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Page 21
CHAPTER IX.
EXPEDITION TO THE BEAR'S DEN--PASSAGE THROUGH THE SWAMP--CUNNING OF
THE INDIANS--A SCUFFLE--ITS RESULTS.
I set off on this trip accompanied by another interpreter recently
sent from Montreal, and one of my men, all with heavy burdens on our
backs, the season not allowing the use of sledges. The second day we
arrived at an Indian lodge about half-way to the Bear's Camp, where I
learned that our opponent at the lower outpost had given our people
the slip, but had been induced to return from the supposition that the
extensive swamp in his way was impassable, being so inundated as to
present the appearance of a lake. Urged on, however, by youthful
ardour and ambition, I determined to make at least one attempt ere I
relinquished the enterprise; although I acknowledge that the idea of
overcoming difficulties deemed insurmountable by an opponent, had as
much to do with the resolution as the desire of doing my duty.
Followed by my men, I accordingly plunged in, along the margin of the
marsh; the water reached our middle, but we found it to decrease in
depth as we proceeded, though never below the knee. The water being
very cold, our legs soon became quite benumbed; nevertheless we moved
onward. A certain passage in history occurred to my mind, which
records the perseverance of a great man in a like situation. I too
persevered, though with a different object in view. We all have our
hobbies. I waded for furs, he for glory. We occasionally met with
large trunks of trees as we proceeded, on which we mounted, and
restored the circulation to our limbs by stamping upon them; and thus,
after five or six hours' painful exertion we reached dry land, where a
rousing fire and a hearty breakfast made us soon forget the miseries
of the swamp.
We reached the old _bear's den_ next evening, who, with his party,
expressed much surprise to see me at such a season, and in recompense
for my exertions, "traded"[1] every article of goods I had.
[1] _Anglic�_,--bought.
There were here seven Indians, who, notwithstanding the frequent
visits that had been paid them, in the course of the winter, by the
people of the lower posts, had still upwards of forty packs of beaver.
I got one pack, with which I set off on my return, pleased enough. We
found the water in the swamp so far subsided as to permit an easy
passage; but the ice on the Grand River was so much worse that we were
compelled to travel in the woods the greater part of the way.
On arriving at the post, I found the opposition party in active
preparation for their departure, Macdonell having received orders from
his father to that effect. He embarked as soon as the navigation
became practicable. Opponent as he was, I experienced some painful
sensations at parting with him; but soon had the _consolation_ to see
our opponent at the lower post occupy his place,--a measure which he
ought to have adopted at a much earlier period, as even then it gave
him a much better chance for a share of the spring trade than below,
where he might be said to be placed between two fires. His removal,
however, enabled us to concentrate our whole strength against him, so
that he could not move a foot without a strong party at his heels.
Thus circumstanced, he chose to await the arrival of the natives
quietly at his post, and we were happy to follow his example.
The spring passed in a happy state of quiescence, which was scarcely
disturbed by the arrival of the Indians, who, this year, had all taken
a fancy to visit their ghostly fathers at the Lake,[1] and had,
consequently, no time to spend with us; some intending to get married,
some having children to be baptized, and some carrying their dead, in
order that the last sacred rites for the benefit of their departed
spirits might be performed upon them. A few _t�tes de boules_ remained
for some time, but under so strict a surveillance that they could
seldom communicate with our opponents without being observed, and the
discovery subjected them to some chastisement.
[1] Of the Two Mountains.
I shall here relate a circumstance that occurred at this time, as an
example of the cunning of the Indians in devising plans to evade us.
Soon after their arrival, an old squaw brought to our house several
casseaux[1] of sugar, and pointing out one, which she said was left open
for immediate consumption, said she would return for it presently. She
came next day and took the casseaux down to the tent of the Algonquin
chief, who had passed the spring close by, and was now building a
canoe, preparatory to his departure for the Lake. Soon after I went to
have a chat with the chief, and found only his squaw at home. I
observed the casseau, and asked for what purpose it was brought there.
"Mine hostess" smiled, and answered, "You ought to know everything
about it, when it has just quitted your house and passed the night
with you. You whites pretend to be very cunning," she continued, "but
when an Indian, or even an old squaw tries to cheat you, your 'white'
knowledge is no match for her. Now look into that casseau, Anamatik,[2]
and see what is in it."
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