t they left him
there, sitting on a rock, leisurely watching them as they began the
hazardous trip. With care and skill, the Indians all succeeded in
successfully running those dangerous rapids which are as wild and fierce
as any in the Saint Lawrence. As quickly as possible they went ashore
at the foot, and, with their hearts full of foreboding, clustered at a
point where they could watch the missionary make the run.

Alas! their fears were too well grounded. Down the rushing, roaring
river, they saw the brave, but rash man, coming. With consummate skill
in the upper rapids, did he manage his beautifully polished craft; but
when the last wild plunge at the foot was made, both canoe and
missionary suddenly disappeared. It was many days ere the poor putrid
body was recovered, far away down the great river.

A solitary grave is there on the bank, and a little tombstone set up by
loving hands, records the name of this brave, but rash man.

For the manufacture of a first class Indian canoe, the birch-bark must
be taken from the tree at the right time of the year with the greatest
care. The framework must be arranged with a skill and accuracy that
comes only of long practice. The fact is, the first-class canoe-makers,
were about as rare among the tribes, as are first-class poets in
civilisation. Many Indians could make canoes; but there were a few men
whose fame for their splendid crafts, were known far and wide, and who
were always able to obtain the highest price for all they could make.

It is really wonderful, considering the cranky nature of a canoe at its
best, what journeys can be made in them. My skilled canoeman and I used
to run wild rapids, and cross over storm swept lakes of large
dimensions. We lived on the game we could shoot as we hurried along,
slept on the rocks or sandy beach where night overtook us, and were
always thankful when we found the little companies of Indians for whom
we were seeking. As they were generally eager to hear the truth, but
little time was lost between the religious services. Long sermons and
addresses were the order of the day; and often from early morn until
late at night, there was only the short intermissions for our hasty
meals of fish or game.

As we journeyed on from place to place, our meals were cooked and eaten
in the open air, and for days we met no human beings. Our bed was on
some balsam boughs, if obtainable; if not, a smooth granite rock or
sandy beach