of
course, but it strikes me that I shall not succeed,' was my answer. `If
I had a gun and powder and shot, or even your traps, I would get on fast
enough as soon as I could find my way into the blazed road, but out here
the thing is impossible. If you will not come along with me I must go
back with you.'

"He signified that he would be glad enough to have my company, but that
he had promised Jack to see me on my way, and that his honour was
concerned in doing so. He could not go on himself, but he would find
some Indians who would guide me if I could pay them. I had three
dollars in my pocket, I told him. He said half that sum would content
them if I would pay it them. He soon found the trail of some Indians
whom he knew to be his friends--we came up with them. The bargain was
struck with two of them to see me safe all the way, and Baptiste told me
that they were highly delighted though they took care not to show it.
They were accompanied by their squaws; indeed, an Englishman of fortune
would as soon think of travelling without his valet as an Indian without
his squaw to perform every menial occupation he may require. There was
nothing romantic in the appearance of my friends; one wore an old
shooting-coat, which he had trimmed with coloured worsted, while the
other had fastened a blue checked shirt over his other garments by way
of ornament; the rest of their costume being more in the old Indian
fashion of leather and fur. They were dirty in the extreme, and not
over good looking; but they had honest countenances, and I had no fear
of their not treating me fairly. One of them went before me to clear
the way, the other followed at my heels to pick me up should I stumble,
and the squaws brought up the rear, all in single file. The squaws had
to build the wigwams--or, rather, lean-tos--when we camped, to collect
sticks for the fire, to cook the food, and to bring water from the
nearest stream or pond; their masters condescended to catch the game.
They were not such expert trappers as Baptiste, but then they ate
creatures which he would have rejected--nothing that could be masticated
came amiss to them. I should have fared badly, but the second day, just
after we had camped, we came suddenly upon two bears with two young
cubs. They were as much surprised at seeing us as we were at
encountering them. One of the Indians who had a fowling piece fired,
and hit Mr Bruin in the brain, whereon Mrs Bruin trotted o