Instead of paint and feathers, the scalp-lock, the breech-clout, and the buffalo-robe, there presented itself a body of respectable-looking men, as well dressed and evidently quite as independent in their feelings as any like number of average pioneers in the East.

Indeed, I had seen there, in my youth, many a time, crowds of white settlers inferior to these in sedateness and self-possession.

One was prepared, in this wild region of forest, to behold some savage types of men; indeed, I craved to renew the vanished scenes of old.

But, alas! one beheld, instead, men with well-washed, unpainted faces, and combed and common hair; men in suits of ordinary "store-clothes," and some even with "boiled" if not laundered shirts.

One felt disappointed, almost defrauded.