Page:Cathlamet On the Columbia.djvu/125

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store, for here every Indian was well known, and he could trade to such extent only as the factor allowed. If for any reason he was on the black list for offenses unatoned for it made no difference how many beaver skins he could produce. There was no sugar or tobacco, powder, shot or blankets for him. In serious cases the store would be entirely closed to the whole people and this would bring the most stubborn tribe to its knees, for without powder and shot they were helpless, and without sugar and tobacco they were miserable. All hunting and fishing would stop, and about the storehouse would be gathered, stolid but unhappy groups of Indian men and women squatting on the ground and discussing the situation.

Finally a subdued and repentant committee of the principal men would wait upon the of