We reached Black River on the third day from Fort Coulonge, where it appeared my opponent’s intention to remain for some time, to await the arrival of certain Indians who were expected down by that river.  I determined therefore to despatch a canoe to Fort Coulonge, to acquaint Mr. S with the particulars above related; and sent back therewith such of the property as I thought could be dispensed with at the time, as it was quite evident we could not keep up with our opponent in the portages with such a quantity of baggage as we then had, and we could obtain no information that could be depended upon as to their ultimate destination—­it might be at the distance of a hundred miles, or only ten.

My messengers were but two days absent; and I was not a little mortified to learn from them, that Mr. S., instead of attending to my suggestions, not only returned all the property I had sent, but nearly an equal quantity in addition.  He wrote me his reasons for doing so; but I felt assured that he had no other object in view than to show me that he was the superior, I the subordinate; and I resolved from that moment, to perform no more extra duty.

After continuing a fortnight at our encampment, we again embarked, when I ordered the third man in the large canoe into my own, and tossing my paddle down stream, took my station in the middle of my canoe.  A few hours’ paddling brought us to an old shanty in the island of Allumette, where, to my great joy, I perceived my opponent intended to fix his winter quarters.  We accordingly commenced erecting a couple of huts, a store, and dwelling-house, in close proximity to him.  This being the best season of the year for the natives to hunt, it was the interest of all parties not to molest them; and we therefore employed our time in preparing suitable accommodation for the winter.

On the completion of our arrangements, I set out, about the beginning of October, on a visit to Fort Coulonge; and on the day after my arrival there we observed a north canoe paddling slowly past, and distinguished the features of every individual on board through a telescope, but could recognise no one:  however, to clear up the doubt, the interpreter was sent after them in a small canoe, with instructions to make a close scrutiny.  They no sooner discovered that he was in pursuit, than they ceased paddling.  After a long confabulation he learned that they were proceeding to Sault St. Marie, where they intended to settle.  I passed two days with my bourgeois, and returned home, where we—­our opponents and ourselves—­watched each other’s movements, being our only occupation until the end of November, when Mr. S. paid me a visit, which proved anything but gratifying.