that could be
devised to elude each other's vigilance put in practice, it being the
"interest" of each party to reach the Indians alone.

CHAPTER VIII.

ACTIVITY OF OUR OPPONENTS--VIOLENT CONDUCT OF AN INDIAN--NARROW
ESCAPE--ARTIFICE--TRIP TO INDIAN'S LODGE--STUPIDITY OF INTERPRETER.

When we discovered that our opponents had outwitted us, we would
despatch messengers in pursuit; and I need scarcely add, the same
means were resorted to by our neighbours, when inquisitive about
our movements. We had now the advantage in point of numbers, being
nearly two to one; yet it so happened that we seldom could perform
a trip unattended; very frequently by a single man against two or
three--still he got his share; for the system of trade in this quarter
does not allow violent means being employed to obtain possession of
the products of the hunt. The mode of procedure is this:--On entering
the lodge of an Indian, you present him with a small keg of nectar, as
a propitiatory offering; then, in suppliant tones, request payment of
the debt he may owe you, which he probably defers to a future day--the
day of judgment. If your opponent be present, you dare not open your
lips in objection to the delay; for you may offend his dignity, and
consequently lose all his furs. This you are aware of, and accordingly
proceed to untie your pack, and exposing its contents to view, solicit
him to give, at least, the preference in trade. Your opponent, on the
other side of the fire-place, having also poured out his libation,
imitates your example in every respect; and most probably he may
secure the wife, while you engage the husband as customers.

A few weeks elapsed without the arrival of any hunters, and we were
beginning to recover from the effects of our late fatigues, when a
numerous band arrived from a considerable distance, and encamped on
the same spot that had been occupied by those lately noticed, and the
same riotous scenes were again enacted, although these new comers were
fully aware of the misfortune that had already occurred in consequence
of similar disgusting intemperance.

Among this band was a son of the principal sachem of the Algonquins,
who was acknowledged heir apparent to his _dad's vermin_, and who
assumed the airs of a man of great consequence, in virtue of his
prospective dignity. The father bore a respectable character; the son
was a sot. In consideration of his furs, however, I paid him some
little attentio