Chapter VIII

Columbia Falls—A canoe swamped—Suspicious behaviour of the Indians—
Stratagem—Umatallow—Walla Walla—Great body of Indians—Harangues—
Indian ceremonies—The great forks—Difference in the waters—Length
of the forks—The British flag—Mr. Thompson’s design—Indian ideas—
Salmon—European articles—Tummatapam—Departure from the Forks—
Indian honesty—Eyakema—Marl hills—Dead children—Superstitions—
Priest’s Rapid—Rattlesnakes—Appearance of the country—
Kewaugh-chen—Perilous situation of a canoe—The two sisters—The
old Indian—Hunting party—Horses—The priest—Piss-cows—Sopa—Great
assemblage of Indians—The comet—Oakinacken—Distance from Astoria—
Indian council—Resolve to winter—Some account of the place—The
stolen watch—The priest dismissed—Voyage concluded—The two
strangers—First building—Division of the party—Lonely winter—The
lost party—Indian trade—Mr. Stuart’s adventures 131