第10章

Theynowproceededonuntiltheydoubledthepointofthehill， whenthewholepopulationofthevillagebrokeupontheirview， drawnoutinthemostimposingstyle，andarrayedinalltheir finery。Theeffectofthewholewaswildandfantastic，yet singularlystriking。Inthefrontrankwerethechiefsand principalwarriors，glaringlypaintedanddecorated；behindthemwerearrangedtherestofthepeople，men，women，andchildren。CaptainBonnevilleandhispartyadvancedslowly，exchanging salutesoffirearms。Whenarrivedwithinarespectfuldistance， theydismounted。Thechiefsthencameforwardsuccessively， accordingtotheirrespectivecharactersandconsequence，to offerthehandofgoodfellowship；eachfilingoffwhenhehad shakenhands，tomakewayforhissuccessor。Thoseinthenext rankfollowedinthesameorder，andsoon，untilallhadgiven thepledgeoffriendship。Duringallthistime，thechief， accordingtocustom，tookhisstandbesidetheguests。Ifanyof hispeopleadvancedwhomhejudgedunworthyofthefriendshipor confidenceofthewhitemen，hemotionedthemoffbyawaveof thehand，andtheywouldsubmissivelywalkaway。WhenCaptain Bonnevilleturneduponhimaninquiringlook，hewouldobserve， “hewasabadman，“orsomethingquiteasconcise，andtherewasanendofthematter。Mats，poles，andothermaterialswerenowbrought，anda comfortablelodgewassoonerectedforthestrangers，wherethey werekeptconstantlysuppliedwithwoodandwater，andother necessaries；andalltheireffectswereplacedinsafekeeping。 Theirhorses，too，wereunsaddled，andturnedloosetograze，andaguardsettokeepwatchuponthem。Allthisbeingadjusted，theywereconductedtothemainbuilding orcouncilhouseofthevillage，whereanamplerepast，orrather banquet，wasspread，whichseemedtorealizeallthe gastronomicaldreamsthathadtantalizedthemduringtheirlong starvation；forheretheybeheldnotmerelyfishandrootsin abundance，butthefleshofdeerandelk，andthechoicestpieces ofbuffalomeat。Itisneedlesstosayhowvigorouslythey acquittedthemselvesonthisoccasion，andhowunnecessaryitwas fortheirhoststopracticetheusualcrammingprincipleofIndianhospitality。Whentherepastwasover，alongtalkensued。Thechiefshowed thesamecuriosityevincedbyhistribegenerally，toobtain informationconcerningtheUnitedStates，ofwhichtheyknew littlebutwhattheyderivedthroughtheircousins，theUpperNez Perces；astheirtrafficisalmostexclusivelywiththeBritish tradersoftheHudson”sBayCompany。CaptainBonnevilledidhis besttosetforththemeritsofhisnation，andtheimportanceof theirfriendshiptotheredmen，inwhichhewasablysecondedby hisworthyfriend，theoldchiefwiththehardname，whodidallthathecouldtoglorifytheBigHeartsoftheEast。Thechief，andallpresent，listenedwithprofoundattention，and evidentlywithgreatinterest；norweretheimportantfactsthus setforth，confinedtotheaudienceinthelodge；forsentence aftersentencewasloudlyrepeatedbyacrierforthebenefitofthewholevillage。Thiscustomofpromulgatingeverythingbycriers，isnotconfined totheNezPerces，butprevailsamongmanyothertribes。Ithas itsadvantagewheretherearenogazettestopublishthenewsof theday，ortoreporttheproceedingsofimportantmeetings。And infact，reportsofthiskind，vivavoce，madeinthehearingof allparties，andliabletobecontradictedorcorrectedonthe spot，aremorelikelytoconveyaccurateinformationtothe publicmindthanthosecirculatedthroughthepress。Theoffice ofcrierisgenerallyfilledbysomeoldman，whoisgoodfor littleelse。Avillagehasgenerallyseveralofthesewalking newspapers，astheyaretermedbythewhites，whogoabout proclaimingthenewsoftheday，givingnoticeofpublic councils，expeditions，dances，feasts，andotherceremonials，and advertisinganythinglost。WhileCaptainBonnevilleremained amongtheNezPerces，ifaglove，handkerchief，oranythingof similarvalue，waslostormislaid，itwascarriedbythefinder tothelodgeofthechief，andproclamationwasmadebyoneoftheircriers，fortheownertocomeandclaimhisproperty。Howdifficultitistogetatthetruecharacterofthese wanderingtribesofthewilderness！Inarecentwork，wehavehad tospeakofthistribeofIndiansfromtheexperienceofother traderswhohadcasuallybeenamongthem，andwhorepresented themasselfish，inhospitable，exorbitantintheirdealings，and muchaddictedtothieving；CaptainBonneville，onthecontrary， whoresidedmuchamongthem，andhadrepeatedopportunitiesof ascertainingtheirrealcharacter，invariablyspeaksofthemas kindandhospitable，scrupulouslyhonest，andremarkable，above allotherIndiansthathehadmetwith，forastrongfeelingof religion。Infact，soenthusiasticisheintheirpraise，thathe pronouncesthem，allignorantandbarbarousastheyarebytheir condition，oneofthepurestheartedpeopleonthefaceoftheearth。SomecureswhichCaptainBonnevillehadeffectedinsimplecases， amongtheUpperNezPerces，hadreachedtheearsoftheircousins here，andgainedforhimthereputationofagreatmedicineman。 Hehadnotbeenlonginthevillage，therefore，beforehislodge begantobetheresortofthesickandtheinfirm。Thecaptain feltthevalueofthereputationthusaccidentallyandcheaply acquired，andendeavoredtosustainit。Ashehadarrivedatthat agewheneverymanis，experimentally，somethingofaphysician， hewasenabledtoturntoadvantagethelittleknowledgeinthe healingartwhichhehadcasuallypickedup；andwassufficiently successfulintwoorthreecases，toconvincethesimpleIndians thatreporthadnotexaggeratedhismedicaltalents。Theonly patientthateffectuallybaffledhisskill，orratherdiscouraged anyattemptatrelief，wasanantiquatedsquawwithachurchyard cough，andoneleginthegrave；itbeingshrunkandrendered uselessbyarheumaticaffection。