“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 5,000l. 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.