t, almost gigantic, slow and deliberate; but
he generally made his mark in everything he undertook to do or say. It
was amusing to see him in the chair, presiding over a great meeting. He
was very much respected by all, and none dared to presume on his
apparent good nature. He rose slowly, seeming to get up in short jerks;
but when up, he had something to say and said it.

They always opened every kind of a meeting held in the church with
religious exercises. Then Mamanowatum made his address, always good and
suggestive, the keynote of which was thanksgiving and gratitude to God
for the blessings of the year. When he had finished, he called on
different Indians for addresses. Some of them were very good also.
This is the night of all others, when Indian orators try to be humorous
and witty. As a race they do not excel along these lines, but sometimes
they get off some very good things. While they began their speeches
with some bright pleasantry that brought smiles, and even laughter,
there was never anything unbecoming to the place, and all quickly
drifted into a strain of thanksgiving to God for his blessings. To
listen to their grateful joyous words, one would think they were the
most highly favoured people on the earth; that there never was such a
feast, such delicious venison, such fat bear meat, such strong tea with
so much sugar in it; and that no other people had such kind
missionaries. So with more grateful hearts than ever they would sing:

"Praise God from whom all blessings flow."

Thus they talked and rejoiced together in this peculiar service which
was all their own. The whites were expected to take back seats on this
occasion and say nothing.

About ten o'clock they together sang the doxology; and, with the
benediction, pronounced by one of their own number, this most
interesting of days, with its varied pleasures and enjoyments, came to a
close.

Long years have passed, since with the happy Crees we enjoyed those rich
feast days; yet they stand in our missionary life as red-letter days;
when our hearts were especially touched by the spontaneous and hearty
kindness displayed toward the aged and afflicted ones, who unable to be
present, were by the generous gifts sent, made to feel, that they were
not forgotten or neglected, but were in a large measure made partakers
of the pleasures of that eventful day.

CHAPTER EIGHT.

THE EXTRA DOG-TRAIN OF SUPPLIES, AND WHAT CAME OF IT.

"As yo