12 CHRONICLES OF THE CARIBOO

These were said to be distinguishing Dene marks symbolic of the
race. Set this head on a neck that was rather long, but didn’t seem
so it was so thick and vowerful, like a tree trunk that grew there and
filled the space between the wide, high and heavy shoulders, and
perhaps you will get the picture of the type of physiognomy I am
trying to word-paint for you. A type that astonished and won the
immediate admiration of Dunlevey and his partners—especially Sellers
the athlete. The Indians erect carriage, head usually thrown well
back as if used to gazing on far horizons, massive build, intelligent
and commanding mien gave the impression of immense power, high
courage and rugged endurance, directed by a superior and authorita-
tive intelligence. When he spoke in low, deep tones that seemed to
actually rumble in his great chest, and dropped that far gaze so that
his bright, black and thoughtfvl eyes rested upon you and pierced
you through and through, it was then you got the thrill of realizing
this forceful savage was very much present indeed.

Besides his native Dene, Chilcotin and some Shuswap and Chinook,
Baptiste spoke rather fluently the Hudson’s Bay French patois and
some English, but the latter with a curious, soft French accent. In
fact, he was much in demand as an interpreter in the Company’s deal-
ings with the tribes and by the missionary Fathers as well.

Dunlevey’s astcnishment burst forth: “My God, man! Are all the
men in your tribe big fellers like you?”

The Indian’s smile flashed and his black eyes twinkled as he
replicd: “Oh non! some li’l feller lak ma fren Tomaah here! One
more smail feller, same name lak me dey call “Short Bacheese. Me
Long Gacheese! Now you fin’ out Someting?”

Dunicvey’s astonishment grew as he laughed: “My God! Such
neat humor in an Indian!”

It is no wonder that Baptiste attracted the admiration cf such
Sportsmen as Dunlevey and Sellers at cnce. And little wonder either
that later, on Dunlevey’s recommenaation, Judge Begbie, a keen
sportsman elso, accepted kira even proudly as his travelling guide
and ccrapanion cn his many official trips through the country, and
tcat they should have become great friends. It was from this asso-
ciation that Baptiste came to be known as Begbie Baptiste.

When Dunievey saw him first Baptiste was dressed only in a
pair of stout Hudson’s Bay pants, held in place by a buckskin beaded
belt, over which was wound tke inevitable bright-colored Hudson’s
Bay vcyageur sash. Over the pants from mid-thigh down to the
mocassins he wore the voyageur’s fringed buckskin leggings. From
the waist up he wore only the tough dark-brown hide he was born in,
and on ceremonial occasions ke wore his string of bear claws around
his neck as symbolic trophies of his hunting prowess.

He never wore a hat. At his waist hung the inevitable hunter’s
heavy sheath knife—which he could throw with the precision and