But Mike and me was as popular with them people as a couple of polecats at a picnic.

Conversation they had none, but by way of appearing witty, they kept repeating over and over again some four or five stories, laughing at one another's tales, which were either blasphemous or beastlyso much so, that I would most willingly have compounded for two more human polecats in lieu of them.

The Menomonees, from the wild rice so abundant in their country, are called "Folles Avoines;"the Winnebagoes, from their custom of wearing the fur of a polecat on their legs when equipped for war, are termed "les Puans;"the Pottowattamies, from their uncleanly habits, "les Poux;"the Foxes are "les Renards," etc. etc.