love" is proverbial. Our opponents immediately sent them word that the
Hudson's Bay Company had brought up a _bully_ from Montreal who defied
"the whole of the Grand River." "By my faith, does he thin," said Pat;
"let us have a look at him, any how."

On the succeeding evening (after the occurrence of the circumstance
above related) we were surprised to see the number of canoes that
arrived at the portage from all directions. The crew of each canoe as
they landed went direct to our opponents, where they appeared to be
liberally supplied with spirits. Their object was sufficiently
evident, as the potent agent they had employed, in a short time,
produced the desired effect. Oaths and execrations were heard amid
crowing and yelling. Our Canadians all took to their heels, except our
noble game-cock and two others; and now the drama opened. A
respectable good looking fellow stept out from the crowd, accompanied
by another man, a Canadian, and advancing to our champion, asked him
"if he would not sell his feathers" (his hat being decorated with
them). It is unnecessary to state the reply. An altercation ensued,
and blows would undoubtedly have succeeded, had I not then interfered.
I invited the stranger to my tent, and having opened my _garde de
vin_, produced some of the good things it contained. A little
conversation with my guest, proved him to be a shrewd sensible man;
and when I explained the nature of our dispute with our rivals, he
comprehended in an instant the object they had in view in circulating
the reports which induced him and others to assemble at the portage.
The consanguinity of the sons of Erin and Caledonia was next touched
upon, and the point settled to our mutual satisfaction; in short, my
brother Celt and I parted as good friends as half-an-hour's
acquaintance and a bottle of wine could make us. At the conclusion of
our interview he departed, and meeting our champion, cordially shook
him by the hand; then addressing his companions, remarked, "This, my
lads, is a quarrel between the traders, in which we have no right to
interfere at all; for my own part, I am very much obliged to the
jintlemin on both sides o' the road, for traiting me so jintaily; but
Jack Hall shall not be made a tool of by anybody whatsumdever."

Jack Hall embarked with his crew, and was soon afterwards followed by
the others. Both parties were thus again in their previous positions,
and a little tact saved us from the fatal consequen