rs of that tribe, and had discovered no indication of ill-feeling
toward the whites. The major also ridiculed the idea that any of the
western Indians would dare wage war against the English, now that they
could no longer hope for French assistance.

"Much as I respect your father's judgment in such matters, my dear
boy," he said to Donald, as they parted early on the following morning,
"I am certain that in the present case he must be mistaken. If fear of
an Indian outbreak is all that keeps him at Detroit, tell him from me
that he may return east at once, bringing his pretty daughter, your
charming sister, with him. Tell him, too, that we shall expect him to
make a long visit at Fort Niagara _en route_. We are all longing for a
further acquaintance with Miss Edith; for though I did succeed in
detaining Cuyler two whole days solely on her account, her stay with us
was far too short. Pray present my compliments to Madam Rothsay also,
and tell her that we live only in the hope of her return.

"Yes, I mean it all, and a great deal more too," laughed the gallant
major; "so speed your journey, that we may not die of despair.
Good-bye and good luck to you, lad. Good-bye, Christie. Run over and
call on us as often as your duties will permit. I fear you will find
life at Presque Isle a deadly monotony. Farewell, paymaster. It is
delightful to see the king's livery borne into the wilderness with such
grace and dignity. I predict that you will make an impression at
Detroit, upon whites as well as reds, and I will guarantee peace with
the latter so long as you and your wonderful tub remain in the country.
Bon voyage, gentlemen! Shove off!"

This last order was given to the crew of a light whale-boat, in which
our travellers were already seated, and which was to convey them a few
miles up the river to the lower end of the portage, where the town of
Lewiston now stands. At that time it was the site of a fortified camp
maintained for the protection of the men, pack-horses, and ox-teams
employed in transporting freight over the rugged road between there and
Fort Schlosser, a small post situated at the beginning of navigable
waters above the falls.

Here the luggage of our party, including Bullen's tub, was transferred
to an ox-wagon that was escorted by the paymaster on horseback, as he
refused to lose sight of his belongings even for a short time.
Scorning the horses proffered for their use, and delighting in the
op