ed his canoe for the bank. He and Ashatea stepped on shore, and
seemed much pleased at seeing me. I introduced Reuben, who made as
polite a bow to the Indian girl as he would have done to a princess.
She put out her hand, and in her broken language inquired if he had a
sister. On his replying that such was the case, Ashatea expressed a
hope that she would become a friend to her, as Lily was.

Kepenau told me that they were on their way to visit our settlement,
according to his promise. "I thought it wisest," he said "to keep my
people at a distance, so we have fixed our camp on the banks of a stream
some miles to the westward; and as the rivers are now open, we can
easily hold communication with you. At the same time, as there are
several intervening rapids and waterfalls, the white men are not likely
to find their way often to us, or to bring the `fire water' which I so
much dread."

On hearing that we were on our way home, he offered to accompany us;
observing that Ashatea could steer the canoe as well as he could, and
though the distance by the river was greater, she would not be long
after us. "There are no more rapids or waterfalls to be passed, so that
the remainder of the voyage can be performed without danger," he
observed.

Reuben, on hearing this, asked leave to take his place, saying that he
should much like the trip by the river.

"But you cannot use a paddle," said Kepenau.

"Not very well," answered Reuben.

"Then don't make the attempt, or you may upset the canoe, or lose your
paddle. If you go, you must sit perfectly quiet," said Kepenau.

Reuben promised to obey orders. Ashatea smiled, and appeared to be
highly amused at the idea of having a white man as her passenger.

As we had no time to lose, Ashatea resumed her seat in the stern of the
canoe.

"Now, take care," she said, laughing, as she saw Reuben about to step
in, "else you will tumble over on the other side, or make a hole in the
canoe and go through it."

Reuben looked somewhat alarmed, and in his eagerness was very nearly
doing both the things against which he was being warned. Kepenau,
however taking his arm, helped him in.

"Now, don't move till you reach the end of your voyage," said the
Indian. "Perhaps we shall be there to help you out."

Ashatea gave a flourish with her paddle as a farewell signal, and
striking the water, away the canoe shot down the stream. We meanwhile
took the path homewards, and as we were a