The little creature had no made garments on, but was simply wrapped
about with old cloths leaving only its face and neck bare. The
outermost covering was a piece of plaid shawl, and all were held
tightly in place by a stout cord passing round the bundle a number
of times. It would be quite impossible for the tiny thing to move
hand or foot or any part of its body except the face. As one might
expect it wore an expression of utter wretchedness though it lay
with closed eyes making no sound. I could make almost nothing of
what they said, and when I called George to interpret for me they
seemed not to want to talk.
Taking out my kodaks I set about securing a few photographs.
Already the old women were beginning to prepare for the feast they
were to have. Two large black pots that stood on three legs were
set out, and one of the women went into the tent and brought out a
burning brand to light the fire under them. Soon interest was
centred in the pots. I had a little group ranged up in front of
one of the wigwams, when the lady in purple, whose attention for a
time had been turned to the preparations for the feast, seeing what
was taking place came swiftly across and placed herself in the very
centre of the group. All apparently understood what was being done
and were anxious to be in the picture.
During the stay at camp I saw little sign of attempt at
ornamentation. The moccasins and skin clothing I saw were
unadorned. There was but the one black and red _tuque_ with
braided band, and the chief's daughter alone wore the beaded band
on her hair, which was arranged as that of the women in the
Montagnais camp. One woman coveted a sweater I wore. It was a
rather bright green with red cuffs and collar, and the colour had
greatly taken her fancy. I wished that I had been able to give it
to her, but my wardrobe was as limited as I dared to have it, and
so I was obliged to refuse her request. In a way which I had not
in the least expected I found these people appealing to me, and
myself wishing that I might remain with them for a time, but I
could not risk a winter in Labrador for the sake of the longer
visit, even had I been able to persuade the men to remain.
Already George was showing his anxiety to get away and I realised
that it was not yet certain we should be in time for the ship. It
might easily be more than five days to the post.
