have been a stick that he was burning. When at
length he drew back the crisp burnt finger of his now blistered hand, he
held it toward his grandson and gave him another lecture, telling him
among other things that if he ever expected to be great or honoured
among his people, he must hear pain without flinching or uttering a cry.

CHAPTER TEN.

THE HONEST INDIAN; OR, VENISON FOR PEMMICAN.

Years ago the missionaries living in the northern part of what were then
known as the Hudson Bay territories, were often so remote from
civilisation, that they were obliged to depend principally on fish and
game for their livelihood. Hence, in times of scarcity, they welcomed
the arrival of a hunter who came in with plenty of game.

One cold wintry day, a man of this description made his appearance at
our mission home. He was a fine stalwart Indian, and, in the quiet way
of his people, came into our kitchen without knocking. Unstrapping from
his back a fine haunch of venison, he threw it down upon the table. As
our supplies of food were very limited at the time--for we were
averaging hardly more than two good meals a day--I was glad to see this
welcome addition; and so, after I had cordially greeted him, I said:

"What shall I give you for this venison?"

"I want nothing for it, as it belongs to you," was his answer.

"You must be mistaken," I replied, "as I never saw you before, and have
had no dealings with you."

"Oh, but it does belong to you, and I want nothing more for it," he
insisted.

"Excuse me," I said, "but you _must_ let me pay you for it. We are very
glad to get it, as there is little food in the house; but we have a rule
here, that we pay the Indians for everything we get from them."

The reason we had come to this determination, was because we had found
by rather dear experience,--as we presume other missionaries on similar
fields have,--that the natives have an idea the missionary is rich, or
that he is backed up by wealthy churches; and, with unlimited resources
at his disposal, is able to make large gifts in return for lesser ones
received. A few rabbits, or a brace of ducks would be given with great
politeness to the missionary or his wife. Then the donor, often
accompanied by his wife and several children, would remain to dinner,
and, in all probability, eat the greater part of the gift. Of course
they must be asked to supper--and they had glorious appetites. As they
still lingered on until