Adventures in Patagonia (1880 ed.)

it were something very bad. Our good old Indian mother, who was in an adjoining tent, hearing his angry tones, came speedily to our help and remonstrated with the old savage with great earnestness. In a few minutes came Louis and bent down by the side of the old man, who was squatted before our door, and in mild and persuasive tones labored to pacify him and to convince him that our writing was not bad. But the excited old man still continued to storm more p132 vehemently than ever, and poor Louis, finding all his efforts to still his rage fruitless, came within the tent and seated himself close to us, as if determined to stand between us and harm. The noise without had aroused the Indians in the camp, and numbers came to see and hear what was the matter. Under these circumstances we thought it prudent to lay aside our writing, which having done, and having taken kind notice of the old man, offering him water to drink from our own cup, he became quiet and soon retired, to our no little satisfaction.

As we could not understand the old man's words, we tried to learn from Louis the cause of his rage. He gives us the impression that it was our writing, but why we cannot now comprehend. Doubtless it arises from some superstitious fear.

After the aged Indian had left us, Louis inquired how many hatchets we had, and advised us to present one to the old man, telling us that he was one of the captains and a good man. This advice seemed wise and timely, and to partake of the nature of the instructions of "Him who spake as never man spake," viz., "Do good to them that hate you." We therefore told him p133 that the old capitan should have a hatchet tomorrow.

Another event to-day was the bringing of a sick man to our tent, to whom Mr. Arms gave medicine, and promised to visit him to-morrow.

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