t them.

Tyee Klake told Mr. Strong many interesting things about the coast
country, and gave him valuable information as to the route he should
pursue in his search for interesting things in the mountains.

"It will be two weeks before the snow will break so you can travel in
comfort," he said. "Camp with us. We remain here one week, then we go to
the island. We can take you there, you will see many things, and your boy
will hunt with Kalitan."

"Where is your island?" asked Mr. Strong.

Ted said nothing, but his eyes were fixed eagerly upon his father. It was
easy to see that he wished to accept the invitation.

"Out there." Tyee Klake pointed toward where the white coast-line seemed
to fade into silvery blue.

"There are many islands; on some lives no one, but we have a village.
Soon it will be nearly deserted, for many of our people rove during the
summer, and wander from one camping-ground to another, seeking the best
game or fish. But Kalitan's people remain always on the island. Him I
take with me to hunt the whale and seal, to gather the berries, and to
trap the little animals who bear fur. We find even seal upon our shores,
though fewer since your people have come among us."

"Which were the best, Russians or Americans?" asked Mr. Strong,
curious to see what the old Indian would say, but the Tyee was not to
be caught napping.

"Men all alike." he said. "Thlinkit, Russian, American, some good, some
bad. Russians used Indians more, gave them hunting and fishing, and only
took part of the skins. Americans like to hunt and fish all themselves
and leave nothing for the Indians. Russians teach _quass_, Americans
teach whiskey. Before white men came, Indians were healthy. They ate
fish, game, berries; now they must have other foods, and they're not good
for Indians here."--he touched his stomach. "Indian used to dress in
skins and furs, now he must copy white man and shiver with cold. He soon
has the coughing sickness and then he goes into the unknown.

"But the government of the Americans is best because it tries to do some
things for the Indian. It teaches our boys useful things in the schools,
and, if some of its people are bad, some Indians are bad, too. Men all
alike," he repeated with the calm stoicism of his race.

"The government is far away," said Mr. Strong, "and should not be blamed
for the doings of all its servants. I should like to see this island home
of yours, and think we must accept your i