unters fell
into a dreamless slumber, with the smoking camp-fire sending an
occasional gleam of ruddy light on their recumbent forms, and the dark
sky with its hosts of twinkling stars serving for a gorgeous canopy.

CHAPTER ELEVEN.

SHOWS SOME OF THE TROUBLES OF PIONEER COLONISTS.

Okematan was not the only person who opened his eyes on the return of
the Sinclair boys to camp next day with their heavily laden canoe. The
Davidson and McKay families were much more emphatic in their
astonishment, for the boys, they knew, had not hitherto performed any
exploits in shooting. They had not supposed them gifted with even
ordinary powers as sportsmen, and had imagined that the poor invalid
little Bill was utterly helpless. On the other hand, Okematan was not
unacquainted with the sudden rise to unexpected celebrity of Indian boys
in his tribe, and knew something about the capacity of even cripples to
overcome difficulties when driven by that stern taskmaster, Necessity.

The abundant supply of provisions thus unexpectedly received was very
acceptable, because during the day on which the boys were absent, a
fresh band of immigrants had arrived on their way to Red River, and one
party of these, hailing from Switzerland, had come on to the little lake
where our Scotch friends were encamped, for the purpose of consulting as
to their future movements--for it was evident that it would be dangerous
as well as useless for them to proceed to Red River in the existing
state of affairs. The leader of the party was a fair-haired youth, who
could speak English very well.

The Scotch families were having their mid-day meal around the
camp-fires, when the Switzers arrived and introduced themselves. Of
course they were made heartily welcome by Mr Sutherland, who acted as
spokesman for his countrymen.

"We are unfortunate," said the leader of the new arrivals, whose name
was Andre Morel. "We hoped that the severe climate would be our only
foe to fight with--especially in a land where the people are so few."

Sutherland--whose sedate and quiet manner was consistent with his
position as an elder and spiritual guide of his countrymen at that
time--smiled gravely, shook his head, and stroked his chin.

"You will find," he said, "that whatever part of this world you go to,
the passions of man are always more deadly in their consequences than
surroundings, or climates, or anything else."

"H'm! what you say iss ferry true," remark