eavy sweep
of an inland boat among strong rapids. His face combined an expression
of stern resolution with great good-humour; and truly his countenance
did not belie him, for he was known among his comrades as the most
courageous and at the same time the most peaceable man in the
settlement. Louis Peltier was singular in possessing the latter
quality, for assuredly the half-breeds, whatever other good points they
boast, cannot lay claim to very gentle or dove-like dispositions. His
grey capote and blue leggings were decorated with no unusual ornaments,
and the scarlet belt which encircled his massive figure was the only bit
of colour he displayed.

The younger men fell respectfully into the rear as Louis stepped forward
and begged pardon for coming so early in the day. "Mais, monsieur," he
said, "I have to look after the boats to-day, and get them ready for a
start to-morrow."

Peter Mactavish gave Louis a hearty shake of the hand before proceeding
to supply his wants, which were simple and moderate, excepting in the
article of _tabac_, in the use of which he was immoderate, being an
inveterate smoker; so that a considerable portion of the snake had to be
uncoiled for his benefit.

"Fond as ever of smoking, Louis?" said Peter Mactavish, as he handed him
the coil.

"Oui, monsieur--very fond," answered the guide, smelling the weed. "Ah,
this is very good. I must take a good supply this voyage, because I
lost the half of my roll last year;" and the guide gave a sigh as he
thought of the overwhelming bereavement.

"Lost the half of it, Louis!" said Mactavish. "Why, how was that? You
must have lost _more_ than half your spirits with it!"

"Ah, oui, I lost _all_ my spirits, and my comrade Francois at the same
time!"

"Dear me!" exclaimed the clerk, bustling about the store while the guide
continued to talk.

"Oui, monsieur, oui. I lost _him_, and my tabac, and my spirits, and
very nearly my life, all in one moment!"

"Why, how came that about?" said Peter, pausing in his work, and laying
a handful of pipes on the counter.

"Ah, monsieur, it was very sad (merci, monsieur, merci; thirty pipes, if
you please), and I thought at the time that I should give up my voyageur
life, and remain altogether in the settlement with my old woman. Mais,
monsieur, that was not possible. When I spoke of it to my old woman,
she called _me_ an old woman; and you know, monsieur, that _two_ old
women never could live togethe