aw the inevitable downfall of their
race, he favored a gradual change of customs leading to complete
adoption of the white man's ways. In order to accustom the people to a
new standard, he held that the chiefs must have authority and must be
given compensation for their services. This was a serious departure from
the old rule but was tacitly accepted, and in every treaty he made there
was provision for himself in the way of a land grant or a cash payment.
He early departed from the old idea of joint ownership with the Lake
Superior Ojibways, because he foresaw that it would cause no end of
trouble for the Mississippi River branch of which he was then the
recognized head. But there were difficulties to come with the Leech Lake
and Red Lake bands, who held aloof from his policy, and the question of
boundaries began to arise.

In the first treaty negotiated with the government by young
Hole-in-the-Day in 1855, a "surplus" was provided for the chiefs
aside from the regular per capita payment, and this surplus was to
be distributed in proportion to the number of Indians under each.
Hole-in-the-Day had by far the largest enrollment, therefore he got the
lion's share of this fund. Furthermore he received another sum set apart
for the use of the "head chief", and these things did not look right to
the tribe. In the very next treaty he provided himself with an annuity
of one thousand dollars for twenty years, beside a section of land near
the village of Crow Wing, and the government was induced to build him
a good house upon this land. In his home he had many white servants and
henchmen and really lived like a lord. He dressed well in native style
with a touch of civilized elegance, wearing coat and leggings of fine
broadcloth, linen shirt with collar, and, topping all, a handsome
black or blue blanket. His moccasins were of the finest deerskin and
beautifully worked. His long beautiful hair added much to his personal
appearance. He was fond of entertaining and being entertained and was
a favorite both among army officers and civilians. He was especially
popular with the ladies, and this fact will appear later in the story.

At about this time, the United States government took it upon itself to
put an end to warfare between the Sioux and Ojibways. A peace meeting
was arranged at Fort Snelling, with the United States as mediator.
When the representatives of the two nations met at this grand council,
Hole-in-the-Day came as the