[27] These skins are not only a considerable branch of commerce, but serve as a species of money with the Kamtschadales.
[28] See Cook's Voyage, vol. III. p. 208.
[29] When these galliots are obliged to winter here, they harbour in the mouth of a narrow and deep river, which pours itself into the Bolchaïa-reka, about fifty yards from the hamlet, higher up.
[30] This guard-house is likewise used as a prison, and even as a school for children. The master of the school is a Japanese; he is skilled in many languages, and is paid by government for instructing the children of this country.
[31] Their pay is so inconsiderable, that the receipt of a whole year would not suffice to maintain them for a single month, if they had not the resource of a petty fraudulent commerce, of which I shall presently give an account.
[32] This is well known to be the ruling passion of all the people of the north; but I have had more than one occasion to observe, that the Kamtschadales are inferior in this respect to none of them. The following story, among others, was told me, that I might be able to judge of the rapacity of these vagabond traders, and the stupid prodigality of their dupes.
A Kamtschadale had given a sable for a glass of brandy. Inflamed with a desire of drinking another, he invited the seller into his house. The merchant thanked him, but said he was in a hurry. The Kamtschadale renewed his solicitations, and proposed a second bargain: he prevailed.—"Come, another glass for this sable, it is a finer one than the first.—No; I must keep the rest of my brandy; I have promised to sell it at such a place, and I must be gone.—Stay a moment; here are two sables.—Tis all in vain.—Well, come, I will add another.—Agreed, drink." Meanwhile the three sables are seized, and the hypocrite makes a fresh pretence to come away: his host redoubles his importunities to retain him, and demands a third glass: further refusals and further offers: the higher the chapman raises his price, the more the Kamtschadale is prodigal of his furs. Who would have supposed that it would have ended in the sacrifice of seven most beautiful sables for this last glass! they were all he had.
[33] A Russian measure containing from fifteen to twenty quarts.
[34] Eighteen pounds sterling, estimating the rouble at four shillings and sixpence.
[35] Nine pounds nine shillings.