WARFARE 349

divisions, each containing a loaded and measured charge; these were
novelties recently obtained in trade from the white man and considered
very valuable. On reaching the place where the Bella Coola canoes were
drawn up, Lo-gwa-t called out four times:

“Nusmdt-a, are you there?”

On being answered in the affirmative, Lo-qwa-t leapt ashore, sent back
his own canoe, and definitely joined the expedition.

The Bella Bella chief gave Nusmdt-a one of the prized palette-shaped
boards, and the recipient repaid this overwhelming generosity with the
gift of a marten-skin coat which he was wearing. A Kimsquit chief like-
wise gave Lo-qgwat a valuable blanket-coat. As usual, the war-party was
suffering from lack of leadership. Lo-gwa-t, a properly validated warrior,
was a man who had given many potlatches, and though not a Bella Coola,
was related to them by blood; in addition, he alone knew the route to
Kitkatla, so he virtually assumed command, although many of the Bella
Coola were unwilling followers. Lo-gwa-t suggested an immediate move,
and gained his point owing to the fact that no one had a definite counter-
suggestion. After travelling seven miles in the darkness, Lo-gwa-t massed
the canoes to address his ill-disciplined and somewhat uncertain force.
He pointed out that the way to Kitkatla was long and difficult and that
it would be dangerous to attack their northern foe-men, but that the
Waoyel-a° near at hand would be an easy prey. The Bella Coola had no
quarrel with these people, and were reluctant to attack them, especially
as there had been inter-marriage between the two tribes. Lo-gwa-t spoke
fluently, saying that the Waoye/-¢ had mocked him in their potlatches,
and that many of their women, gathering sea-weed on lonely beaches at
this season, would be easy victims. His arguments were given strength
by the fact that he was a zumiti chief and warrior; no one dared to stand
against him, so it was decided to follow his wishes, though the Bella Coola
stipulated that none of the Waoyel-a were to be killed.

The flotilla continued and in the early dawn raided a small Waoyel-a
settlement and captured several slaves. Continuing their journey, they
took prisoner a number of women who were gathering sea-weed, and de-
stroyed the supplies which had been stored up. Lo-gwa-t had joined the
expedition merely in hope of getting revenge upon the Waoyel-a; now
that this end was accomplished, he was willing and eager to return home,
but uncertain how to leave his followers.

With this in view, Lo-gwa-t suggested an attack on a China Hat settle-
ment, adding that he knew where some of their frames? used in Cannibal
dances were stored, and that the China Hat people were too arrogant

*Probably one of the Bella Bella-speaking groups.
7Such as were covered with meat to represent human bodies.