With the pangs of hunger gnawing at his stomach, and viewing, no doubt, with longing eyes the food around, he had yet, according to Indian etiquette, refrained from clamouring at once for food, but sat and smoked for a long time, without making the slightest allusion to his starving condition. When, in due course, his host offered him something to eat, he mentioned the wants of himself and family. The next day he left, carrying with him supplies for his squaw. He was exceedingly grateful for the assistance, and promised to return in a day with his wife, who should wash and mend all our clothes, as some acknowledgment of the kindness. Cheadle, being now somewhat recovered from his late severe journey, strapped on his snow-shoes, and set out to seek Milton amongst the Indians at White Fish Lake. He suffered so severely from snow-shoe lameness, however, that he with difficulty accomplished the nine or ten miles’ journey by nightfall. Opening the door of the hut, he discovered the old squaw--frying-pan in hand--engaged in cooking the evening pemmican, and was warmly received by all, Milton being quite tired of living entirely amongst savage society, and the Indians always ready to welcome the white man hospitably. The Hunter and Misquapamayoo were absent, having gone to bring in the meat of a moose, which the former had killed. We returned home on the following day, leaving word for the two Indians to join us as soon as possible. CHAPTER IX. Our New Acquaintances--Taking it Quietly--Mahaygun Fraternises with Keenamontiayoo--The Carouse--Importunities for Rum-- The Hunter asks for more--A Tiresome Evening--Keenamontiayoo Renounces us--His Night Adventure--Misquapamayoo’s Devotion-- The Hunter returns Penitent--The Plains again--The Wolverine on our Track--The Last Band of Buffalo--Gaytchi Mohkamarn, “The Big Knife”--The Cache Intact--Starving Indians--Story of Keenamontiayoo--Indian Gambling--The Hideous Philosopher--Dog Driving--Shushu’s Wonderful Sagacity--A Long March--Return to La Belle Prairie--Household Cares--Our Untidy Dwelling-- Our Spring Cleaning--The Great Plum Pudding--Unprofitable Visitors--Rover’s Accomplishments Astonish the Indians--Famine Everywhere.