hers, and did so without showing any of that rancorous feeling which
the other petty traders manifested towards the Company. MacGillivray
and myself, when travelling together, often shared the same blanket,
and the same kettle; and found, that while this friendly feeling was
mutually advantageous to ourselves, it did not in any way compromise
the interests of our employers. I parted from him, wishing him every
success in _any other_ line of business he might engage in.

After the removal of my competitors, I found the time to hang heavily
on my hands; and the ease I had so often sighed for, I now could
scarcely endure; but I was not allowed long time to sigh for a change.
On the 5th of April an Iroquois came up from Montreal with a packet
conveying orders to me to proceed forthwith to Lachine, whence I
should embark by the opening of the navigation for the northern
department. I was alone at the post when these unexpected orders came
to hand, all the men being absent at the outpost; and as it behoved me
to use the utmost diligence in order to get away ere winter travelling
should break up, leaving an old squaw in charge, I set out for the
outpost in quest of Mr. Cameron, who was appointed my successor; and
on the 7th of April took my departure.

On arriving at the Grand River, I found travelling on the ice to
be attended with great danger, and several accidents had already
happened; but I had the good fortune to reach Grenville at the head
of the Long Sault in safety; here, however, my farther progress was
arrested for a fortnight, the roads being impassable. I arrived at
Lachine in the end of April, and after handing in the documents
relative to my late charge, Mr. K---- toldme I was at liberty to spend
the intervening time until the embarkation, where and how I pleased.
Gratified by this indulgence, I was about to frame a speech expressive
of my gratitude, when he continued,--"for, Sir, you are to understand
we do not keep a boarding-house here." This stopped my mouth, and I
reserved my thanks for a future occasion; for I could not but feel,
that being an officer of the Company, it was robbing me of a part of
my pay under the pretext of an indulgence. Availing myself, however,
of this ungenerous grant of freedom, I spent some halcyon days in the
company of relatives most dear to me, and expected no interruption to
my enjoyment until the time appointed for the embarkation: but a few
days after I had joined my relative