I did not know whether to show, by my countenance, displeasure at the trick she had played me, or joy at receiving my treasure back again, but at length decided that it was the best policy to manifest no emotion whatever.
She prolonged her visit until my husband's return, and he then questioned her about the matter.
"She had taken the shell to her village, to show to some of her people, who did not come to the payment." "Why had she not asked her mother's leave before carrying it away ?" "Because she saw that her mother liked the shell, and she was afraid she would say, No." This was not the first instance in which Madame Washington had displayed the shrewdness which was a predominant trait in her character.

During the visit of the Indians to the Eastern cities, they were taken to various exhibitions, museums, menageries, theatres, etc.

It did not escape their observation that some silver was always paid before entrance, and they inquired the reason.

It was explained to them.

The woman brightened up, as if struck with an idea.
"How much do you pay for each one ?" Her Father told her.
"How do you say that in English ?" "Two shillings." "_Two shinnin--humph_" (good).
The next day, when, as usual, visitors began to flock to the rooms where the Indians were sojourning, the woman and a young Indian, her confederate, took their station by the door, which they kept closed.
When any one knocked, the door was cautiously opened, and the woman, extending her hand, exclaimed--"_Two shinnin_." This was readily paid in each instance, and the game went on, until she had accumulated a considerable sum.