Desirous To Dispel Entirely This Timidity, And To Open A Trade
With The Simple Inhabitants Of The Hut, Who, He Did Not Doubt,
Had Furs Somewhere Concealed, The Captain Now Drew Forth That
Grand Lure In The Eyes Of A Savage, A Pocket Mirror.
The sight of
it was irresistible.
After examining it for a long time with
wonder and admiration, they produced a musk-rat skin, and offered
it in exchange. The captain shook his head; but purchased the
skin for a couple of buttons - superfluous trinkets! as the
worthy lord of the hovel had neither coat nor breeches on which
to place them.
The mirror still continued the great object of desire,
particularly in the eyes of the old housewife, who produced a pot
of parched flour and a string of biscuit roots. These procured
her some trifle in return; but could not command the purchase of
the mirror. The salmon being now completely cooked, they all
joined heartily in supper. A bounteous portion was deposited
before the captain by the old woman, upon some fresh grass, which
served instead of a platter; and never had he tasted a salmon
boiled so completely to his fancy.
Supper being over, the captain lighted his pipe and passed it to
his host, who, inhaling the smoke, puffed it through his nostrils
so assiduously, that in a little while his head manifested signs
of confusion and dizziness. Being satisfied, by this time, of
the kindly and companionable qualities of the captain, he became
easy and communicative; and at length hinted something about
exchanging beaver skins for horses.
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