Chapter I: Preface

The writing of this book has been primarily a labour of love, undertaken in the hope that through the harmonious mingling of Indian tradition and descriptions of the region--too little known--where the lessening tribes still dwell, there may be a fuller understanding both of the Indians and of the poetical West.

A wealth of folk-lore will pass with the passing of the Flathead Reservation, therefore it is well to stop and listen before the light is quite vanished from the hill-tops, while still the streams sing the songs of old and the trees murmur regretfully of things lost forever and a time that will come no more. We of the workaday world are too prone to believe that our own country is lacking in myth and tradition, in hero-tale and romance; yet here in our midst is a legended region where every landmark is a symbol in the great, natural record book of a folk whose day is done and whose song is but an echo.

It would not be fitting to close these few introductory words without grateful acknowledgment to those who have aided me toward the accomplishment of my purpose. Indeed, every page brings a pleasant recollection of a friendly spirit and a helping hand. Mr. Duncan McDonald, son of Angus, and Mr. Henri Matt, my Indian friends, have told me by word of mouth, many of the myths and chronicles set forth in the following chapters. Mr. Edward Morgan, the faithful and just agent at the Flathead Reservation, has given me priceless information which I could never have obtained save through his kindly interest. He secured for me the legend of the Flint, the last tale told by Charlot and rendered into English by Michel Rivais, the blind interpreter who has served in that capacity for thirty years. Chief Charlot died after this book was finished and he lies in the land of his exile, out of the home of his fathers where he had hoped to rest. From Mr. Morgan also I received the account of Charlot's meeting with Joseph at the LoLo Pass, the facts of which were given him by the little white boy since grown to manhood, Mr. David Whaley, who rode with Charlot and his band to the hostile camp.

The late Charles Aubrey, pioneer and plainsman, furnished me valuable data concerning the buffalo.

Madame Leonie De Mers and her hospitable relatives, the De Mers of Arlee, were instrumental in winning for me the confidence of the Selish people.

Mrs. L. Mabel Hight, the artist, who has caught the spirit of the mountains with her brush, has added to this book by making the peaks live again in their colours.

In conclusion I would express my everlasting gratitude to Mr. Thomas H. Scott, of Lake McDonald, soldier, mountain-lover and woodsman, who, with unfailing courage and patience, has guided me safely over many and difficult trails.

For the benefit of students I must add that the authorities I have followed in my historical references are: Long's (James') "_Expedition to the Rocky Mountains, 1819-20_," Maximilian's "_Travels in North America_," Father De Smet's "_Oregon Missions_," Major Ronan's "_History of the Flathead Indians_," Bradbury's "_Travels_," Father L. B. Palladino's "_Indian and White in the Northwest_," and the _Reports_ of the Bureau of Ethnology.

HELEN FITZGERALD SANDERS.

_Butte, Montana,
April 5, 1910._

CONTENTS

I. The Gentle Selish 15

II. Enchanted Waters 77

III. Lake Angus McDonald 89

IV. Some Indian Missions of the Northwest 97

V. The People of the Leaves 155

VI. The Passing Buffalo 169

VII. Lake McDonald and Its Trails 229

VIII. Above the Clouds 245

IX. The Little St. Mary's 271

X. The Track of the Avalanche 281

XI. Indian Summer 297

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

Lake Angus McDonald _Frontispiece_

Facing Page
Joe La Mousse 50

Abraham Isaac and Michel Kaiser 66

Lake McDonald from McDonald Creek 90

Francois 154

Glacier Camp 234

Gem Lake 266

On the Trail to Mt. Lincoln 290

_THE GENTLE SELISH_

TRAILS THROUGH WESTERN WOODS