er,
alone met the eye on approaching by the lake. The "great" house, as it
was termed, on account of its relative proportion to the other
buildings, was a small edifice, built substantially but roughly of
unsquared logs, partially whitewashed, roofed with shingles, and
boasting six small windows in front, with a large door between them. On
its east side, and at right angles to it, was a similar edifice, but
smaller, having two doors instead of one, and four windows instead of
six. This was the trading-shop and provision-store. Opposite to this
was a twin building which contained the furs and a variety of
miscellaneous stores. Thus were formed three sides of a square, from
the centre of which rose a tall flagstaff. The buildings behind those
just described were smaller and insignificant--the principal one being
the house appropriated to the men; the others were mere sheds and
workshops. Luxuriant forests ascended the slopes that rose behind and
encircled this oasis on all sides, excepting in front, where the clear
waters of the lake sparkled like a blue mirror.

On the margin of this lake the new arrivals, left to enjoy themselves as
they best might for a day or two, sauntered about and chatted to their
hearts' content of things past, present, and future.

During these wanderings, Harry confessed that his opinion of Mr Whyte
had somewhat changed: that he believed a good deal of the first bad
impression was attributable to his cool, not to say impolite, reception
of them; and that he thought things would go on much better with the
Indians if he would only try to let some of his good qualities be seen
through his exterior.

An expression of sadness passed over Charley's face as his friend said
this.

"You are right in the last particular," he said, with a sigh. "Mr
Whyte is so rough and overbearing that the Indians are beginning to
dislike him. Some of the more clear-sighted among them see that a good
deal of this lies in mere manner, and have penetration enough to observe
that in all his dealings with them he is straightforward and liberal;
but there are a set of them who either don't see this, or are so
indignant at the rough speeches he often makes, and the rough treatment
he sometimes threatens, that they won't forgive him, but seem to be
nursing their wrath. I sometimes wish he was sent to a district where
the Indians and traders are, from habitual intercourse, more accustomed
to each other's ways, and