Austin. What do the Indians call the sun?
Hunter. The different tribes speak different languages, and therefore you must tell me which of them you mean.
Austin. Oh! I forgot that. Tell me what any two or three of the tribes call it.
Hunter. A Sioux calls it wee; a Mandan, menahka; a Tuscarora, hiday; and a Blackfoot, cristeque ahtose.
Austin. The Blackfoot is the hardest to remember. I should not like to learn that language.
Brian. But you must learn it, if you go among them; or else you will not understand a word they say.
Austin. Well! I shall manage it somehow or other. Perhaps some of them may know English; or we may make motions one to another. What do they call the moon?
Hunter. A Blackfoot calls it coque ahtose; a Sioux, on wee; a Riccaree, wetah; a Mandan, esto menahka; and a Tuscarora, autsunyehaw.
Brian. I wish you joy of the languages you have to learn, Austin, if you become a wood-ranger, or a trapper. Remember, you must learn them all; and you will have quite enough to do, I warrant you.
Austin. Oh! I shall learn a little at a time. We cannot do every thing at once. What do the red men call a buffalo?