e on our excursion, Uncle Mark and Mike had been more
fortunate during our absence, and there was no lack of food.

In the meantime Kepenau had called up his people from the canoe, and
they set to work to collect materials for two small wigwams, which,
though they were more rudely constructed than usual, served the purpose
intended. One was for the accommodation of Ashatea, and the other for
the chief--his men contenting themselves with a rough lean-to.

The whole party joined us in the hut at supper, which, thanks to the
diligence of Mike and Quambo, was quickly prepared. The old trapper had
many anecdotes to tell, and many a wild adventure to recount, which, I
saw, was greatly interesting to Reuben. Ashatea spoke but little,
though I could see, by her quick glance, that she understood much, if
not all, that was said.

At night the chief and his daughter retired to their wigwams, while the
old trapper accepted a shakedown in the corner of our hut. He smiled
when Uncle Mark offered him a bed. "For many a long year I have not
slept in one," he answered; "and I possibly may never again put my head
on a pillow softer than my saddle or a pack of skins."

Without taking off his clothes, and merely unbuckling his belt, he lay
down, and was soon fast asleep. Reuben and I, after a few minutes'
talk, did the same. Before I closed my eyes, however, I saw that Uncle
Mark was sitting at the table, resting his head upon his hands,
apparently lost in thought.

At break of day the next morning our Indian friends were on foot, and we
turned out to receive them. As our hut was close, we had our breakfast
spread on a grassy spot beneath the trees, where we could enjoy fresh
air, which was certainly more suited to their taste.

Ashatea looked handsomer than ever. She was eager to set out to see
Lily. Reuben offered to accompany her, and show the way: at which
Kepenau laughed, observing that an Indian never required a guide through
his own country; but, for all that, he should be happy to have the white
stranger's society.

Kepenau had brought several packages of skins, which it was his object
to dispose of.

"My friend," said the old trapper, touching him on the shoulder, "let me
sell them for you. I know how the white men will treat you if they
think that they are yours: they will offer a third of the value, and
then insist on your taking articles you do not require."

"I wish to open a fair trade with the white men,