Thiswasacasebeyondhis mark；however，hecomfortedtheoldwomanwithapromisethathe wouldendeavortoprocuresomethingtorelieveher，atthefort ontheWallah-Wallah，andwouldbringitonhisreturn；with whichassuranceherhusbandwassowellsatisfied，thathe presentedthecaptainwithacolt，tobekilledasprovisionsforthejourney：amedicalfeewhichwasthankfullyaccepted。WhileamongtheseIndians，CaptainBonnevilleunexpectedlyfound anownerforthehorsewhichhehadpurchasedfromaRootDigger attheBigWyer。TheIndiansatisfactorilyprovedthatthehorse hadbeenstolenfromhimsometimeprevious，bysomeunknown thief。“However，“saidtheconsideratesavage，“yougothimin fairtrade——youaremoreinwantofhorsesthanIam：keephim；heisyours——heisagoodhorse；usehimwell。”Thus，inthecontinuedexperienceofactsofkindnessand generosity，whichhisdestituteconditiondidnotallowhimto reciprocate，CaptainBonnevillepassedsomeshorttimeamong thesegoodpeople，moreandmoreimpressedwiththegeneral excellenceoftheircharacter。[ReturntoContents]Irving”sBonneville-Chapter33[ReturntoContents]WashingtonIrving”sTheAdventuresofCaptainBonnevilleChapter33SceneryoftheWay-lee-way——Asubstitutefortobacco——SublimesceneryofSnake River——Thegarrulousoldchiefandhiscousin——ANezPercemeeting——Astolen skin——Thescapegoatdog——Mysteriousconferences——Thelittlechief——His hospitality——Thecaptain”saccountoftheUnitedStates——HishealingskillINRESUMINGHISJOURNEY，CaptainBonnevillewasconductedbythesameNez Perceguide，whoseknowledgeofthecountrywasimportantinchoosingtheroutesand restingplaces。Healsocontinuedtobeaccompaniedbytheworthyoldchiefwiththe hardname，whoseemedbentupondoingthehonorsofthecountry，andintroducing himtoeverybranchofhistribe。TheWay-lee-way，downthebanksofwhichCaptain Bonnevilleandhiscompanionswerenowtravelling，isaconsiderablestreamwinding throughasuccessionofboldandbeautifulscenes。Sometimesthelandscapetowered intoboldandmountainousheightsthatpartookofsublimity；atothertimes，itstretchedalongthewatersideinfreshsmilingmeadows，andgracefulundulatingvalleys。FrequentlyintheirroutetheyencounteredsmallpartiesoftheNezPerces，withwhom theyinvariablystoppedtoshakehands；andwho，generally，evincedgreatcuriosity concerningthemandtheiradventures；acuriositywhichneverfailedtobethoroughly satisfiedbytherepliesoftheworthyYo-mus-ro-y-e-cut，whokindlytookuponhimselftobespokesmanoftheparty。Theincessantsmokingofpipesincidenttothelongtalksofthisexcellent，but somewhatgarrulousoldchief，atlengthexhaustedallhisstockoftobacco，sothathe hadnolongerawhiffwithwhichtoregalehiswhitecompanions。Inthisemergency，he cutupthestemofhispipeintofineshavings，whichhemixedwithcertainherbs，and thusmanufacturedatemporarysuccedaneumtoenablehimtoaccompanyhislongcolloquiesandharangueswiththecustomaryfragrantcloud。IfthesceneryoftheWay-lee-wayhadcharmedthetravellerswithitsmingledamenity andgrandeur，thatwhichbrokeuponthemononcemorereachingSnakeRiver，filled themwithadmirationandastonishment。Attimes，theriverwasoverhungbydarkand stupendousrocks，risinglikegiganticwallsandbattlements；thesewouldberentby wideandyawningchasms，thatseemedtospeakofpastconvulsionsofnature。 Sometimestheriverwasofaglassysmoothnessandplacidity；atothertimesitroared alonginimpetuousrapidsandfoamingcascades。Here，therockswerepiledinthe mostfantasticcragsandprecipices；andinanotherplace，theyweresucceededby delightfulvalleyscarpetedwithgreen-award。Thewholeofthiswildandvariedscenery wasdominatedbyimmensemountainsrearingtheirdistantpeaksintotheclouds。“The grandeurandoriginalityoftheviews，presentedoneveryside，“saysCaptain Bonneville，“beggarboththepencilandthepen。Nothingwehadevergazeduponin anyotherregioncouldforamomentcompareinwildmajestyandimpressive sternness，withtheseriesofsceneswhichhereateveryturnastonishedoursenses，andfilleduswithaweanddelight。”Indeed，fromallthatwecangatherfromthejournalbeforeus，andtheaccountsof othertravellers，whopassedthroughtheseregionsinthememorableenterpriseof Astoria，weareinclinedtothinkthatSnakeRivermustbeoneofthemostremarkable forvariedandstrikingsceneryofalltheriversofthiscontinent。Fromitsheadwatersin theRockyMountains，toitsjunctionwiththeColumbia，itswindingsareupwardofsix hundredmilesthrougheveryvarietyoflandscape。Risinginavolcanicregion，amid extinguishedcraters，andmountainsawfulwiththetracesofancientfires，itmakesits waythroughgreatplainsoflavaandsandydeserts，penetratesvastsierrasor mountainouschains，brokenintoromanticandoftenfrightfulprecipices，andcrowned witheternalsnows；andatothertimes，careersthroughgreenandsmilingmeadows， andwidelandscapesofItaliangraceandbeauty。Wildnessandsublimity，however，appeartobeitsprevailingcharacteristics。CaptainBonnevilleandhiscompanionshadpursuedtheirjourneyaconsiderable distancedownthecourseofSnakeRiver，whentheoldchiefhaltedonthebank，and dismounting，recommendedthattheyshouldturntheirhorsesloosetograze，whilehe summonedacousinofhisfromagroupoflodgesontheoppositesideofthestream。 Hissummonswasquicklyanswered。AnIndian，ofanactiveelasticform，leapedintoa lightcanoeofcotton-wood，andvigorouslyplyingthepaddle，soonshotacrosstheriver。 Boundingonshore，headvancedwithabuoyantairandfrankdemeanor，andgavehis righthandtoeachofthepartyinturn。Theoldchief，whosehardnameweforbearto repeat，nowpresentedCaptainBonneville，inform，tohiscousin，whosename，we regrettosay，wasnolesshardbeingnothinglessthanHay-she-in-cow-cow。