Original - North Central Michigan College Library

12HOSPITALITY OF THE ASSINIBOINof the tent was appropriatedto our use. Several women waited uponus to make a fire and bring water, whichONE-HALFlatter they fetched from a neighboring tent.Shortly after our arrival these women broughtus water, unasked for, saying that it was forwashing. The refreshment was exceedinglyfor on our march we had become soacceptable,dirty that our complexions were not very distinguishablefrom those of the Indians themselves.The same women presently borrowed ourkettle, telling us that they wanted to boilsomething for us to eat. Soon after we heardthe voice of a man passing through the villageand making a speech as he went. Our interpreterinformed us that his speech contained aninvitation to a feast, accompanied by a proclamationin which the people were required tobehave with decorum toward the strangers,and apprised that the soldiers had orders topunish those who should do otherwise.While we were procuring this explanation anIndian, who, appeared to be a chief, came intoour tent and invited us to the feast, addingthat he would himself show us the way. We275