[* A long-shaped flat-bottomed boat of the same width the entire length, rising gently at each end, built of two-inch plank, and much used on shallow rivers and creeks.]

He built his boat close to the river’s edge, having, with the assistance of his wife, carried the planks down for that purpose.  I suppose he took a lesson from Robinson Crusoe, not to build his scow too far from the water.

Everything being ready, the boat was launched and freighted, our hero in the stern, with steering paddle in hand, and his patient compagnon de voyage acting, as bowman.

The Speed is a shallow, swift, running stream, seldom exceeding three feet in depth during the dry season.  For the first mile they got on pretty well, till they came to a jam of drift wood; over this with great difficulty they hauled their scow; every few yards fresh obstructions occurred in the shape of snags, fallen trees, and drift wood, which caused them to upset twice before they had accomplished the second mile, till at last an extensive jam across the river many yards in length, put a complete barrier to their further advance.

Wet and weary, half the day gone, and no chance of proceeding down the stream, they determined to retrace their course.  This was not easy to accomplish, for the current was too swift to paddle against; so, tying a short piece of rope to the stem of the scow, he ordered his unfortunate wife to take the water and tow the boat, whilst he sat in state in the stern assisting with his paddle.

In the evening, I was walking out with my wife; and as we were passing I thought we would look in and see how their work progressed, when to my astonishment I saw Mrs. W----- sitting on a stone, weeping bitterly.  I perceived at once that something extraordinary had occurred, for her dress was sadly torn and saturated with wet.  Upon making an inquiry respecting her appearance, and the causes of her grief, she told me the sad story I have just related, adding, that they had only just got back from their expedition, and that all her clothes, bed, and blankets were wringing wet.

My wife, who had lately joined me, and was of a most kind disposition, always ready to help those in distress, offered her an asylum for a few days, and a change of apparel, which she thankfully accepted.  Her brutal husband cleared out the next day, and she joined him the week following.

Some time afterwards, I was told that Mrs. W----- had committed
suicide, goaded, doubtless, to desperation by the ill usage of her
partner, and the hardships she had to endure.  As this, however, is only
hearsay, I will not vouch for its truth; though from my knowledge of
the parties I am afraid it was only too true.

CHAPTER XVI.

PORCUPINE-CATCHING. —­ HANDSOME BEHAVIOUR OF MR. GALT. —­ OWLINGALE. —­ INTRODUCTION TO THE SON OF THE CELEBRATED INDIAN CHIEF, BRANDT. —­ EXPEDITION TO WILMOT. —­ SHAM WOLVES. —­ NIGHT IN A BARN WITH DR. DUNLOP. —­ THE DOCTOR AND HIS SNUFF-BOX. —­ HIS BATH IN THE NITH. —­ LOUIS XVIII.  AND HIS TABATIERE. —­ CAMP IN THE WOODS. —­ RETURN TO GUELPH.