Thelatter evincedtheusualcuriositytoknowallaboutthestrangers，whencetheycamewhither theyweregoing，theobjectoftheirjourney，andtheadventurestheyhadexperienced。 Allthese，ofcourse，wereampleandeloquentlysetforthbythecommunicativeold chief。Toallhisgrandiloquentaccountofthebald-headedchiefandhiscountrymen，the BigHeartsoftheEast，hiscousinlistenedwithgreatattention，andrepliedinthe customarystyleofIndianwelcome。Hethendesiredthepartytoawaithisreturn，and， springingintohiscanoe，dartedacrosstheriver。Inalittlewhilehereturned，bringinga mostwelcomesupplyoftobacco，andasmallstockofprovisionsfortheroad，declaring hisintentionofaccompanyingtheparty。Havingnohorse，hemountedbehindoneofthemen，observingthatheshouldprocureasteedforhimselfonthefollowingday。Theyallnowjoggedonverysociablyandcheerilytogether。Notmanymilesbeyond， theymetothersofthetribe，amongwhomwasone，whomCaptainBonnevilleandhis comradeshadknownduringtheirresidenceamongtheUpperNezPerces，andwho welcomedthemwithopenarms。Inthisneighborhoodwasthehomeoftheirguide，who tookleaveofthemwithaprofusionofgoodwishesfortheirsafetyandhappiness。That nighttheyputupinthehutofaNezPerce，wheretheywerevisitedbyseveralwarriors fromtheothersideoftheriver，friendsoftheoldchiefandhiscousin，whocameto haveatalkandasmokewiththewhitemen。Theheartofthegoodoldchiefwas overflowingwithgoodwillatthusbeingsurroundedbyhisnewandoldfriends，andhe talkedwithmorespiritandvivacitythanever。Theeveningpassedawayinperfect harmonyandgood-humor，anditwasnotuntilalatehourthatthevisitorstooktheirleaveandrecrossedtheriver。AfterthisconstantpictureofworthandvirtueonthepartoftheNezPercetribe，we grievetohavetorecordacircumstancecalculatedtothrowatemporaryshadeupon thename。Inthecourseofthesocialandharmoniouseveningjustmentioned，oneof thecaptain”smen，whohappenedtobesomethingofavirtuosoinhisway，andfondof collectingcuriosities，producedasmallskin，agreatrarityintheeyesofmen conversantinpeltries。Itattractedmuchattentionamongthevisitorsfrombeyondthe river，whopasseditfromonetotheother，examineditwithlooksoflivelyadmiration，andpronounceditagreatmedicine。Inthemorning，whenthecaptainandhispartywereabouttosetoff，thepreciousskin wasmissing。Searchwasmadeforitinthehut，butitwasnowheretobefound；andit wasstronglysuspectedthatithadbeenpurloinedbysomeoftheconnoisseursfromtheothersideoftheriver。Theoldchiefandhiscousinwereindignantatthesupposeddelinquencyoftheirfriends acrossthewater，andcalledoutforthemtocomeoverandanswerfortheirshameful conduct。Theothersansweredtothecallwithallthepromptitudeofperfectinnocence， andspurnedattheideaoftheirbeingcapableofsuchoutrageuponanyoftheBig-heartednation。 Allwereatalossonwhomtofixthecrimeofabstractingtheinvaluable skin，whenbychancetheeyesoftheworthiesfrombeyondthewaterfelluponan unhappycur，belongingtotheownerofthehut。Hewasagallows-lookingdog，butnot moresothanmostIndiandogs，who，taketheminthemass，arelittlebetterthana generationofvipers。Bethatasitmay，hewasinstantlyaccusedofhavingdevoured theskininquestion。Adogaccusedisgenerallyadogcondemned；andadog condemnedisgenerallyadogexecuted。Sowasitinthepresentinstance。The unfortunatecurwasarraigned；histhievishlookssubstantiatedhisguilt，andhewas condemnedbyhisjudgesfromacrosstherivertobehanged。InvaintheIndiansofthe hut，withwhomhewasagreatfavorite，intercededinhisbehalf。InvainCaptain Bonnevilleandhiscomradespetitionedthathislifemightbespared。Hisjudgeswere inexorable。Hewasdoublyguilty：first，inhavingrobbedtheirgoodfriends，theBig HeartsoftheEast；secondly，inhavingbroughtadoubtonthehonoroftheNezPerce tribe。Hewas，accordingly，swungaloft，andpeltedwithstonestomakehisdeathmore certain。Thesentenceofthejudgesbeingthoroughlyexecuted，apostmortem examinationofthebodyofthedogwasheld，toestablishhisdelinquencybeyondall doubt，andtoleavetheNezPerceswithoutashadowofsuspicion。Greatinterest，of course，wasmanifestedbyallpresent，duringthisoperation。Thebodyofthedogwas opened，theintestinesrigorouslyscrutinized，but，tothehorrorofallconcerned，notaparticleoftheskinwastobefound——thedoghadbeenunjustlyexecuted！Agreatclamornowensued，butthemostclamorouswasthepartyfromacrossthe river，whosejealousyoftheirgoodnamenowpromptedthemtothemostvociferous vindicationsoftheirinnocence。Itwaswiththeutmostdifficultythatthecaptainandhis comradescouldcalmtheirlivelysensibilities，byaccountingforthedisappearanceof theskininadozendifferentways，untilallideaofitshavingbeenstolenwasentirelyoutofthequestion。Themeetingnowbrokeup。Thewarriorsreturnedacrosstheriver，thecaptainandhis comradesproceededontheirjourney；butthespiritsofthecommunicativeoldchief， Yo-mus-ro-y-e-cut，wereforatimecompletelydampened，andheevincedgreat mortificationatwhathadjustoccurred。Herodeoninsilence，except，thatnowandthen hewouldgivewaytoaburstofindignation，andexclaim，withashakeoftheheadand atossofthehandtowardtheoppositeshore”badmen，verybadmenacrossthe river“；toeachofwhichbriefexclamations，hisworthycousin，Hay-she-in-cow-cow，wouldrespondbyagutturalsoundofacquiescence，equivalenttoanamen。Aftersometime，thecountenanceofthe-oldchiefagainclearedup，andhefellinto repeatedconferences，inanundertone，withhiscousin，whichendedinthedeparture ofthelatter，who，applyingthelashtohishorse，dashedforwardandwassoonoutof sight。