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Page 18
I arrived at my post about two next morning, when I found the Indians,
some at our hut, some at our opponent's, all of them approaching the
climax of Indian happiness, and Mr. Lane in a state of mind bordering
on distraction. Neither he nor any of the men had ever seen any of
these Indians before, nor did they understand a word of the language.
The Indians were honest enough, however, to give him their furs in
charge till my return; reserving only a small quantity to dispose of
at discretion. My arrival was soon announced at my neighbour's, and
brought the whole bevy about me in an instant, only one individual
remaining behind. On inquiring into the cause of his absence, his
companions replied that he had fallen asleep immediately after he had
supped, and that they did not wish to disturb him.
A few hours afterwards I was not a little surprised to see my
neighbour entering our hut hurriedly, who addressed me thus:--
"My dear Mac, it is true we are in opposition, but no enmity exists
between us. A dreadful misfortune happened in my house last
night.--Come and see!"
I instantly complied with his request; proceeded to his hut, and saw
the Indian who was said to be asleep, with his eyes closed--for ever;
a sad spectacle, for it was evident that the death of the poor wretch
had been caused by intemperance; he was found in the morning lying on
his face, and his body already stiff. We were both alike involved in
the same awful responsibility, for the Indians drank as much at one
house as the other, though his death occurred at the establishment of
the other party. The Company only permit the sale of liquors to the
natives when the presence of opponents renders it an indispensable
article of trade, as it is by this unhallowed traffic that the petty
traders realize their greatest profit. Yet this plea of necessity,
however satisfactory it may appear in a certain quarter, will not, I
feel assured, be accepted in our vindication by the world, nor
hereafter in our justification at that tribunal where worldly
considerations have no influence. Information soon reached the camp of
the calamity that had happened, which promptly silenced the clamorous
mirth that prevailed; and the voice of mourning succeeded--the Indians
being all in good crying trim, that is, intoxicated; for I have never
seen an Indian shed a tear when sober.
No more liquor was traded; the relatives of the deceased departed with
the body to the Lake of Two Mountains, and the other Indians started
for their hunting-grounds--thus granting us a short respite from the
arduous duties in which we had been engaged. While the Indians
remained about us we never enjoyed a moment's refreshing rest, our hut
being crowded with them night and day. It was at times with difficulty
we could prepare our victuals, or, when cooked, command sufficient
time to partake of a hasty meal, in the midst of the "living mass"
that environed us. All this was extremely annoying; but other comforts
must be added ere this picture of the life we then led is complete.
The motions of our opponents must needs be attended to, at dawn of
day; each morning every path was carefully examined, to ascertain that
no one had started during night: these precautions were also
punctually taken by our opponents; and every stratagem that could be
devised to elude each other's vigilance put in practice, it being the
"interest" of each party to reach the Indians alone.
CHAPTER VIII.
ACTIVITY OF OUR OPPONENTS--VIOLENT CONDUCT OF AN INDIAN--NARROW
ESCAPE--ARTIFICE--TRIP TO INDIAN'S LODGE--STUPIDITY OF INTERPRETER.
When we discovered that our opponents had outwitted us, we would
despatch messengers in pursuit; and I need scarcely add, the same
means were resorted to by our neighbours, when inquisitive about our
movements. We had now the advantage in point of numbers, being nearly
two to one; yet it so happened that we seldom could perform a trip
unattended; very frequently by a single man against two or
three--still he got his share; for the system of trade in this quarter
does not allow violent means being employed to obtain possession of
the products of the hunt. The mode of procedure is this:--On entering
the lodge of an Indian, you present him with a small keg of nectar, as
a propitiatory offering; then, in suppliant tones, request payment of
the debt he may owe you, which he probably defers to a future day--the
day of judgment. If your opponent be present, you dare not open your
lips in objection to the delay; for you may offend his dignity, and
consequently lose all his furs. This you are aware of, and accordingly
proceed to untie your pack, and exposing its contents to view, solicit
him to give, at least, the preference in trade. Your opponent, on the
other side of the fire-place, having also poured out his libation,
imitates your example in every respect; and most probably he may
secure the wife, while you engage the husband as customers.
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