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Page 20
"Alas!" they exclaimed, "it is all very true. Wagh! this is indeed a
sad business; but the bad fire-water is to blame for it all."
My stratagem had succeeded. Most of the natives acknowledged the
justice of the punishment inflicted on their young chief, who had a
brother present, however, whose sullen countenance betrayed the
vindictive feelings in his breast, although he maintained a profound
silence.
The Fort Coulonge party started early next day, dragging their wounded
companion on a sled, until they were out of sight. The relatives of
the chief removed him to the camp, where he soon recovered. All the
other Indians took their departure on the day following the affray.
Shortly afterwards we were favoured with a visit from one whose
hunting-grounds bordered on Rice Lake, a distance of 150 miles. I had
advanced this Indian all the supplies he required previous to Mr.
Siviright's arrival, which formed a pretty large amount. On examining
the books, he animadverted upon the advance in terms of
disapprobation, as being very imprudent to risk so much with an
Indian. Most gratified and happy was I then to learn from the hunter
that he had sufficient to liquidate the debt, and nearly as much more
to trade. On making out his requisition for the latter purpose, it was
found that four sleds at least would be required for the transport of
all the property. To employ this number in one direction, however,
would leave my neighbour at liberty to prosecute his views in another
quarter without the necessary attendance. Still, I determined on
risking a point, and securing at all hazards the valuable prize now
offered. Obtaining a _piece_ at the sacrifice of a _pawn_ is
considered good play.
I proceeded accordingly with the Indian, accompanied by four men, all
with heavily laden sleds, with a pack of goods strapped over my
shoulders weighing eighty pounds. Macdonell did not follow, as the
Indian gave him no encouragement. We reached the Indian's lodge on the
eleventh day from the post, when the abundant display of furs I beheld
gave assurance of being amply remunerated for my trip. There were
eleven packs of beaver piled upon a scaffold, besides some others,
amounting to at least 600_l._ sterling. My hospitable customer detained
me two days with him to partake of his good cheer. After settling
accounts with him, together with payment of the sum he owed, seven of
the eleven packs were placed in my possession, with which I started on
my return, as proud as if I had been advanced to a share in the
Company.
We arrived at the post after an absence of twenty-five days; and I was
mortified to learn that my substitute had most stupidly bungled
affairs. A number of Indians had come in during my absence who were
considered our best friends, and entering our hut without noticing our
opponent, threw down their bundles, thereby clearly indicating,
according to the usual custom, their intention of trading with one
party only. On the other hand, should they leave a bundle at the door,
it shows that they intend to divide its contents between two parties.
With these particulars the interpreter's experience rendered him
perfectly well acquainted, but he "cau'd na be fasht."
It is customary when the Indians arrive, to present each with a pipe,
a plug of tobacco, and, though last, not least in their estimation, "a
dram." The usual _politesse_ was expected as a matter of course on
this occasion. Seeing it was not forthcoming, the Indians demanded it.
They were answered that no instructions had been left to that effect.
"Very well," said they, "we shall soon find it elsewhere." And away
they went.
Macdonell received them with open arms. His reception not only induced
them to trade every skin they had brought with them, but they also
invited him to their camp; and he consequently returned with his own
and his men's sleds laden with furs.
I learnt all these particulars from himself; for he and I were on as
good terms as the nature of our occupation and our relative positions
would admit. I was, moreover, made acquainted through him that the
Indians had expressed regret at my absence, and that an immense
quantity of "beaver" still remained at their camp.
The spring was now fast approaching, the ice so bad as to render
travelling dangerous, and but little snow on the ground. Still, I
determined on paying a visit to these Indians, in order to retrieve
the loss, if possible, sustained through the mismanagement of the
interpreter. They might yet be in want of some supplies, poor fellows;
and we were all so anxious they should want for nothing we could spare
for their accommodation;--we, therefore, good, humane souls, supplied
them even at the hazard of our lives.
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