Infact，theyweredrawingneartothevillageofanotherchief，likewise distinguishedbyanappellationofsomelongitude，O-pushy-e-cut；butcommonlyknown asthegreatchief。Thecousinhadbeensentaheadtogivenoticeoftheirapproach；a heraldappearedasbefore，bearingapowder-horn，toenablethemtorespondtothe intendedsalute。Asceneensued，ontheirapproachtothevillage，similartothatwhich hadoccurredatthevillageofthelittlechief。Thewholepopulationappearedinthefield， drawnupinlines，arrayedwiththecustomaryregardtorankanddignity。Thencameon thefiringofsalutes，andtheshakingofhands，inwhichlastceremonialeveryindividual， man，woman，andchild，participated；fortheIndianshaveanideathatitisas indispensableanovertureoffriendshipamongthewhitesassmokingofthepipeis amongtheredmen。Thetravellerswerenextusheredtothebanquet，whereallthe choicestviandsthatthevillagecouldfurnish，wereservedupinrichprofusion。They wereafterwardsentertainedbyfeatsofagilityandhorseraces；indeed，theirvisittothe villageseemedthesignalforcompletefestivity。Inthemeantime，askinlodgehadbeen spreadfortheiraccommodation，theirhorsesandbaggageweretakencareof，and woodandwatersuppliedinabundance。Atnight，therefore，theyretiredtotheir quarters，toenjoy，astheysupposed，thereposeofwhichtheystoodinneed。Nosuch thing，however，wasinstoreforthem。Acrowdofvisitorsawaitedtheirappearance，all eagerforasmokeandatalk。Thepipewasimmediatelylighted，andconstantly replenishedandkeptaliveuntilthenightwasfaradvanced。Asusual，theutmost eagernesswasevincedbythegueststolearneverythingwithinthescopeoftheir comprehensionrespectingtheAmericans，forwhomtheyprofessedthemostfraternal regard。Thecaptain，inhisreplies，madeuseoffamiliarillustrations，calculatedtostrike theirminds，andimpressthemwithsuchanideaofthemightofhisnation，aswould inducethemtotreatwithkindnessandrespectallstragglersthatmightfallintheirpath。 TotheirinquiriesastothenumbersofthepeopleoftheUnitedStates，heassured themthattheywereascountlessasthebladesofgrassintheprairies，andthat，great asSnakeRiverwas，iftheywereallencampeduponitsbanks，theywoulddrinkitdryin asingleday。Totheseandsimilarstatistics，theylistenedwithprofoundattention，and apparently，implicitbelief。Itwas，indeed，astrikingscene：thecaptain，withhishunter”s dressandbaldheadinthemidst，holdingforth，andhiswildauditorsseatedaroundlike somanystatues，thefirelightinguptheirpaintedfacesandmuscularfigures，allfixed andmotionless，exceptingwhenthepipewaspassed，aquestionpropounded，ora startlingfactinstatisticsreceivedwithamovementofsurpriseandahalf-suppressedejaculationofwonderanddelight。Thefameofthecaptainasahealerofdiseases，hadaccompaniedhimtothisvillage， andthegreatchief，O-push-y-e-cut，nowentreatedhimtoexerthisskillonhisdaughter， whohadbeenforthreedaysrackedwithpains，forwhichthePierced-nosedoctors coulddevisenoalleviation。Thecaptainfoundherextendedonapalletofmatsin excruciatingpain。Herfathermanifestedthestrongestpaternalaffectionforher，and assuredthecaptainthatifhewouldbutcureher，hewouldplacetheAmericansnear hisheart。Theworthycaptainneedednosuchinducement。Hiskindheartwasalready touchedbythesufferingsofthepoorgirl，andhissympathiesquickenedbyher appearance；forshewasbutaboutsixteenyearsofage，anduncommonlybeautifulin formandfeature。Theonlydifficultywiththecaptainwas，thatheknewnothingofher malady，andthathismedicalsciencewasofamosthaphazardkind。Afterconsidering andcogitatingforsometime，asamanisapttodowheninamazeofvagueideas，he madeadesperatedashataremedy。Byhisdirections，thegirlwasplacedinasortof rudevaporbath，muchusedbytheNezPerces，whereshewaskeptuntilnearfainting。 Hethengaveheradoseofgunpowderdissolvedincoldwater，andorderedhertobe wrappedinbuffalorobesandputtosleepunderaloadoffursandblankets。The remedysucceeded：thenextmorningshewasfreefrompain，thoughextremelylanguid； whereupon，thecaptainprescribedforherabowlofcolt”sheadbroth，andthatsheshouldbekeptforatimeonsimplediet。Thegreatchiefwasunboundedinhisexpressionsofgratitudefortherecoveryofhis daughter。Hewouldfainhavedetainedthecaptainalongtimeashisguest，butthe timefordeparturehadarrived。Whenthecaptain”shorsewasbroughtforhimtomount， thechiefdeclaredthatthesteedwasnotworthyofhim，andsentforoneofhisbest horses，whichhepresentedinitsstead；declaringthatitmadehisheartgladtoseehis friendsowellmounted。HethenappointedayoungNezPercetoaccompanyhisguest tothenextvillage，and“tocarryhistalk“concerningthem；andthetwopartiesseparatedwithmutualexpressionsofgoodwill。ThevaporbathofwhichwehavemadementionisinfrequentuseamongtheNez Percetribe，chieflyforcleanliness。Theirsweatinghouses，astheycallthem，aresmall andcloselodges，andthevaporisproducedbywaterpouredslowlyuponred-hotstones。OnpassingthelimitsofO-push-y-e-cut”sdomains，thetravellerslefttheelevated table-lands，andallthewildandromanticscenerywhichhasjustbeendescribed。Theynow traversedagentlyundulatingcountry，ofsuchfertilitythatitexcitedtherapturous admirationoftwoofthecaptain”sfollowers，aKentuckianandanativeofOhio。They declaredthatitsurpassedanylandthattheyhadeverseen，andoftenexclaimedwhat adelightitwouldbejusttorunaploughthroughsucharichandteemingsoil，andseeitopenitsbountifulpromisebeforetheshare。Anotherhaltandsojournofanightwasmadeatthevillageofachiefnamed He-mim-el-pilp，wheresimilarceremonieswereobservedandhospitalityexperienced，asatthe precedingvillages。