N^o4

conducted us to our destination – where we learnt that our opponents had been there and had taken their departure the day before our arrival[.] But the Indians having had intelligence of our approach, they reserved for us our share of the Trade[.] [W]hen we returned to the village we found our friends, greatly alarmed for our safety, fearing that we had lost our way, or that we were mislead by the natives[.]

We were now short of goods[.] [A] band of Indians who were loaded with furs were on the eve of arriving, and from circumstances our opponents might have a decided advantage over us – and the idea cast a gloom upon our party[.] My Landlord observing this change, felt uneasy and inquired whether he or any of his family had given offence[.] I said No – but that his Tribe having apparently decided in favour of our opponents, we of course would withdraw ourselves never to return[.] This declaration distressed the Old man[.] He took me by the hand "Do not go, do not abandon me my Son, said he, the Indians who are coming to morrow will be kind to you[.] I will go with you to their Village[.] Your mother and your sister will

join

[13]