Hudson Bay Company had a trading post there for traffic with
the Indians. It had been abandoned for many years, but in its vicinity
were some capital hunting grounds. This spot to which Sandy and I had
gone for ducks, was about twenty miles from our home. We had paddled
that distance in our canoe, and were quite successful in replenishing
our larder. While carefully paddling along, we saw a fine large mallard
duck swimming quite a distance ahead. When we thought we were within
range, Sandy, who was in the bow of the canoe, carefully raised his gun
and fired. Whether it was owing to the movement of the canoe or not I
cannot say; but he missed the duck. Quick as a flash he threw down his
gun, and, catching up his bow and arrow, fired at the duck which of
course had instantly risen, and was flying away directly in front of us.
Imagine my surprise and delight, to see the arrow wing its way so
unerringly, that it pierced the duck, and brought it suddenly down into
the river.

Thus Sandy not only became a wiser and a better boy, but at times he was
quite helpful in his way, and returned from some hunting excursions with
quite a variety of small game which added considerably to our household
bill of fare. We praised him for his skill and industry and very
quickly discovered, that kind loving words were the highest reward which
could be given him. Poor boy! he had had but few of them in paganism;
and now from us, whom he had learned to respect and love, they were as
water to a thirsty soul.

SANDY'S CONVERSION.

About a year after this unpleasantness with Sandy, a very gracious
revival began among our Indians, extending far and wide. It was the
fruit of years of teaching and preaching by numbers of devoted
missionaries, and of much personal effort to bring the people to a
decision for Christianity. I had observed with great joy, that the
prayer-meetings and other social religious services, were largely
increased by the attendance of Indians who had been under religious
influences for a long time, but had not yet fully given themselves to
Christ. Even among the pagan Indians there was less opposition to
Christianity, and a greater willingness to hear the Word than ever
before. At times this spirit showed itself in a way that to most people
would have seemed to savour much of selfishness. For example, one day,
very early in the morning, the chief came rushing into our mission
house, and gave utterance to this ex