the
deer; and although I incurred no great risk of losing my life, I yet
experienced such inconveniences as seldom fall to the lot of amateur
hunters in other parts of the world. I left the house early in the
morning, and, starting a deer close by, gave chase, following the
track over hill and dale, until I reached a high ridge bordering on
Lac de Sable. Here the deer slackened his pace, and appeared, by his
track, to have descended slowly into a valley, where he remained until
I started him a second time. I still continued the pursuit, without
thinking of time or distance from the establishment. At length the
night evidently began to close, and I felt faint and exhausted from
want of food, and the exertions I had made during the day. I therefore
gave up the chase; but to retrace my steps by the devious path by
which I had pursued the deer, would have occupied the greater part of
the night; I therefore resolved on returning by a more direct course;
but the upshot was, that, after wandering about for some time, and
repeatedly falling on my own tracks, I passed the night in the woods.
Although nearly overcome with fatigue, I durst not think of lying
down, well knowing what the consequence would be; I therefore walked
backwards and forwards, on a beaten track, the whole night; and next
morning adopted the sure course of finding my way by my tracks of the
preceding day. Meeting an Indian by the way, who had been sent in
search of me, he led me by a short cut, and we arrived at the house
about two o'clock, P.M.

In the autumn of 1829, another opponent entered the lists against
us,--an enterprising Canadian, who had been for a long time in the
Company's service. This adventurer proceeded some distance inland,
and I need scarcely say that a party was sent to keep him company.
Understanding that the new competitor gave our people more trouble
than had been anticipated, I determined on taking an active part in
the game; and as I had only two men with me at Lac de Sable, whose
services were required there, I set off alone, intending to take with
me an Indian who had an encampment by the way, as I was unacquainted
with the route. I slept at the Indian's wigwam, who readily
accompanied me next morning; but the weather being intolerably cold,
the poor fellow got both his ears frozen, _et aliud quidquam
praeterea_, in crossing a large lake not far from his camp. The moment
he perceived his mishap, he assailed me in the most abusive