In the Forest; Or, Pictures of Life and Scenery in the Woods of Canada Part 15

APPENDIX.

The Indians, though so stolid and impa.s.sive in their general demeanour, are easily moved to laughter, having a quick perception of fun and drollery, and sometimes show themselves capable of much humour, and even of wit.

The following pa.s.sage I extract from a Hamilton paper, Canada West which will, I think, prove amusing to my readers--

At a missionary meeting in Hamilton which took place a short time since, John Sunday, a native preacher, was particularly happy in addressing his audience on the objects of the meeting, and towards the close astonished all present by the ingenuity and power of his appeal to their liberality.

His closing words are too good to be lost. I give them as they were spoken by him--

"There is a gentleman who, I suppose, is now in this house. He is a very fine gentleman, but a very modest one He does not like to show himself at these meetings. I do not know how long it is since I have seen him, he comes out so little. I am very much afraid that he sleeps a great deal of his time when he ought to be out doing good. His name is GOLD--Mr. Gold, are you here to-night or are you sleeping in your iron chest? Come out, Mr Gold. Come out and help us to do this great work--to preach the gospel to every creature Ah, Mr. Gold, you ought to be ashamed of yourself to sleep so much in your iron chest. Look at your white brother, Mr. Silver. He does a great deal of good while you are sleeping. Come out Mr. Gold, Look too at your little brown brother, Mr. Copper. He is everywhere. Your poor little brown brother is running about doing all he can to help us. Why don't you come out, Mr. Gold? Well, if you won't show yourself send us your _s.h.i.+rt_--that is a _bank note_!

"This is all I have to say."

Whether the witty appeal of the Indian had the effect of bringing forth Mr Gold from his hiding place is not said, but we hope it moved some of the wealthy among his hearers to contribute a few sovereigns or gold dollars to the missionary work of converting the poor Indians in the far west regions of Canada.