Information relating to Charles M. Russell's paintings entitled "Signal Class", "Smoke Talk", and "When Horses Turn Back, There is Danger A head". Typed.

"SIGNAL GLASS" (Oil) $30,000.00 4’ X 6' A trade mirror was used to telegraph with by most all Plains Indians and if the sun was right, they could signal a long way. "SMOKE TALK" (Oil) $30,000.00 30" X 48” In olden days wild men had many ways of telegraphing. At night a fire was used , in daytime smoke. This was done by building a small fire of green stuff which would send up black smoke. The Indians would use a blanket or robe to cut the smoke into puffs . They had codes so that certain number of puffs would tell his people the happenings at great distances. "WHEN HORSES TURN BACK, THERE IS DANGER AHEAD” $24,000.00 30" x 48" (Oil) The hunters have started with their pack train across t he south fork of the Flathead River. When the animals get about midstream, they discover two bears in the driftwood . The smell and sight of t hem have stampeded the horses. One of t he hunters has just pumped a shell into his winchester while the other man is trying to get his gun from the scabbard under his leg. Every detail in rope, strap , pack and saddle is correct .

[Transcribed by Lauren B. Gerfen, 2011-11-11]