Bradley wisely allowed
the children sufficient time for recreation, especially in summer when
the fur trade was not active.

He was anxious that the lads should become thoroughly acquainted with
the country and its inhabitants, as his business depended much on the
good will of the white men and the Indians.

So he sent them far into the interior with little gifts and trinkets
which the boys were to give to the Indians, in order that they might
establish trade connections with the "House of Bradley."

These trips were very pleasant to the boys, and as they sometimes took
Agnes with them, they formed a merry party, for the girl was full of
fun and laughter, and though the boys were much taller than she, she
could endure much more fatigue than they.

How the Indians adored her!

When the three pilgrims of the woods came to the Indian villages, Fred,
who was thoroughly versed in the language and customs of the red men,
would seek out the chief and broach his mission to him.

The chief called together his men and a council was held, in which every
one smoked the peace pipe, including Fred and Matthew, who had to submit
to this ordeal for business reasons.

Then the matter of trading with the "House of Bradley" was discussed,
and Fred told them what prices his great white father, who dwelled in
the large wigwam by the sea, paid for furs, much more than the French
and other traders. This he could say with truth, for Mr. Bradley indeed
was thoroughly honest in his business and never deceived the guileless
Indians.

After the promise was made, that they would turn their furs over to the
"House of Bradley," the boys would open their treasures and give to
each man some gift which he liked. All of them liked tobacco, though
many asked for fire-water, which, however, Fred never offered them.
Some, however, preferred cups and kettles which Fred supplied as long
as the store lasted. Usually, however, these were reserved for the
mighty men among the Indians, the chiefs and leaders, since only a
limited supply of them could be carried on horseback.

In the meanwhile Agnes would approach the wigwams of the women, and by
her winsome smiles, her hearty laughter and gayety soon won their
confidence. She spoke the language of the Indians fluently, and sang
many of the Puritan hymns in their tongue, so that they were "much
entertained," as the old chronicle says.

On her trips she carried her lute with her, and on this she pla