perienced some painful
sensations at parting with him; but soon had the _consolation_ to see
our opponent at the lower post occupy his place,--a measure which he
ought to have adopted at a much earlier period, as even then it gave
him a much better chance for a share of the spring trade than below,
where he might be said to be placed between two fires. His removal,
however, enabled us to concentrate our whole strength against him, so
that he could not move a foot without a strong party at his heels.
Thus circumstanced, he chose to await the arrival of the natives
quietly at his post, and we were happy to follow his example.

The spring passed in a happy state of quiescence, which was scarcely
disturbed by the arrival of the Indians, who, this year, had all
taken a fancy to visit their ghostly fathers at the Lake,[1] and had,
consequently, no time to spend with us; some intending to get married,
some having children to be baptized, and some carrying their dead, in
order that the last sacred rites for the benefit of their departed
spirits might be performed upon them. A few _tetes de boules_ remained
for some time, but under so strict a surveillance that they could
seldom communicate with our opponents without being observed, and the
discovery subjected them to some chastisement.

[1] Of the Two Mountains.

I shall here relate a circumstance that occurred at this time, as an
example of the cunning of the Indians in devising plans to evade us.
Soon after their arrival, an old squaw brought to our house several
casseaux[1] of sugar, and pointing out one, which she said was left open
for immediate consumption, said she would return for it presently. She
came next day and took the casseaux down to the tent of the Algonquin
chief, who had passed the spring close by, and was now building a
canoe, preparatory to his departure for the Lake. Soon after I went
to have a chat with the chief, and found only his squaw at home. I
observed the casseau, and asked for what purpose it was brought there.
"Mine hostess" smiled, and answered, "You ought to know everything
about it, when it has just quitted your house and passed the night
with you. You whites pretend to be very cunning," she continued, "but
when an Indian, or even an old squaw tries to cheat you, your 'white'
knowledge is no match for her. Now look into that casseau, Anamatik,[2]
and see what is in it."

[1] Packages made of bark.

[2] My Indian cognomen.