I observed the sun setting, and determined in my own mind the
proper course; both my companions differed from me, but readily agreed
to follow me. I therefore took the lead, and was so fortunate as
to discover an old track, soon after leaving our encampment, which
we followed until it brought us in sight of the Grand River--the
long looked-for object of our fast failing hopes. Tears of joy burst
from my eyes, as I beheld before me the wide expanse of the noble
stream: although covered with ice and divested of the beauties of
summer, it never appeared more lovely to me. We reached the post after
night-fall; opening the door cautiously, I threw in my snow-shoes,
then bolting in myself, was gratified with the sight of a table
garnished with the best things the country afforded, which my two
friends had prepared for their Christmas dinner; the sight, however,
was all that prudence allowed us for the present to enjoy, our long
abstinence rendering it necessary to confine ourselves, for a time, to
a very weak diet.

Next day I despatched a messenger to Fort Coulonge with the narrative
of my adventures; and as soon as my strength was sufficiently
recruited I set off again, accompanied by a _tete de boule_ as my
guide, who led us direct to the camp of the Indian I had so long been
in search of; where I had the mortification to learn, that on my first
attempt I had returned from within a day's journey of him, and that
if I had then succeeded in finding him, I should have secured the
whole of the valuable hunts of him and his people, which were now
in possession of the Iroquois traders. On my return to the post I
communicated my sentiments freely to Mr. S. in writing, regarding the
oversight that had led to consequences so injurious to the Company,
and went afterwards, at his own request, to talk over the matter
with him. It was now decided that I should go with a party of men to
establish a post against them, i.e. to shut the stable-door after
the steed was stolen. To accomplish this object supplies of every
kind must be hauled on sledges by the men, at an enormous expense,
and after all we could not furnish the means of competing with the
Iroquois with any prospect of advantage. I however lost no time in
executing the orders of my superior, and set off with as many men as
could be spared for the purpose.

On arriving at our destination, we built a temporary hut for our own
accommodation, and a small store for the goods; but