The interpreter, myself, and two Iroquois, forming the advanced guard of the grand army, which consisted of full six men, still considerably in the rear, on turning a point found ourselves immediately in front of the camp.  We were thus as much taken by surprise as those whom we wished to surprise; but without hesitating a moment we rushed up the bank, and were instantly in the midst of the camp.  The uproar was tremendous, the Indians seized their arms with the most threatening gestures and savage yells, and it would have been impossible for us to execute our orders—­which were to seize the ringleader only—­without a fierce struggle and bloodshed on both sides; and though more resolute, perhaps, than our enemies, we were by far the weaker party, their numbers being at least ten to one of ours.

Happily, however, there was an Indian (one of our friends) from Alexandria, in the camp, who, as soon as he could make himself heard, informed us that the affair had been already arranged to the satisfaction of both parties.  Thus terminated our expedition, without bloodshed and without laurels.  A few days earlier it might have been otherwise; nor was Mr. F. without blame in neglecting to advise us of the arrangement.

We continued our course towards Fort Alexandria, and reached it late in the evening.  My unexpected appearance gave my old bourgeois of Two Mountains an agreeable surprise.  Having eaten nothing since morning, we made sad havoc of his beefsteaks and potatoes.

“Well, Mac,” said he, “to judge from your appetite, the air of New Caledonia seems to agree wonderfully with you.  Pray how do you like the beef-steaks?”

“Never tasted anything better,” said I.

Next morning he requested me to accompany him to the store, as he said, to see a hind-leg of the steer which had furnished me with my steaks.  I approached it, and lo! it was the hind-leg of a horse!  The beef-steaks, or rather horse-steaks, were again presented at breakfast, and I confess I had not the same relish for them as at supper, but my repugnance—­such is the effect of habit—­was soon overcome.

I remained a few days here for the sake of repose, and then returned.  On the approach of spring, my fellow-subordinate, Mr. McKenzie, dissatisfied with the service, left for the east side of the mountains, and I took his place at the desk, the duties of which, although by no means harassing, left me but little leisure.  The accounts of all the posts in the district, eight in number, were made up here; I had also to superintend the men of the establishment, accompany them on their winter trips, and attend to the Indian trade.  But even if the duty had been more toilsome, I had every inducement to perform it cheerfully, as Mr. Dease was one of the kindest and most considerate of men.  On the 5th of May Mr. Dease took his departure for Fort Vancouver, with the returns of his district, which might he valued at 11,000l.  The outfit, together with servants’ wages and incidental expenses, amounted to about 3,000l., leaving to the Company a clear profit of about 8,000l.