very evening several canoes came off, and in them was the chief
whom the captain had knocked down. He seemed perfectly friendly,
smiling and shaking hands with the captain as if he had entirely
forgotten the insult he had received.

When the savages took their departure, they were apparently on the best
of terms with us all.

CHAPTER SIX.

THE BRIG BLOWN UP.

The next morning we were preparing to put to sea, when two large canoes
came off, each carrying about twenty men. As they exhibited a
considerable number of furs, the captain allowed them to come on board,
and trade commenced as usual. In the meantime, three other canoes came
off with a similar number of men, and a larger quantity of furs of the
most valuable descriptions. They also were allowed to come up the side
like the rest.

"Jack, I don't like the look of things," said old Tom.

"Do you observe that the savages are wearing cloaks such as they have
not appeared in before. Just come down for'ard with me."

I followed Tom below. "Here," he said, "fasten this case under your
jacket. If the savages attack us, we will jump into the boat astern;
they will be too much intent on plunder to follow us, and we will make
our escape out to sea. I propose to do this for your sake. As for me,
I would as lief remain and fight it out. I have mentioned my suspicions
to several of the men, and advised them to have an eye on the
handspikes; with them we may keep the savages at bay till we can make
good our retreat."

I asked him why he did not warn the captain. "Because he is mad, and
would only laugh at me," he answered, "Mr Duncan and the interpreter
have already done so, and they are as well aware as I am that mischief
is brewing."

On going on deck, we saw the captain speaking to the Indians, and
ordering them to return to their canoes. They appeared as if they were
going to obey him, when suddenly, each man drawing a weapon from beneath
his cloak uttered a fearful yell, and leaped at the officers and us.
The captain, with only a jack-knife in his hand, defended himself
bravely, killing four of his savage assailants.

Led by old Tom, I, with three or four other men, fought our way aft to
join the officers, intending, should we be overpowered, to leap, as we
had proposed, into the boat. I saw poor Mr Duncan struck down and hove
into a canoe alongside. The captain was apparently trying to reach the
cabin, probably to get his fire-arms, when he f