the contagion of
the hour. I, of course, shook hands all round and kissed the fat little
baby in its quaint, moss-bag cradle. Then, we were speedily informed of
what was very evident, that dinner was ready. There was not a chair or
table in the house. The snow white tablecloth was spread out on the
almost equally snow white floor, and upon it were placed in order
plates, cups, and saucers, knives and forks. Then the dinner which had
been cooked in various pots, and pans, at the capacious fireplace, was
served up, or rather, down, and in our assigned places we seated
ourselves Indian-like, upon the floor. After heaven's blessing was
asked, the feast began. The menu was not very elaborate. Spoiled
children of luxury, with lost appetites, might have sneered at it, but
to us in that land, and especially to this happy Indian family, it was
one of the great events of their lives. The missionary and his wife
were happy because they saw these poor people so happy.

For perhaps three hours, Mrs Young, had been the instructor of that
Indian motherland her daughters, as under her direction they prepared
that dinner, and they were very proud of their teacher.

The dinner was pronounced a great success, and after it was over, and
all had had an abundance, the Bible in the syllabic characters, was
brought out and read, when all devoutly kneeling, the missionary with a
glad heart offered up an earnest prayer for heaven's blessing ever to
abide upon that home.

After prayers I was expected to leave, while Mrs Young remained for the
rest of the day. When she returned to our mission home in the evening,
tired, but very happy over her day's work, she would give me some
glimpses into the doings of the afternoon. Of course, the first thing,
was to teach the women how, nicely and carefully, to wash and put away
the dishes; then, the house was once more swept up, when they were ready
for the afternoons work. Sometimes the happy Indian mother was able to
bring out a nice piece of dress cloth, which her now kind. Christian
husband, had bought for her in exchange for his valuable furs. This
dress piece had to be cut and fitted by Mrs Young. When asked as to
how she wished to have it made she would generally say:

"Please, Ookemasquao, cut it out so that it will be like the one you had
on in church, last Sunday."

So, as far as possible, the dress was cut and fitted in that style, the
sewing of it commenced, and full instructi