Quinn concluded to hold a council with the chiefs and
inform them of the news from Duck Lake, impressing upon them the
necessity of being good and of doing their work, and not minding those
troublesome characters that were only bringing misery upon themselves.
Consequently, on the first of April, the council was held, but to
their great astonishment and dismay, the Indians knew more than they
did about the affair, and, in fact, the Indians knew all about the
troubles, long before news ever reached us, at Frog Lake, of the
outbreak. At the council were "Aimasis" (The King-bird), one of Big
Bear's sons and "The Wandering Spirit." They said that Big Bear had a
bad name, but now that he had a chance he would show himself to be the
whiteman's friend. All day, the 1st of April, they talked and held
council, and finally the Indians went home, after shaking hands with
my husband. They then told him that the half-breeds intended to come
our way to join Riel! that they also intended to steal our horses, but
that we need not fear as they (the Indians) would protect us and make
sure no horses would be taken and no harm would be done. They also
told us to sleep quiet and contented as they would be up all night and
would watch. Big Bear, himself, was away upon a hunt and only got to
the camp that night, we did not see him until next morning.
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