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Page 22
[1] Packages made of bark.
[2] My Indian cognomen.
I looked, and found, instead of sugar, a very valuable bundle of furs.
"What do you think of the sugar?"
"Oh, it is very fine indeed; so much finer than any that I have, that
I must take it along with me."
"Your white neighbour will be angry with you, for it is left here for
him."
"Let him come to my house if he wants any."
I set off with my prize, and as soon as it was deposited in a place of
safety, took up a favourable position to watch my opponent, whom I
soon perceived making for the tent with long and rapid strides. I
could not help laughing heartily at the idea of his disappointment,
when told what had happened. The "fair deceiver," to whom the bone of
contention had belonged, soon made her appearance with downcast looks,
humbly entreating payment for her furs, and I paid her the full
amount, after lecturing her severely on the treachery of her conduct
_in doing "what she willed with her own._"
My opponent embarked on the 10th June, and I immediately followed him
to the lower post, which he left in charge of one man, and then set
off for Montreal. I kept him company as far as Fort Coulonge, where I
met with a very friendly reception from my bourgeois,--the collected
trade of the different posts having far exceeded his most sanguine
expectations. He set out for Montreal with returns of the value of
5,000_l._ sterling, and left me in charge for the summer at Fort
Coulonge, and Mr. Lane at the outpost. Only one family of Algonquins
passed the summer inland,--the same miscreants that had nearly
murdered the old woman at the Chats; a deed which I had neither
forgotten, nor could divest myself of the feelings of indignation it
had awakened in my breast.
In the course of the summer, the interpreter of the post being in want
of some paddles, employed this exemplary father to make them, and paid
for them in rum. The quantity was so small, however, that it only had
the effect of exciting their thirst, and they returned early in the
night for more, which was peremptorily refused. The doors were bolted,
and we retired to rest; but rest they were determined we should not
have that night; and they continued knocking at the doors and windows,
and bawling out at the top of their lungs, "Rum,--more rum!" until
daylight next morning. I rose very early, in not the best humour
possible, and taking the key of the store in my hand--I know not for
what purpose--went out, and was followed by the Indian, still
demanding more rum. I told him he should have none from me. "But I
must have some." "Then you shall go elsewhere for it;" and without
more ado, I turned him out, pushing him with some violence from the
door. He fell on his face on the platform that ran in front of the
building, and leaving him there to recover his footing at leisure, I
returned towards the dwelling-house; but had scarcely reached the end
of the platform, when the yell of defiance, "Hee-eep, hoo-aw!"
resounded in my ears. I instantly wheeled round, and found myself face
to face with the Indian. The old villain attempted to collar me, but,
enraged to madness, I now grappled with him, and with all my might
hurled him from the platform to the ground.
I stood for a moment hesitating whether I should strike him while
down, but had little time to deliberate,--the savage was again on his
legs. He rushed towards a gun that stood against a fur-press hard by;
I instantly comprehended his intention, and finding a stick at hand,
in the twinkling of an eye, I struck him a blow that laid him
senseless on the ground. Being scarcely aware of what I was doing, I
was about to repeat the blow, when I found the uplifted weapon seized
from behind. It was Primeau, my interpreter, who addressed me in a
soothing tone, telling me I had already "done for" the Indian.
This startling announcement restored me to reason. Was I indeed guilty
of the blood of a fellow-creature? The thought chilled me with horror.
I dashed the stick to the ground. It was instantly picked up by one of
his three sons, whom the noise of the scuffle had now brought all up;
brandishing it aloft, he aimed a blow at my head, which I parried with
my arm, the limb dropping senseless to my side. My men, however, were
now on the spot to defend me, and a fierce scuffle took place between
them and the Indian's sons. Had they been the stronger party on this
occasion, my fur-trading career would have terminated that morning.
They, however, got a sound drubbing; while their wretched father, who
had been the cause of the disturbance, lay unheeded and unconscious on
the spot where he had fallen, not exhibiting the least sign of life.
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