Now the Deer Men traded with the Sea Men, and the Sea Men with the whites, especially the whalers.

So later I discovered a deck of cards in the possession of one of the women, and I proceeded to mystify the Chow Chuen with a few commonplace tricks.

Likewise, with fitting solemnity, I perpetrated upon them the little I knew of parlor legerdemain.

Result: I was appreciated at once, and was better fed and better clothed.
"To make a long story short, I gradually became a man of importance.
First the old people and the women came to me for advice, and later the chiefs.

My slight but rough and ready knowledge of medicine and surgery stood me in good stead, and I became indispensable.