with his furs, which he carried to our opponents, he watched his return, and calling him in, demanded payment; an insolent reply was the return for his kindness, which so much exasperated him, that he kicked him out in presence of several other Indians.  The insult was not forgotten.  Soon after his arrival this spring, he sent for Mr. Fisher, who complied with the invitation, expecting payment of his debt.  The moment he entered the house, however, he discovered that he had been inveigled.  The Indian stood before him, his face painted, and a pistol in his hand, which he presented.  In an instant Mr. Fisher bared his breast, and staring his enemy fiercely in the face, exclaimed, “Fire, you black dog!  What! did you imagine you had sent for an old woman?”

    [1] The term Bourgeois is used for Master throughout the
    Indian country.

Mr. Fisher’s knowledge of the Indian character saved his life; had he betrayed the slightest symptom of fear, he was a dead man; but the undaunted attitude he assumed staggered the resolution of the savage; a new bias seemed to operate on his mind, probably through a feeling of respect for the determined courage displayed by his intended victim.  He could not brace his nerves to a second effort; his hand dropped listlessly by his side; his gaze was fixed on Mr. Fisher for a moment; then dashing the pistol violently on the ground, he beckoned him to withdraw.[1]

    [1] At that period some of the Iroquois made good hunts,
    trapping beaver along the main rivers and outskirts of the
    Algonquin lands.

Immediately after the close of the spring trade, the most formidable of our opponents hinted that he might be induced to quit the field; a negotiation was accordingly opened with him, which soon terminated in a favourable issue, on very advantageous terms to the retiring party.

The solitary being who remained behind was thus thrown upon his own resources, and his efforts to maintain the unequal contest unaided, were so feeble and ineffectual, that the Company might be said to hold a monopoly of the fur-trade at this period; but thereafter they paid dearly for their triumph, as further sacrifices had yet to be made ere they could enjoy it in quiet.  A Canadian merchant, in easy circumstances, who dwelt opposite to the village, having learned the advantageous terms obtained by the petty traders from the Company, addressed a very polite note to Mr. Fisher, stating his intention to try his fortune as a trader, but that he would have no objection to postpone the attempt for five years, provided the Company would allow him 150l. per annum, during that period.  The proposal was submitted to Mr. Thane, who laconically replied, “Let him do his worst, and be....”  Accordingly, St. Julien immediately commenced operations.  He hired one end of an Indian house, which he fitted up as a trader’s shop:  Fisher hired the other end.  St. Julien then removed to another: