d,
that even when a fierce November storm was raging in the woods, with
trees swaying to and fro, and branches crashing against each other and
breaking in the gale, if the incautious hunter, hundreds of yards away,
happened to step on a small dry twig that snapped under his foot, the
moose at once detected the sound and was off like an arrow, never
stopping for many miles.

Of Big Tom's skill as a hunter, we have nothing more to record at
present; but here we wish to put on record an instance of his
self-abnegation, which beautifully reveals the disinterested character
of the man, and shows what was the heart's ambition.

For many generations these American Indians have been divided into
tribes. Many and diverse are their languages; but numbers of their
customs and methods of government are similar. In all the tribes chiefs
governed who had more or less authority. In some, the honour was
hereditary; in others, not so; although in the latter the son of the
chief, if he were at all suitable, had the best chance of being
appointed in his father's place. When the Canadian government made
treaties with the Indians of the great north-west, it ever acknowledged
the authority of the chiefs; and through them, today still transacts all
business with the tribes. For some time before the treaty was made with
the northern Crees, the office of chieftainship had fallen into
abeyance. When word arrived that the government was about to enter into
treaty with them, and wished to know who was their chief, there was a
good deal of excitement. The Dominion government has been very
honourable in its treatment of the Indians, and in the respect which it
has paid to the chiefs of this naturally sensitive people, whose
allowances have been silver medals, fine clothes, and extra gratuities,
both in money and supplies. Of course there was excitement among the
Crees at the prospect of great political changes. Councils were
frequent, and many pipes were smoked in wigwams and beside camp-fires
over the matter. Various names were discussed, and sons and grandsons
were brought forward, only to be rejected one after another. Big Tom
took but little interest in these proceedings, and attended but few
councils. One day to his surprise, while at work in his garden, he was
waited upon by a deputation of Indians and informed that he was urgently
needed at the council house. Here in full council he was told that he
was the choice of the people