ot keep a store," I ventured to observe. "He is the head
man over one of the Hudson's Bay Company's depots."

"Exactly. Then he keeps a store. You don't suppose he gives the
Indians dollars for the skins they bring in, do you? He keeps a store
of blankets and cutlery, and all kinds of useful things for barter with
the people. Blankets up yonder are like bank-notes. Well, what are you
looking at?"

"I was wishing I knew as much about the place as you do."

"Have patience," he said, laughing, "and I dare say you'll know a good
deal more."

We went out soon after breakfast, and I had my first lesson in frontier
life in watching Gunson make his purchases after he had helped us make
ours; and the rest of the day was occupied in overhauling our chests,
and repacking them with things our new friend assured us that we should
not want, while he pointed out to us those we did, and showed us how to
make a light package of them that we could easily carry.

Twice over that day I caught sight of the man I wanted to avoid, but
fortunately he did not see us, and at last night came, and we sat down
to our supper with our chests on board the schooner, and nothing to do
the next morning but walk on board.

I slept well that night, and we were down in good time, Mr Gunson
nodding his approval, and after breakfast he said--

"Look here, my lads, I've seen those roughs hanging about as if they
meant mischief. Of course we could get the protection of the law, but
that might mean detaining us, and as the schooner sails at noon, we
don't want any complications of that sort."

"Of course not," I said.

"So my advice is, that you stop here quietly till nearly the time, and
then we'll go on board, though I dare say it will be evening before we
really start."

I agreed at once, but Esau looked disappointed.

"Well, what is it?" said Gunson.

"I did want to go back to that store and buy something else before we
started."

"Money burning your pocket?"

"No, it aren't that," said Esau, turning a little red.

"Well, you are your own master, my lad. Go and buy what you want, and
make haste back."

Esau brightened up, and I rose to go with him.

"No, no; I don't want you to come," said Esau. "You stop with Mr
Gunson. I shan't be long."

It struck me that this was rather curious on my companion's part, but I
said nothing, only sat and looked out at the lovely bay, while Gunson
busied himself with writing a letter.

"The