My own tribe already possessed a chieftain of their own but my position was one of even greater influence than his.

Moreover, I was appointed to it without having to undergo the painful ceremonies that initiation entails.

My immunity in this respect was of course owing to my supposed great powers, and the belief that I was a returned spirit.

I was always present at tribal and war councils, and also had some authority over other tribes.
I adopted every device I could think of to make my dwelling home-like, and I even journeyed many miles in a NNE.

direction, to procure cuttings of grape vines I had seen; but I must say that this at any rate was labour in vain, because I never improved upon the quality of the wild grapes, which had a sharp, acid flavour, that affected the throat somewhat unpleasantly until one got used to them.
When I speak of my "mountain home," it must not be supposed that I remained in one place.