Fixing a new one in its
place, which little kindness quite won the heart of the old man, and
he never came to see us without bringing an offering of fish, ducks,
partridges, or venison, to show his gratitude.
One warm September day, he made his appearance bare-headed, as
usual, and carrying in his hand a great checked bundle.
"Fond of grapes?" said he, putting the said bundle into my hands.
"Fine grapes - brought them from island, for my friend's squaw and
papouse."
Glad of the donation, which I considered quite a prize, I hastened
into the kitchen to untie the grapes and put them into a dish. But
imagine my disappointment, when I found them wrapped up in a soiled
shirt, only recently taken from the back of the owner. I called
Moodie, and begged him to return Snow-storm his garment, and to
thank him for the grapes.
The mischievous creature was highly diverted with the circumstance,
and laughed immoderately.
"Snow-storm," said he, "Mrs. Moodie and the children are obliged to
you for your kindness in bringing them the grapes; but how came you
to tie them up in a dirty shirt?"
"Dirty!" cried the old man, astonished that we should object to the
fruit on that score.
