Company.

We arrived at the post after an absence of twenty-five days; and I
was mortified to learn that my substitute had most stupidly bungled
affairs. A number of Indians had come in during my absence who were
considered our best friends, and entering our hut without noticing our
opponent, threw down their bundles, thereby clearly indicating,
according to the usual custom, their intention of trading with one
party only. On the other hand, should they leave a bundle at the door,
it shows that they intend to divide its contents between two parties.
With these particulars the interpreter's experience rendered him
perfectly well acquainted, but he "cau'd na be fasht."

It is customary when the Indians arrive, to present each with a pipe,
a plug of tobacco, and, though last, not least in their estimation, "a
dram." The usual _politesse_ was expected as a matter of course on
this occasion. Seeing it was not forthcoming, the Indians demanded it.
They were answered that no instructions had been left to that effect.

"Very well," said they, "we shall soon find it elsewhere." And away
they went.

Macdonell received them with open arms. His reception not only induced
them to trade every skin they had brought with them, but they also
invited him to their camp; and he consequently returned with his own
and his men's sleds laden with furs.

I learnt all these particulars from himself; for he and I were on as
good terms as the nature of our occupation and our relative positions
would admit. I was, moreover, made acquainted through him that the
Indians had expressed regret at my absence, and that an immense
quantity of "beaver" still remained at their camp.

The spring was now fast approaching, the ice so bad as to render
travelling dangerous, and but little snow on the ground. Still, I
determined on paying a visit to these Indians, in order to retrieve
the loss, if possible, sustained through the mismanagement of the
interpreter. They might yet be in want of some supplies, poor fellows;
and we were all so anxious they should want for nothing we could spare
for their accommodation;--we, therefore, good, humane souls, supplied
them even at the hazard of our lives.

CHAPTER IX.

EXPEDITION TO THE BEAR'S DEN--PASSAGE THROUGH THE SWAMP--CUNNING OF
THE INDIANS--A SCUFFLE--ITS RESULTS.

I set off on this trip accompanied by another interpreter recently
sent from Montreal, and one of my men, all with heavy burdens on our