Theynowpursuedawest-southwestcoursethroughabeautifuland fertileregion，betterwoodedthanmostofthetractsthroughwhichtheyhadpassed。In theirprogress，theymetwithseveralbandsofNezPerces，bywhomtheywere invariablytreatedwiththeutmostkindness。Withinsevendaysafterleavingthedomain ofHe-mim-el-pilp，theystrucktheColumbiaRiveratFortWallah-Wallah，wherethey arrivedonthe4thofMarch，1834。[ReturntoContents]Irving”sBonneville-Chapter34[ReturntoContents]WashingtonIrving”sTheAdventuresofCaptainBonnevilleChapter34FortWallah-Wallah——Itscommander——Indiansinitsneighborhood——ExertionsofMr。 Pambrune fortheirimprovement——Religion——Codeoflaws——RangeoftheLowerNezPerces——Camash，and otherroots——NezPercehorses——Preparationsfordeparture——Refusalofsupplies——Departure——A laggardandgluttonFORTWALLAH-WALLAHisatradingpostoftheHudson”sBayCompany，situatedjust abovethemouthoftheriverbythesamename，andontheleftbankoftheColumbia。Itisbuilt ofdrift-wood，andcalculatedmerelyfordefenceagainstanyattackofthenatives。Atthetimeof CaptainBonneville”sarrival，thewholegarrisonmusteredbutsixoreightmen；andthepostwasunderthesuperintendenceofMr。Pambrune，anagentoftheHudson”sBayCompany。Thegreatpostandfortofthecompany，formingtheemporiumofitstradeonthePacific，is Fort Vancouver；situatedontherightbankoftheColumbia，aboutsixtymilesfromthesea，andjust abovethemouthoftheWallamut。Tothispoint，thecompanyremoveditsestablishmentfromAstoria，in1821，afteritscoalitionwiththeNorthwestCompany。CaptainBonnevilleandhiscomradesexperiencedapolitereceptionfromMr。Pambrune，the superintendent：for，howeverhostilethemembersoftheBritishCompanymaybetothe enterprisesofAmericantraders，theyhavealwaysmanifestedgreatcourtesyandhospitalitytothetradersthemselves。FortWallah-Wallahissurroundedbythetribeofthesamename，aswellasbytheSkynses and theNezPerces；whobringtoitthefursandpeltriescollectedintheirhuntingexpeditions。The Wallah-Wallahsareadegenerate，worn-outtribe。TheNezPercesarethemostnumerousand tractableofthethreetribesjustmentioned。Mr。PambruneinformedCaptainBonnevillethathe hadbeenatsomepainstointroducetheChristianreligion，intheRomanCatholicform，among them，whereithadevidentlytakenroot；buthadbecomealteredandmodified，tosuittheir peculiarhabitsofthought，andmotivesofaction；retaining，however，theprincipalpointsof faith，anditsentirepreceptsofmorality。Thesamegentlemanhadgiventhemacodeoflaws，to whichtheyconformedwithscrupulousfidelity。Polygamy，whichonceprevailedamongthemto agreatextent，wasnowrarelyindulged。AllthecrimesdenouncedbytheChristianfaithmetwith severepunishmentamongthem。Eventheft，sovenialacrimeamongtheIndians，hadrecentlybeenpunishedwithhanging，bysentenceofachief。Therecertainlyappearstobeapeculiarsusceptibilityofmoralandreligiousimprovement among thistribe，andtheywouldseemtobeoneofthevery，veryfewthathavebenefitedinmoralsand mannersbyanintercoursewithwhitemen。Thepartieswhichvisitedthemabouttwentyyears previously，intheexpeditionfittedoutbyMr。Astor，complainedoftheirselfishness，their extortion，andtheirthievishpropensities。TheveryreverseofthosequalitiesprevailedamongthemduringtheprolongedsojournsofCaptainBonneville。TheLowerNezPercesrangeupontheWay-lee-way，Immahah，Yenghies，andotherofthe streamswestofthemountains。Theyhuntthebeaver，elk，deer，whitebear，andmountainsheep。 Besidesthefleshoftheseanimals，theyuseanumberofrootsforfood；someofwhichwouldbe wellworthtransplantingandcultivatingintheAtlanticStates。Amongtheseisthecamash，a sweetroot，abouttheformandsizeofanonion，andsaidtobereallydelicious。Thecowish，also， orbiscuitroot，aboutthesizeofawalnut，whichtheyreducetoaverypalatableflour；togetherwiththejackap，aisish，quako，andothers；whichtheycookbysteamingthemintheground。InAugustandSeptember，theseIndianskeepalongtherivers，wheretheycatchanddry great quantitiesofsalmon；which，whiletheylast，aretheirprincipalfood。Inthewinter，they congregateinvillagesformedofcomfortablehuts，orlodges，coveredwithmats。Theyare generallycladindeerskins，orwoollens，andextremelywellarmed。Aboveall，theyare celebratedforowninggreatnumbersofhorses；whichtheymark，andthensuffertorangein drovesintheirmostfertileplains。Thesehorsesareprincipallyoftheponybreed；butremarkably stoutandlong-winded。TheyarebroughtingreatnumberstotheestablishmentsoftheHudson”sBayCompany，andsoldforameretrifle。SuchistheaccountgivenbyCaptainBonnevilleoftheNezPerces；who，ifnotviewedby him withtoopartialaneye，arecertainlyamongthegentlest，andleastbarbarouspeopleofthese remotewildernesses。TheyinvariablysignifiedtohimtheirearnestwishthatanAmericanpost mightbeestablishedamongthem；andrepeatedlydeclaredthattheywouldtradewithAmericans，inpreferencetoanyotherpeople。CaptainBonnevillehadintendedtoremainsometimeinthisneighborhood，toforman acquaintancewiththenatives，andtocollectinformation，andestablishconnectionsthatmightbe advantageousinthewayoftrade。Thedelays，however，whichhehadexperiencedonhis journey，obligedhimtoshortenhissojourn，andtosetoffassoonaspossible，soastoreachthe rendezvousatthePortneufattheappointedtime。Hehadseenenoughtoconvincehimthatan Americantrademightbecarriedonwithadvantageinthisquarter；andhedeterminedsoontoreturnwithastrongerparty，morecompletelyfittedforthepurpose。Ashestoodinneedofsomesuppliesforhisjourney，heappliedtopurchasethemofMr。 Pambrune；butsoonfoundthedifferencebetweenbeingtreatedasaguest，orasarivaltrader。 