out the least ill will or trouble. I always remarked great love and attachment of the parents toward their children, great regard for each other, for quarrels were of the rarest occurrence and no stranger could come amongst them without meeting with a kind reception and finding hospitality. They were strictly honest toward one another and likewise toward strangers. Even any object found was carefully remitted to the chief, who proclaimed it aloud at the camping place to return it to the owner. My mission-house was of necessity often left Alone, but nothing was ever missed. My friends, the Kootenais, had a trading post on their
lands provided with goods for their use. The trader (Mr. Berton) was sometimes absent for weeks or months. The Indians went in and served themselves according to their wants; replaced in furs and skins for the goods taken out; and upon the testimony of the trader (I use his words),
" his confidence in their honesty was never abused." Their
moral conduct was admirable and commendable. Every attempt at seduction, either by young men or by adults, was
punished with a severe flogging. During my several years' intercourse and experience with these mountain Indians, I never heard of an adulterer.
I had an adopted Indian brother, named Moses, surnamed The Brave of the Braves. His exemplary conduct took pace with his renowned bravery and he was generally
looked up to and esteemed. I was with him when he called upon the chief who had just performed his duty after his morning prayer and as justice of peace in flogging a guilty young Nez Perce, who had recently arrived amongst them
and was ignorant of their laws and customs. Moses took off his buffalo robe, exposed his bare back, shook hands with the judge, and stipulated, himself, to receive twenty-five
well-laid-down lashes. I here interposed and inquired into
the motive and cause of his action. He answered me with a smile, equally admirable for his simplicity and sincerity " Father, the Nez Perce here present was whipped because
he talked foolishly to a girl. My thoughts are sometimes