nd what were their answers, we know not; suffice to say, Big
Tom was very glum for some time after, and was not anxious to have many
questions put to him in reference to the interview.

To the residence of Mr Ross the boys were escorted by a party of Hudson
Bay clerks, after they had dined at Norway House. All their outfits,
which fortunately, like their owners, had escaped the explosion, were
brought over a few hours later by some of the servants of the company.

Of the hearty welcome which the boys received from Mr Ross and his
family at Sagasta-weekee we have already made mention.

During the evening the chief factor and some of the other officials of
the fort, who had had advices of the coming of our three young
gentlemen, Frank, Alec, and Sam, came over to meet them. They most
cordially welcomed them to the country, stating at the same time that
they had received, by way of Montreal and Fort Garry, advance letters in
reference to them, and would gladly carry out the instructions received,
and do all they could to make the year's sojourn in the country as
pleasant and interesting as possible.

This was good news to the boys, and was especially welcome to Mr Ross,
who, now that he was no longer actively in the employ of the company,
was a little nervous about the reception which would be accorded to
these young hunters, who in this way had come into the country.

Strange as it may now appear, yet it is a well-known fact that persons
coming into these territories were not welcome unless they came on the
invitation and kept themselves completely under the company's direction
and guidance. However, the old despotic rules were being relaxed, and
especially was it so in the case of our boys, as thoughtful friends at
home, who had influence with the London directors, had so arranged
matters that everything was most favourable for their having a
delightful time. That they had it these pages will surely testify.

As we have stated, very cordially were they received and welcomed by Mr
Ross, whose home was on the mighty Nelson River, a few miles away from
Norway House Fort. This great establishment of the Hudson Bay Company
was for a great many years the great distributing centre for the
supplies sent out from England to the many smaller posts throughout the
country. The houses were very substantially built of hewn logs, boarded
over and painted white. They occupied the four sides of a hollow
square, room only bein