Thus, When They Attempted To Stop Us Yesterday,
The Chief Ordered One Of These Men To Take Possession Of The
Boat;
he immediately put his arms around the mast, and, as we understood, no force
except the command of the
Chief would have induced him to release his hold.
Like the other men his body is blackened, but his distinguishing mark
is a collection of two or three raven-skins fixed to the girdle behind
the back in such a way that the tails stick out horizontally from the body.
On his head, too, is a raven-skin split into two parts, and tied
so as to let the beak project from the forehead."
When the party of explorers subsequently made ready to leave,
signs of reluctance to have them go were apparent among
the Indians. Finally, several of the chief warriors sat on the rope
that held the boat to the shore. Irritated by this, Captain Lewis
got ready to fire upon the warriors, but, anxious to avoid bloodshed,
he gave them more tobacco, which they wanted, and then said
to the chief, "You have told us that you were a great man,
and have influence; now show your influence by taking the rope
from those men, and we will then go on without further trouble."
This appeal to the chieftain's pride had the desired effect.
The warriors were compelled to give up the rope, which was
delivered on board, and the party set sail with a fresh breeze
from the southeast.
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