AND STARVATION--WE GO SUPPERLESS TO BED--
THONG SOUP--BOUNCER SAVES HIS BACON.

"Whist! Mister David, whist!" exclaimed Pat, hurrying up to me. "There
are Indians lurking about, and they will be sure to be afther
discovering us before long. I caught sight of one of them not half an
hour ago, away there down the river, as I was looking out for a bird or
a baste to shoot for Mister Alick's supper, seeing it's fresh mate he
wants more than anything else to set him up again. The redskin did not
discover me, as his face was the other way; but I saw a wreath of smoke
curling up among the trees on the opposite bank of the river, and it was
towards it he was making his way."

"The Indian you saw may be a friend quite as likely as a foe," I
answered, not feeling much alarmed at Pat's report. "We must, however,
find out who he is. I will consult my brother, and hear what he
advises."

"But if there are a whole band of Indians, they may come some night and
take our scalps while we are aslape," said Pat, who, though brave as
need be when it came to the pinch, held the Indians in especial dread.

Shouldering the axe, I called Martin and Robin, who were selecting trees
for our proposed hut at some little distance off. I told them of the
information I had just received from Pat, and together we returned to
the wigwam to consult Alick. He took the matter with perfect composure.

"It is important to ascertain the position of their camp, and whether
there are few or many Indians," he observed. "Pat says he has only seen
one. If I were well enough I would go out myself; but as it is, I think
it will be best for you, David, and Robin to accompany Pat, and to try
and get a sight of the camp. As they must, if we remain here, discover
us before long, it will be wise to try and get on friendly terms with
them. It is possible that they may be well disposed towards the white
men, and have been accustomed to trade at the forts. If you can get
near their camp without being discovered as evening approaches, you will
be able to ascertain how many there are of them, and to what tribe they
belong. If you know them to be friends, you can at once go up to them
and sit down at their fire. If you are doubtful, it may be better for
Robin alone to make his appearance. You, Robin, can tell them that a
party of white men, who wish to become their friends, are encamped
near."

"I am very ready to do whatever you propose," answered Robin.