Theworthysuperintendent，whohadextendedtohimallthegenialritesofhospitality，now suddenlyassumedawithered-upaspectanddemeanor，andobservedthat，howeverhemightfeel disposedtoservehim，personally，hefeltboundbyhisdutytotheHudson”sBayCompany，todo nothingwhichshouldfacilitateorencouragethevisitsofothertradersamongtheIndiansinthat partofthecountry。HeendeavoredtodissuadeCaptainBonnevillefromreturningthroughthe BlueMountains；assuringhimitwouldbeextremelydifficultanddangerous，ifnot impracticable，atthisseasonoftheyear；andadvisedhimtoaccompanyMr。Payette，aleaderof theHudson”sBayCompany，whowasabouttodepartwithanumberofmen，byamore circuitous，butsaferoute，tocarrysuppliestothecompany”sagent，residentamongtheUpper NezPerces。CaptainBonneville，however，piquedathishavingrefusedtofurnishhimwith supplies，anddoubtingthesincerityofhisadvice，determinedtoreturnbythemoredirectroute throughthemountains；thoughvaryinghiscourse，insomerespects，fromthatbywhichhehadcome，inconsequenceofinformationgatheredamongtheneighboringIndians。Accordingly，onthe6thofMarch，heandhisthreecompanions，accompaniedbytheirNez Perce guides，setoutontheirreturn。Intheearlypartoftheircourse，theytouchedagainatseveralof theNezPercevillages，wheretheyhadexperiencedsuchkindtreatmentontheirwaydown。Theywerealwayswelcomedwithcordiality；andeverythingwasdonetocheerthemontheirjourney。OnleavingtheWay-lee-wayvillage，theywerejoinedbyaNezPerce，whosesocietywas welcomedonaccountofthegeneralgratitudeandgoodwilltheyfeltforhistribe。Hesoon provedaheavycloguponthelittleparty，beingdoltishandtaciturn，lazyintheextreme，anda hugefeeder。Hisonlyproofofintellectwasinshrewdlyavoidingalllabor，andavailinghimself ofthetoilofothers。Whenonthemarch，healwayslaggedbehindtherest，leavingtothemthe taskofbreakingawaythroughalldifficultiesandimpediments，andleisurelyandlazilyjogging alongthetrack，whichtheyhadbeatenthroughthesnow。Attheeveningencampment，when otherswerebusygatheringfuel，providingforthehorses，andcookingtheeveningrepast，this worthySanchoofthewildernesswouldtakehisseatquietlyandcosilybythefire，puffingaway athispipe，andeyeinginsilence，butwithwistfulintensityofgaze，thesavorymorselsroastingforsupper。Whenmeal-timearrived，however，thencamehisseasonofactivity。Henolongerhung back，and waitedforotherstotakethelead，butdistinguishedhimselfbyabrilliancyofonset，anda sustainedvigoranddurationofattack，thatcompletelyshamedtheeffortsofhis competitors——albeit，experiencedtrenchermenofnomeanprowess。Neverhadtheywitnessed suchpowerofmastication，andsuchmarvellouscapacityofstomach，asinthisnativeand uncultivatedgastronome。Having，byrepeatedandprolongedassaults，atlengthcompletely gorgedhimself，hewouldwraphimselfupandliewiththetorporofananaconda；slowlydigestinghiswayontothenextrepast。Thegormandizingpowersofthisworthywere，atfirst，mattersofsurpriseandmerrimentto the travellers；buttheysoonbecametooseriousforajoke，threateningdevastationtothefleshpots； andhewasregardedaskance，athismeals，asaregularkill-crop，destinedtowastethesubstance oftheparty。Nothingbutasenseoftheobligationstheywereundertohisnationinducedthemto bearwithsuchaguest；butheproceeded，speedily，torelievethemfromtheweightofthese obligations，byeatingareceiptinfull。[ReturntoContents]Irving”sBonneville-Chapter35[ReturntoContents]WashingtonIrving”sTheAdventuresofCaptainBonnevilleChapter35Theuninvitedguest——Freeandeasymanners——Salutaryjokes——Aprodigalson——Exitof theglutton——Asuddenchangeinfortune——Dangerofavisittopoorrelations——Plucking ofaprosperousman——Avagabondtoilet——Asubstitutefortheveryfinehorse——Hard travelling——Theuninvitedguestandthepatriarchalcolt——Abeggaronhorseback——A catastrophe——ExitofthemerryvagabondAsCAPTAINBONNEVILLEandhismenwereencampedoneeveningamongthehills nearSnakeRiver，seatedbeforetheirfire，enjoyingaheartysupper，theywere suddenlysurprisedbythevisitofanuninvitedguest。Hewasaragged，half-naked Indianhunter，armedwithbowandarrows，andhadthecarcassofafinebuckthrown acrosshisshoulder。Advancingwithanalertstep，andfreeandeasyair，hethrewthe buckontheground，and，withoutwaitingforaninvitation，seatedhimselfattheirmess， helpedhimselfwithoutceremony，andchattedtotherightandleftintheliveliestand mostunembarrassedmanner。Noadroitandveterandinnerhunterofametropolis couldhaveacquittedhimselfmoreknowingly。Thetravellerswereatfirstcompletely takenbysurprise，andcouldnotbutadmirethefacilitywithwhichthisragged cosmopolitemadehimselfathomeamongthem。Whiletheystaredhewenton，making themostofthegoodcheeruponwhichhehadsofortunatelyalighted；andwassoonelbowdeepin“potluck，“andgreasedfromthetipofhisnosetothebackofhisears。Asthecompanyrecoveredfromtheirsurprise，theybegantofeelannoyedatthis intrusion。Theiruninvitedguest，unlikethegeneralityofhistribe，wassomewhatdirtyas wellasraggedandtheyhadnorelishforsuchamessmate。Heapingup，therefore，an abundantportionofthe“provant“uponapieceofbark，whichservedforadish，theyinvitedhimtoconfinehimselfthereto，insteadofforaginginthegeneralmess。Hecompliedwiththemostaccommodatingspiritimaginable；andwentoneatingand chatting，andlaughingandsmearinghimself，untilhiswholecountenanceshonewith greaseandgood-humor。Inthecourseofhisrepast，hisattentionwascaughtbythe figureofthegastronome，who，asusual，wasgorginghimselfindoggedsilence。Adroll cutoftheeyeshowedeitherthatheknewhimofold，orperceivedatoncehis characteristics。