rying evils in old France,
but here there was nothing to gild and gloss over the corruption and
mismanagement that everywhere prevailed. The shameful monopoly of all
commerce by the Merchant Company; the iniquitous sale of spirits by the
Government to the Indians; the rapacity exhibited in the system of
trade-licences and other extortions by which the officials wrung from
the humbler classes whatever could be got by fair means or by foul; to
say nothing of the scandalous effrontery with which the Government
itself was robbed by its own officers in every conceivable way--all
these stood out in their naked deformity, and had more than once made
Isidore wonder how a people thus treated could remain so generally
loyal as the Canadians undoubtedly were. He was, consequently, ready
enough to give his guide credit for honesty in his indignation, whilst
the courtier-like habits he had already acquired in the _salons_ of
Paris made him appreciate the desirableness of being on fair terms with
one who held not only his comfort, but probably his life, in his hands.
He accordingly took the first opportunity of dropping some remark
expressive of the admiration which he really felt for the beauty and
grandeur of the forest through which they were just then passing.

He had touched a chord in Boulanger's breast which was always ready to
vibrate.

"Yes, monsieur," exclaimed the latter, forgetting in an instant the
rebuff he had recently received; "yes, here, indeed, all is peaceful
and happy, for all is as it comes to us from God's hand. The folly and
wickedness of man have not yet invaded these sublime yet lovely
solitudes. All things around can but remind us of the days when the
world came forth from the hands of our Father, and He said it was very
good. Come, monsieur, it is time we should call a halt, and take some
supper; we have done very well, and made a good beginning. Let us sit
down here under this noble tree, and rest and refresh ourselves."

Thereupon the travellers seated themselves, and Boulanger produced from
his game-bag a plentiful supply of provisions, which soon disappeared
under the keen appetites resulting from the night's march, following on
a day of hard work and light rations.

[Illustration: Tailpiece to Chapter II]

[Illustration: Headpiece to Chapter III]

CHAPTER III.

No further incident worth notice occurred either during the remainder
of the night or on the two following days. Th