nsisted of log-huts and storehouses. Such is the
style of most of the fur-trading forts. To these forts the Indian
hunters bring their furs at periodical seasons, and receive fire-arms
and ammunition, tobacco, blankets, hatchets, knives, and other articles
in return; and too often, also, the deadly "fire-water."

The fort being finished, the hunters were sent off in parties in
different directions to search for game--either for food, or for the
furs of the animals. Mr McDonald, sending for La Touche, told him that
he must proceed to a spot at the distance of about five days' journey,
with provisions for six weeks, accompanied by two other men. "We will
take care of your wife and children till you return," he added.

"No, thank you, sir; I prefer having my wife's society. We have gone
through many hardships and dangers together; and she will be happier
with me, and safer than in the fort," answered the hunter.

"How so, La Touche?" asked the factor.

"Why, sir, I mean that we have enemies--that it is possible the fort may
be attacked; and that, if you are not very vigilant, it may be captured
by treachery, if not by force," answered La Touche.

"You are plain spoken; but you need not be alarmed about our safety. I
have not lived among these Red Skins for eight years or more, without
knowing their habits and tricks," answered Mr McDonald. "However, by
all means, take your wife and children with you: you can have horses to
convey them."

La Touche, thanking the good-natured factor, set off with his companions
and wife and children. His wife, from habit, marked well the way they
took; indeed, from constantly accompanying her husband, she knew the
country as well as he did. They met on their way natives of two or
three of the neighbouring tribes; but, as they were well mounted and
armed, no one molested them. They had rivers to ford, and hills to
climb, and there were woods through which, occasionally, to save a long
round, they had to hew their way.

At length the party reached the hunting-ground to which the factor had
directed them. Wigwams were erected--conical shaped, and covered with
birch-bark--in a nook of the dense grove of cedars, where they would be
sheltered from the icy winds of the north; one for La Touche and his
family, the other for their companions. While the men went out hunting,
Kamela remained at home to cook their provisions, and to look after her
children; she also set cunningly-devi