Heimmediatelymadehimthebuttofhispleasantries；andcrackedoff twoorthreegoodhits，thatcausedthesluggishdolttoprickuphisears，anddelighted allthecompany。Fromthistime，theuninvitedguestwastakenintofavor；hisjokes begantoberelished；hiscareless，freeandeasyair，tobeconsideredsingularly amusing；andintheend，hewaspronouncedbythetravellersoneofthemerriestcompanionsandmostentertainingvagabondstheyhadmetwithinthewilderness。Supperbeingover，theredoubtableShee-wee-she-ouaiter，forsuchwasthesimple namebywhichheannouncedhimself，declaredhisintentionofkeepingcompanywith thepartyforadayortwo，iftheyhadnoobjection；andbywayofbackinghisself-invitation， presentedthecarcassofthebuckasanearnestofhishuntingabilities。By thistime，hehadsocompletelyeffacedtheunfavorableimpressionmadebyhisfirst appearance，thathewasmadewelcometothecamp，andtheNezPerceguide undertooktogivehimlodgingforthenight。Thenextmorning，atbreakofday，he borrowedagun，andwasoffamongthehills，norwasanythingmoreseenofhimuntila fewminutesafterthepartyhadencampedfortheevening，whenheagainmadehis appearance，inhisusualfrank，carelessmanner，andthrewdownthecarcassofanothernobledeer，whichhehadborneonhisbackforaconsiderabledistance。Thiseveninghewasthelifeoftheparty，andhisopencommunicativedisposition，free fromalldisguise，soonputtheminpossessionofhishistory。Hehadbeenakindof prodigalsoninhisnativevillage；livingaloose，heedlesslife，anddisregardingthe preceptsandimperativecommandsofthechiefs。Hehad，inconsequence，been expelledfromthevillage，but，innowisedisheartenedatthisbanishment，hadbetaken himselftothesocietyoftheborderIndians，andhadledacareless，haphazard， vagabondlife，perfectlyconsonanttohishumors；heedlessofthefuture，solongashe hadwherewithalforthepresent；andfearingnolackoffood，solongashehadtheimplementsofthechase，andafairhuntingground。Findinghimveryexpertasahunter，andbeingpleasedwithhiseccentricities，andhis strangeandmerryhumor，CaptainBonnevillefittedhimouthandsomelyastheNimrod oftheparty，whoallsoonbecamequiteattachedtohim。Oneoftheearliestandmost signalservicesheperformed，wastoexorcisetheinsatiatekill-cropthathitherto oppressedtheparty。Infact，thedoltishNezPerce，whohadseemedsoperfectly insensibletoroughtreatmentofeverykind，bywhichthetravellershadendeavoredto elbowhimoutoftheirsociety，couldnotwithstandthegood-humoredbantering，and occasionallysharpwitofShe-wee-she。Heevidentlyquailedunderhisjokes，andsat blinkinglikeanowlindaylight，whenpesteredbythefloutsandpeckingsof mischievousbirds。Atlengthhisplacewasfoundvacantatmeal-time；nooneknew whenhewentoff，orwhitherhehadgone，buthewasseennomore，andthevast surplusthatremainedwhentherepastwasover，showedwhatamightygormandizerhaddeparted。Relievedfromthisincubus，thelittlepartynowwentoncheerily。She-wee-shekept theminfunaswellasfood。Hishuntingwasalwayssuccessful；hewaseverreadyto renderanyassistanceinthecamporonthemarch；whilehisjokes，hisantics，andtheverycutofhiscountenance，sofullofwhimandcomicality，kepteveryoneingood-humor。InthiswaytheyjourneyedonuntiltheyarrivedonthebanksoftheImmahah，and encampedneartotheNezPercelodges。HereShe-wee-shetookasuddennotionto visithispeople，andshowoffthestateofworldlyprosperitytowhichhehadso suddenlyattained。Heaccordinglydepartedinthemorning，arrayedinhunter”sstyle， andwellappointedwitheverythingbenefittinghisvocation。Thebuoyancyofhisgait， theelasticityofhisstep，andthehilarityofhiscountenance，showedthatheanticipated， withchucklingsatisfaction，thesurprisehewasabouttogivethosewhohadejected himfromtheirsocietyinrags。Butwhatachangewasthereinhiswholeappearance whenherejoinedthepartyintheevening！Hecameskulkingintocamplikeabeaten cur，withhistailbetweenhislegs。Allhisfinerywasgone；hewasnakedaswhenhe wasborn，withtheexceptionofascantyflapthatansweredthepurposeofafigleaf。 Hisfellow-travellersatfirstdidnotknowhim，butsupposedittobesomevagrantRoot Diggersneakingintothecamp；butwhentheyrecognizedinthisforlornobjecttheir primewag，She-wee-she，whomtheyhadseendepartinthemorninginsuchhighglee andhighfeather，theycouldnotcontaintheirmerriment，buthailedhimwithloudandrepeatedpealsoflaughter。She-wee-shewasnotofaspirittobeeasilycastdown；hesoonjoinedinthemerriment asheartilyasanyone，andseemedtoconsiderhisreverseoffortuneanexcellentjoke。 CaptainBonneville，however，thoughtpropertocheckhisgood-humor，anddemanded， withsomedegreeofsternness，thecauseofhisalteredcondition。Herepliedinthe mostnaturalandself-complacentstyleimaginable，“thathehadbeenamonghis cousins，whowereverypoor；theyhadbeendelightedtoseehim；stillmoredelighted withhisgoodfortune；theyhadtakenhimtotheirarms；admiredhisequipments；one hadbeggedforthis；anotherforthat“——infine，whatwiththepoordevil”sinherent heedlessness，andtherealgenerosityofhisdisposition，hisneedycousinshad succeededinstrippinghimofallhisclothesandaccoutrements，exceptingthefigleafwithwhichhehadreturnedtocamp。Seeinghistotalwantofcareandforethought，CaptainBonnevilledeterminedtolethim sufferalittle，inhopesitmightproveasalutarylesson；and，atanyrate，tomakehimno morepresentswhileintheneighborhoodofhisneedycousins。Hewasleft，therefore， toshiftforhimselfinhisnakedcondition；which，however，didnotseemtogivehimany concern，ortoabateonejotofhisgood-humor。