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24 The impression among the traders & those best acquainted with the Indians is that this famous secret consists in the knowledge of the fact that there is no secret at all, except that of deceiving themselves & the uninitiated with the idea of their greater insight into affairs than their neighbors, & a supposed connection with the spiritual world -note X A stroll thro' the village on the day after my arrival gave me some idea of my probable success in procuring sketches of Indian character - Pursuing my usual plan of taking my sitters unawares & without reference to their permission or disinclination. I met with various success. Many expressing surprise on discovering my objects, & laughing immoderately at the result, & showing no