“Boys should not talk about big things,” said the old chief suddenly.  He had been sitting quietly over the fire, and spoke so suddenly that Kalitan collapsed into silence.  Ted, too, quieted down at the old chiefs stern voice and manner, and both boys sat and listened to the men talking, while the snow still swirled about them.

Tyee Klake told Mr. Strong many interesting things about the coast country, and gave him valuable information as to the route he should pursue in his search for interesting things in the mountains.

“It will be two weeks before the snow will break so you can travel in comfort,” he said.  “Camp with us.  We remain here one week, then we go to the island.  We can take you there, you will see many things, and your boy will hunt with Kalitan.”

“Where is your island?” asked Mr. Strong.

Ted said nothing, but his eyes were fixed eagerly upon his father.  It was easy to see that he wished to accept the invitation.

“Out there.”  Tyee Klake pointed toward where the white coast-line seemed to fade into silvery blue.

“There are many islands; on some lives no one, but we have a village.  Soon it will be nearly deserted, for many of our people rove during the summer, and wander from one camping-ground to another, seeking the best game or fish.  But Kalitan’s people remain always on the island.  Him I take with me to hunt the whale and seal, to gather the berries, and to trap the little animals who bear fur.  We find even seal upon our shores, though fewer since your people have come among us.”

“Which were the best, Russians or Americans?” asked Mr. Strong, curious to see what the old Indian would say, but the Tyee was not to be caught napping.

“Men all alike.” he said.  “Thlinkit, Russian, American, some good, some bad.  Russians used Indians more, gave them hunting and fishing, and only took part of the skins.  Americans like to hunt and fish all themselves and leave nothing for the Indians.  Russians teach quass, Americans teach whiskey.  Before white men came, Indians were healthy.  They ate fish, game, berries; now they must have other foods, and they’re not good for Indians here.”—­he touched his stomach.  “Indian used to dress in skins and furs, now he must copy white man and shiver with cold.  He soon has the coughing sickness and then he goes into the unknown.

“But the government of the Americans is best because it tries to do some things for the Indian.  It teaches our boys useful things in the schools, and, if some of its people are bad, some Indians are bad, too.  Men all alike,” he repeated with the calm stoicism of his race.

“The government is far away,” said Mr. Strong, “and should not be blamed for the doings of all its servants.  I should like to see this island home of yours, and think we must accept your invitation; shall we, Ted?” he smiled at the boy.

“Yes, indeed; thank you, sir,” said Ted, and he and Kalitan grinned at each other happily.