Inthecourseofhisloungingaboutthe camp，however，hegotpossessionofadeerskin；whereupon，cuttingaslitinthe middle，hethrusthisheadthroughit，sothatthetwoendshungdownbeforeand behind，somethinglikeaSouthAmericanponcho，orthetabardofaherald。Theseends hetiedtogether，underthearmpits；andthusarrayed，presentedhimselfoncemore beforethecaptain，withanairofperfectself-satisfaction，asthoughhethoughtitimpossibleforanyfaulttobefoundwithhistoilet。AlittlefurtherjourneyingbroughtthetravellerstothepettyvillageofNezPerces， governedbytheworthyandaffectionateoldpatriarchwhohadmadeCaptain Bonnevillethecostlypresentoftheveryfinehorse。Theoldmanwelcomedthemonce moretohisvillagewithhisusualcordiality，andhisrespectablesquawandhopefulson， cherishinggratefulrecollectionsofthehatchetandear-bobs，joinedinachorusoffriendlygratulation。Asthemuch-vauntedsteed，oncethejoyandprideofthisinterestingfamily，wasnow nearlyknockedupbytravelling，andtotallyinadequatetothemountainscramblethat layahead，CaptainBonnevillerestoredhimtothevenerablepatriarch，withrenewed acknowledgmentsfortheinvaluablegift。Somewhattohissurprise，hewasimmediately suppliedwithafinetwoyears”oldcoltinhisstead，asubstitutionwhichheafterward learnt，accordingtoIndiancustominsuchcases，hemighthaveclaimedasamatterof right。Wedonotfindthatanyafterclaimsweremadeonaccountofthiscolt。This donationmayberegarded，therefore，asasignalpunctilioofIndianhonor；butitwillbefoundthattheanimalsoonprovedanunluckyacquisitiontotheparty。Whileatthisvillage，theNezPerceguidehadheldconsultationswithsomeofthe inhabitantsastothemountaintractthepartywereabouttotraverse。Henowbeganto wearananxiousaspect，andtoindulgeingloomyforebodings。Thesnow，hehadbeen told，laytoagreatdepthinthepassesofthemountains，anddifficultieswouldincrease asheproceeded。HebeggedCaptainBonneville，therefore，totravelveryslowly，soas tokeepthehorsesinstrengthandspiritforthehardtimestheywouldhaveto encounter。Thecaptainsurrenderedtheregulationofthemarchentirelytohis discretion，andpushedonintheadvance，amusinghimselfwithhunting，soas generallytokilladeerortwointhecourseoftheday，andarriving，beforetherestoftheparty，atthespotdesignatedbytheguidefortheevening”sencampment。Inthemeantime，theothersploddedonattheheelsoftheguide，accompaniedbythat merryvagabond，She-wee-she。Theprimitivegarbwornbythisdrollleftallhisnether manexposedtothebitingblastsofthemountains。Stillhiswitwasneverfrozen，norhis sunshinytemperbeclouded；andhisinnumerableanticsandpracticaljokes，whiletheyquickenedthecirculationofhisownblood，kepthiscompanionsinhighgood-humor。Sopassedthefirstdayafterthedeparturefromthepatriarch”s。Thesecondday commencedinthesamemanner；thecaptainintheadvance，therestoftheparty followingonslowly。She-wee-she，forthegreaterpartofthetime，trudgedonfootover thesnow，keepinghimselfwarmbyhardexercise，andallkindsofcrazycapers。Inthe heightofhisfoolery，thepatriarchalcolt，which，unbrokentothesaddle，wassufferedto followonatlarge，happenedtocomewithinhisreach。Inamoment，hewasonhis back，snappinghisfingers，andyelpingwithdelight。Thecolt，unusedtosuchaburden， andhalfwildbynature，felltoprancingandrearingandsnortingandplungingand kicking；and，atlength，setofffullspeedoverthemostdangerousground。Astheroute ledgenerallyalongthesteepandcraggysidesofthehills，bothhorseandhorseman wereconstantlyindanger，andmorethanoncehadahairbreadthescapefromdeadly peril。Nothing，however，coulddauntthismadcapsavage。Hestucktothecoltlikea plaister[sic]，upridges，downgullies；whoopingandyellingwiththewildestglee。Never didbeggaronhorsebackdisplaymoreheadlonghorsemanship。Hiscompanions followedhimwiththeireyes，sometimeslaughing，sometimesholdingintheirbreathat hisvagaries，untiltheysawthecoltmakeasuddenplungeorstart，andpitchhis unluckyriderheadlongoveraprecipice。Therewasageneralcryofhorror，andall hastenedtothespot。Theyfoundthepoorfellowlyingamongtherocksbelow，sadly bruisedandmangled。Itwasalmostamiraclethathehadescapedwithlife。Eveninthis condition，hismerryspiritwasnotentirelyquelled，andhesummonedupafeeblelaugh atthealarmandanxietyofthosewhocametohisrelief。Hewasextricatedfromhis rockybed，andamessengerdispatchedtoinformCaptainBonnevilleoftheaccident。 Thelatterreturnedwithallspeed，andencampedthepartyatthefirstconvenientspot。 Herethewoundedmanwasstretcheduponbuffaloskins，andthecaptain，who officiatedonalloccasionsasdoctorandsurgeontotheparty，proceededtoexamine hiswounds。Theprincipalonewasalonganddeepgashinthethigh，whichreachedto thebone。Callingforaneedleandthread，thecaptainnowpreparedtosewupthe wound，admonishingthepatienttosubmittotheoperationwithbecomingfortitude。His gayetywasatanend；hecouldnolongersummonupevenaforcedsmile；and，atthe firstpunctureoftheneedle，flinchedsopiteously，thatthecaptainwasobligedtopause， andtoorderhimapowerfuldoseofalcohol。Thissomewhatrallieduphisspiritand warmedhisheart；allthetimeoftheoperation，however，hekepthiseyesrivetedonthe wound，withhisteethset，andawhimsicalwincingofthecountenance，thatoccasionallygavehisnosesomethingofitsusualcomiccurl。Whenthewoundwasfairlyclosed，thecaptainwasheditwithrum，andadministereda seconddoseofthesametothepatient，whowastuckedinforthenight，andadvisedto composehimselftosleep。Hewasrestlessanduneasy，however；repeatedly expressinghisfearsthathislegwouldbesomuchswollenthenextday，astoprevent hisproceedingwiththeparty；norcouldhebequieted，untilthecaptaingaveadecidedopinionfavorabletohiswishes。