eft his other packs of skins hidden
away; and he described the spot so exactly, that we believed we should
have no difficulty in finding it. My uncle said I might go with Mike
Laffan. Reuben, too, got leave from his father; and Sandy volunteered
to accompany us. Without him we should, I believe, have lost our way,
for he knew the country much better than we did.

We had to proceed cautiously during the latter part of the journey for
fear of Indians, as we were far in advance of the territory claimed by
the white men. But I do not give an account of the expedition, because,
in reality, we met with no adventure worthy of notice. Thanks to Sandy,
we discovered the packs, and succeeded in bringing them back safe to
their owner; for which Samson was very grateful, and rewarded us
handsomely. With the proceeds he purchased two mustangs, six
beaver-traps, a supply of powder and shot, and other articles. Sandy
had the means of obtaining another mustang, and such supplies as he
required.

After this old Samson quickly recovered. As soon as he was well enough
he and Sandy mounted their ponies, reserving a third animal to carry
their goods; and having bidden us all good-bye, they set off into the
wilderness--going to the westward, intending to push forward to the
spurs of the Rocky Mountains, where, they said, game in abundance was to
be found. Reuben, who was really a very good fellow, soon got
reconciled to remaining at home and attending to his duty.

Kepenau had made me promise to come and visit him, and had agreed to
send one of his people with a canoe to take me to his lodges; and at
last the Indian arrived at our hut.

Kepenau, he said, had sent but a small canoe, as we might thus more
easily make our way up the stream, and pass the several portages we
should have to go over.

I knew that Reuben would take delight in the excursion, so I hurried to
the settlement to see if he could come. His father was very willing to
give him leave, as it might turn his thoughts from the wilder and more
dangerous adventures on which he was set. He had, some time before
this, obtained a birch-bark canoe, which Kepenau, and sometimes Ashatea,
had taught him how to use; and as he was constantly practising, he was
by this time well able to employ his paddle. We obtained leave to take
Mike Laffan with us, too; and thus, with the Indian, we made a party of
four in the two canoes.

We carried our guns and axes and the usual wood