pieces, whereupon Cameron, like a small Napoleon, incited his clerks and men, to invade the Governor’s house and release the prisoner.  This was done, and now it may be said that war between the rival Companies was declared.  On the return of Miles Macdonald, Cameron ordered his arrest.  Macdonell refused to acknowledge the lawfulness of this action.  The oily Nor’-Wester Highlander then threatened the people that if the Governor would not submit to the law, the whole body of settlers would be dispossessed of their farms and driven away from the banks of Red River.  As if to make this threat seem more real, several loyal settlers were fired at by unseen marksmen.

Once having begun, Cameron was not the man to hesitate.  Another Nor’-Wester plan was put into effect.

Cameron’s comrade, Alexander Macdonell, now arrived from the Western plains leading it was said, a band of Cree Indians.  The Crees are stubborn and determined warriors, but they are also crafty.  The proposal by Alexander Macdonell ("Yellow Head as he was called” to distinguish him), was gravely considered by the Indians.  The Indians respect authority and in this case they were not very sure who had the authority.  The Indians declined the offer, and the report proved untrue.

The Nor’-Westers were, however, strong in their influence over the Chippewas of Red Lake in Minnesota.  Similar propositions were made to the Sand Lake band of this tribe.  Though offered a large reward to go on this expedition against the Selkirk settlers, the chief refused the bribe, and the tribe declined to undertake the enterprise.

Cameron however, knew the importance of keeping up the war-like spirit of his following, and early in June himself took part in an attack upon the Colony houses.  The affray took place on the edge of the wood near the Governor’s residence.  Surgeon White and Burke the store-keeper, narrowly escaped being killed by the shots fired and four of the servants were actually wounded.  Cameron like a real operator effusively thanked his followers for their grand attack.  This state of constant hostility, ostensibly on account of the refusal of Governor Macdonell to respect the legal summons served upon him, was ended by the surrender of Miles Macdonell, who was taken as a prisoner to Montreal, though he was never brought up for trial.

Thus far Cameron had succeeded in his plans.  He was an artful plotter.  His capture of Miles Macdonell gave him great prestige.  Besides, he had roused feelings of serious discontent in the minds of nearly all of the Selkirk Colonists.  His apparent sincerity and kindness to them had also won their hearts.  He was now to make the greatest move in the game.  This was nothing less than a tempting offer to transfer the whole of them to the fertile townships of Upper Canada.  He provided all the means of transport, he promised them free lands in the neighborhood of market towns—­two hundred acres to each family.  Any wages due to them by