whom I mentioned as residing in the neighbourhood of the
establishment arrived, late in autumn, from the Lake, where he could
not obtain a charge of ammunition on credit. I supplied all his wants
liberally, knowing him to be a good hunter, though a notorious rogue;
and he set out for his hunting grounds, to all appearance well
pleased.

In the course of the winter a Yankee adventurer opened a "grog shop,"
within a short distance of the depot, who appeared to have no
objection to a beaver's skin in exchange for his commodities. My
Indian debtor returned in the month of March, with a tolerable "hunt,"
and pitched his tent midway between the post and my Yankee neighbour.
I called upon the Indian immediately for payment, which he told me I
should receive on the morrow. I went accordingly at the time
appointed, and was annoyed to find that he had already disposed of a
part of his furs for the Yankee's whiskey; and I therefore demanded
payment in a tone of voice which clearly indicated that I was in
earnest. To-morrow was mentioned again; but having come with the
determination of being satisfied on the spot, I seized, without
further ceremony, what furs remained, and throwing them out of the
wigwam to my man, who was placed there to receive them, I remained
within, to bear the brunt of the Indian's resentment, should he show
any, until my man had secured the prize. I was well prepared to defend
myself, in case of any violence being offered. Nothing of the kind was
attempted, however; and I took my leave, after sustaining a volley of
abuse, which did me no harm. The Indian paid me a visit next morning,
for the purpose of settling accounts, a small balance being due to
him, which, at his own request, was paid in rum. I soon after received
another visit, for nectar, on credit; this request I granted.

The visits, however, were repeated so often for the same purpose, that
I at length found it advisable to give a denial, by proxy, not wishing
to part on bad terms with him, if possible, on account of the spring
hunt. I absented myself from the house, having instructed my
interpreter how to act. I took my station in a small grove of pines,
close by, watching for the appointed signal to apprise me of the
departure of the Indian. My attention was suddenly arrested by most
doleful cries at the house; and presently the voice of my interpreter
was heard, calling me loudly by name. I ran at the top of my speed,
and arrived just in time