependuponthemevenforfood。“But，“concludedhe，“weare goingtothewhitemen”sfortontheWallah-Wallah，andwillsoon return；andthenwewillmeetourNezPercefriendslikethetrueBigHeartsoftheEast。”Whetherthehintthrownoutinthelatterpartofthespeechhad anyeffect，orwhethertheoldchiefactedfromthehospitable feelingswhich，accordingtothecaptain，arereallyinherentin theNezPercetribe，hecertainlyshowednodispositiontorelax hisfriendshiponlearningthedestitutecircumstancesofhis guests。Onthecontrary，heurgedthecaptaintoremainwiththem untilthefollowingday，whenhewouldaccompanyhimonhis journey，andmakehimacquaintedwithallhispeople。Inthe meantime，hewouldhaveacoltkilled，andcutupfortravelling provisions。This，hecarefullyexplained，wasintendednotasan articleoftraffic，butasagift；forhesawthathisguestswerehungryandinneedoffood。CaptainBonnevillegladlyassentedtothishospitable arrangement。Thecarcassofthecoltwasforthcomingindue season，butthecaptaininsistedthatonehalfofitshouldbesetapartfortheuseofthechieftain”sfamily。Atanearlyhourofthefollowingmorning，thelittleparty resumedtheirjourney，accompaniedbytheoldchiefandanIndian guide。Theirroutewasoveraruggedandbrokencountry；where thehillswereslipperywithiceandsnow。Theirhorses，too， weresoweakandjaded，thattheycouldscarcelyclimbthesteep ascents，ormaintaintheirfootholdonthefrozendeclivities。 Throughoutthewholeofthejourney，theoldchiefandtheguide wereunremittingintheirgoodoffices，andcontinuallyonthe alerttoselectthebestroads，andassistthemthroughall difficulties。Indeed，thecaptainandhiscomradeshadtobe dependentontheirIndianfriendsforalmosteverything，for theyhadlosttheirtobaccoandpipes，thosegreatcomfortsof thetrapper，andhadbutafewchargesofpowderleft，whichitwasnecessarytohusbandforthepurposeoflightingtheirfires。Inthecourseofthedaytheoldchiefhadseveralprivate consultationswiththeguide，andshowedevidentsignsofbeing occupiedwithsomemysteriousmatterofmightyimport。Whatit was，CaptainBonnevillecouldnotfathom，nordidhemakemuch efforttodoso。Fromsomecasualsentencesthatheoverheard，he perceivedthatitwassomethingfromwhichtheoldmanpromised himselfmuchsatisfaction，andtowhichheattachedalittle vainglorybutwhichhewishedtokeepasecret；sohesufferedhimtospinouthispettyplansunmolested。Intheeveningwhentheyencamped，theoldchiefandhisprivy counsellor，theguide，hadanothermysteriouscolloquy，after whichtheguidemountedhishorseanddepartedonsomesecret mission，whilethechiefresumedhisseatatthefire，andsathummingtohimselfinapleasingbutmysticreverie。Thenextmorning，thetravellersdescendedintothevalleyofthe Way-lee-way，aconsiderabletributaryofSnakeRiver。Herethey mettheguidereturningfromhissecreterrand。Anotherprivate conferencewasheldbetweenhimandtheoldmanagingchief，who nowseemedmoreinflatedthaneverwithmysteryandself-importance。Numerousfreshtrails， andvariousothersigns， persuadedCaptainBonnevillethattheremustbeaconsiderable villageofNezPercesintheneighborhood；butashisworthy companion，theoldchief，saidnothingonthesubject，andasit appearedtobeinsomewayconnectedwithhissecretoperations， heaskednoquestions，butpatientlyawaitedthedevelopmentofhismystery。Astheyjourneyedon，theycametowheretwoorthreeIndians werebathinginasmallstream。Thegoodoldchiefimmediately cametoahalt，andhadalongconversationwiththem，inthe courseofwhichherepeatedtothemthewholehistorywhich CaptainBonnevillehadrelatedtohim。Infact，heseemstohave beenaverysociable，communicativeoldman；bynomeans afflictedwiththattaciturnitygenerallychargeduponthe Indians。Onthecontrary，hewasfondoflongtalksandlong smokings，andevidentlywasproudofhisnewfriend，thebald-headedchief，andtookapleasure insoundinghispraises，andsettingforththepowerandgloryoftheBigHeartsoftheEast。Havingdisburdenedhimselfofeverythinghehadtorelatetohis bathingfriends，heleftthemtotheiraquaticdisports，and proceededonwardwiththecaptainandhiscompanions。Asthey approachedtheWay-lee-way，however，thecommunicativeoldchief metwithanotherandaverydifferentoccasiontoexerthis colloquialpowers。Onthebanksoftheriverstoodanisolated moundcoveredwithgrass。Hepointedtoitwithsomeemotion。 “Thebigheartandthestrongarm，“saidhe，“lieburiedbeneaththatsod。”Itwas，infact，thegraveofoneofhisfriends；achosen warriorofthetribe；whohadbeenslainonthisspotwhenin pursuitofawarpartyofShoshokoes，whohadstolenthehorses ofthevillage。Theenemyboreoffhisscalpasatrophy；buthis friendsfoundhisbodyinthislonelyplace，andcommitteditto theearthwithceremonialscharacteristicoftheirpiousand reverentialfeelings。Theygatheredroundthegraveandmourned； thewarriorsweresilentintheirgrief；butthewomenand childrenbewailedtheirlosswithloudlamentations。“Forthree days，“saidtheoldman，“weperformedthesolemndancesforthe dead，andprayedtheGreatSpiritthatourbrothermightbehappy inthelandofbravewarriorsandhunters。Thenwekilledathis gravefifteenofourbestandstrongesthorses，toservehimwhen heshouldarriveatthehappyhuntinggrounds；andhavingdoneallthis，wereturnedsorrowfullytoourhomes。”Whilethechiefwasstilltalking，anIndianscoutcamegalloping up，and，presentinghimwithapowder-horn，wheeledround，and wasspeedilyoutofsight。Theeyesoftheoldchiefnow brightened；andallhisself-importancereturned。Hispetty mysterywasabouttoexplode。TurningtoCaptainBonneville，he pointedtoahillhardby，andinformedhim，thatbehinditwasa villagegovernedbyalittlechief，whomhehadnotifiedofthe approachofthebald-headedchief，andapartyoftheBigHearts oftheEast，andthathewaspreparedtoreceivetheminbecoming style。As，amongotherceremonials，heintendedtosalutethem withadischargeoffirearms，hehadsentthehornofgunpowder thattheymightreturnthesaluteinamannercorrespondenttohisdignity。